DNS Fundamentals: CNA and Licensed Nurse Competency Checklists-DNS Fundamentals: CNA and Licensed Nurse Competency Checklists

DNS Fundamentals: CNA and Licensed Nurse Competency Checklists

Pdf Summary

This document provides comprehensive Clinical Competency Checklists designed for evaluation of Licensed Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in healthcare facilities. The checklists serve as tools for nurse managers and licensed nurses to verify and document the competency of their staff in performing essential care procedures, ensuring resident safety, and adherence to facility protocols.<br /><br />For Licensed Nurses, the checklist covers vital sign measurement and interpretation, infection control practices including PPE use and transmission-based precautions, detailed clinical assessments (cardiovascular, neurological, pain, wound, respiratory, falls, and risk assessments), general nursing procedures (dressing changes, catheterizations, specimen collection, mobility assistance, medication administration across multiple routes, IV therapy, and emergency responses), and care and communication skills including documentation in electronic health records and reporting protocols.<br /><br />For Certified Nursing Assistants, the checklist focuses on foundational care skills such as obtaining vital signs, infection control, activities of daily living support (bathing, oral care, feeding, grooming, mobility assistance, and pressure sore prevention), safe handling of residents including transfers and use of assistive devices, emergency response procedures including Heimlich and CPR protocols, abuse prevention and reporting, and interpersonal communication with cognitively impaired residents. Documentation competencies are also included for ADLs, fluid intake/output, behaviors, and personal items.<br /><br />These structured tools emphasize compliance with facility-specific policies, state scope of practice, legal and safety standards, and effective communication within care teams to support quality resident care. The checklists are adaptable, allowing facilities to add competencies relevant to their unique resident populations and operational requirements. Overall, the document facilitates standardized competency validation aimed at maintaining high-quality nursing care and resident safety.

Keywords

Clinical Competency Checklists

Licensed Nurses

Certified Nursing Assistants

Vital Sign Measurement

Infection Control

Nursing Procedures

Emergency Response

Activities of Daily Living

Resident Safety

Documentation and Reporting