Skills Day at Westerly Hospital promotes safety and quality

Westerly Hospital’s annual “Skills Day” is usually held in the spring, but a recent “make-up” day in the Nardone Conference Room drew an enthusiastic crowd of caregivers who demonstrated just how committed they are to patient safety and patient care.

“The nurses and the nursing assistants always look forward to attending these sessions,” said Cynthia Hall, RN, Westerly Hospital nursing professional development specialist. “We get almost 90 percent participation from nurses through these classes.”

At each skills day session, nurse educators set up stations that include educational computer games, hands-on practice with patient lifting devices, instruction in patient restraint techniques, sepsis education, stroke education and more.

“We work diligently to make the sessions fun and interesting,” Hall said. “It helps our nurses refresh skills, gain new skills and advance their careers. This training helps our caregivers develop the skills that can best serve our patients.”