NURSING SKILLS CHECK LIST

NAME __________________________________________________________________________________________
LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE

1. I am familiar with this procedure and can perform independently.
2. I am familiar with this procedure but would need supervision.
3. I understand theory behind procedure but have never performed task.
4. I have had no contact with equipment or this patient situation. I have no knowledge of this procedure.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES

Oral administration …………………………………………………….
Injections ………………………………………………………………..
Administration of rectal and vaginal preparations ………………….
Topical application of drugs …………………………………………..
Administration of drugs in other forms eg eye, ear ………………...
Nose drops, inhalations ………………………………….……………
Cytotoxic drugs ………………………………………………………...

INTRAVENOUS THERAPY
I.V. Rate calculations ………………………………………………….
Administration of drugs by continuous infusion ……….……………
Administration of drugs by intermittent infusion …………………….
Administration of drugs by direct injection eg bolus or push ……...
Heparinization of IV Cannula …………………………………………
Administration of blood and blood products eg plasma …………...
Infusion pumps …………………………………………………………
Syringe drivers …………………………………………………………
Central venous catheter ………………………………………………
Central venous pressure readings (cvp) …………………………….
Venepuncture (taking blood) …………………………………………
Arterial lines:
Setting up for …………………………………………………
Taking a blood sample from ………………………………...
Removal of ……………………………………………………

TOTAL PARENTAL NUTRITION
(TPA Hyperalimentation)
Knowledge of solutions ……………………………………………….
Assistance with insertion ……………………………………………...
Dressing change ………………………………………………………

GASTROINTESTINAL
Naso-gastric tube insertion …………………………………………...
Care of a naso-gastric tube …………………………………………..
Feeding via a naso-gastric tube ……………………………………...
Stoma Care …………………………………………………………….
Care of the patient with abdominal wounds/drains ………………...
Eg Gastrostomy, PEG tube, caecostomy drain …..………
Care of a patient undergoing abdominal paracentesis …………...
Care of a patient during and after a liver biopsy ……………………
Care of a patient post abdominal surgery …………………………..
Administration of enemas ……………………………………………
Administration of suppositories ………………………………………
Rectal lavage …………………………………………………………..

RENAL
Insertion of catheter
Male…………………………………………………………….
Female ………………………………………………………...
Catheter Care ………………………………………………………….
Suprapubic catheter …………………………………………………...
Nephrostomy tube ……………………………………………………..
Bladder lavage and irrigation …………………………………………
Care of a patient with renal transplant
on heamodialysis ……………………………………………
on peritoneal dialysis ………………………………………..
following nephrectomy ……………………………………...

NEUROLOGICAL
Neurological observations and assessment ………………………..
Care of a patient during and following a seizure …………………...
Care of a patient with
a head injury ………………………………………………….
following a cva ……………………………………………….
with a spinal cord injury (eg quadraplegic/paraplegic) …..
following spinal surgery (eg laminectomy) ……………….
an unconscious patient ……………………………………...
during and after a lumbar puncture ………………………..

ORTHOPAEDICS
Care of a patient
in plaster of paris …………………………………………….
with skin traction ……………………………………………..
with skeletal traction ………………………………………...
following amputation ………………………………………..
Halo traction ……………………………………………………………
Crutchfield tongs ……………………………………………………….
Stryker frame …………………………………………………………..
Spinal lifts ………………………………………………………………
Leg rolls …………………………………………………………………

WOUND CARE
Changing wound dressings …………………………………………..
Aseptic technique ……………………………………………………...
Removal of sutures ……………………………………………………
Clips …………………………………………………………...
Staples ………………………………………………………...
Drain dressings eg keyhole-redivac and closed drainage system .
Change of vacuum bottle ……………………………………………..
Shortening of a drain (eg Penrose, Corrugated) …………………...
Removal of drain ………………………………………………………
Prevention of pressure sores …………………………………………

RESPIRATORY
Oxygen therapy ………………………………………………………..
Suctioning
oropharyngeal ………………………………………………..
Endotracheal ………………………………………………….
Tracheostomy care
changing a dressing …………………………………………
suctioning a tracheostomy …………………………………..
changing a tracheostomy tube ……………………………..
Management of chest tubes (under water seal drainage) ………...
Changing drainage tubing and bottles (under water seal) ………..
Removal of drainage tube …………………………………………….
Care of a ventilated patient …………………………………………...
Obtaining arterial blood gases ……………………………………….
Interpreting arterial blood gases ……………………………………..
Assisting with intubation ………………………………………………

CARDIOVASCULAR
Perform 12 lead electrocardiograms (ECG) ………………………..
Cardiac monitoring …………………………………………………….
Telemetry ……………………………………………………………….
Interpretation of basic arrythmias ……………………………………
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation ……………………………………….
Defibrillation …………………………………………………………….
Assisting with insertion of a pacemaker …………………………….
Aortic balloon pump …………………………………………………...
Swans-Ganz catheter …………………………………………………
Care of patient with acute myocardial infarction ……………………
Care of patient with congestive cardiac failure ……………………..
Care of patient post cardiac surgery eg coronary ………………….
vein grafts, aortic valve replacement ..……………………..
Care of patient post cardiac catheterisation ………………………..

CARDIAC ARREST
Knowledge of drugs used …………………………………………….
Use of airway and ambu bag …………………………………………
Cardiac Compressions ………………………………………………..

PSYCHIATRIC
Adult …………………………………………………………………….
Juvenile …………………………………………………………………
Psycho geriatric ………………………………………………………..
Acute ……………………………………………………………………

OTHERS
Barrier nursing – infectious or immunosuppressed patient ……….
Care of multiple trauma patient ………………………………………
Care of patient with eye problems …………………………………...
Care of a confused patient ……………………………………………

Comments (any other skills and if specialist please include specific details of equipment you are competent with)……….
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Signature ………………………………………………...
Date: ……………………………………………………...