title: An innovative education program: the peer competency validator model.
abstract: This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a creative peer competency validation model leading to successful outcomes including a more proficient and motivated staff, the replacement of annual skill labs with ongoing competency validation, and significant cost savings. Trained staff assessed competencies of their coworkers directly in the practice setting. Registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and medical assistants recruited from patient care staff comprise the validator group. The model is applicable to any practice setting.
authors.affiliation: Tri-Central Staff Education and Consultation, Kaiser Permanente, Downey, California, USA.
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ringerman
authors.forename: Lenora L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Flint
authors.forename: DiAnn E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D017046:Cost Savings; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004650:Employee Performance Appraisal / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D017145:Models, Educational; D009042:Motivation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010379:Peer Group; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012201:Reward; D012944:Social Support