Procedure training programs…how to choose

I 

·        What is the mission statement? Maybe not a deal breaker, but shows heart and speaker motivation.  Check out IMPACT’s mission statement and nursing world on the website blog.

 ·        Number of attendees? Especially important if virtual. Is this a one way street or is ita learning community where everyone can ask questions and share experiences? Does the presenters solicit comments and questions or speed through the material? Is it evident that there has been consideration of learning theory…how people learn, crucial especially in virtual training.

 ·        Is there an offer for follow-up individual instruction if needed?, With virtual: private zoom room or face time later?

 ·        What is the agenda and length of presentation? Value for the money? Is it cost effective and time efficient?

 ·        Content includes skills most often performed in urgent care?  Is the presenter teaching suture techniques or other procedures seldom seen or done.  For example, if you are learning suturing does it make sense to spend all day and a lot of money to learn many suturing techniques you will not remember and will rarely do? These are easily mastered later or if entering a specialty. Consider where you are in your learning journey.

 ·        What supplies and models are included?  Is it mostly lecture with very little hands on?  One training course did vesiloop technique for abscesses rather than the more common and cost effective I&D method. This eliminated building a realistic, but messy abscess model. With either virtual or live training, creating a lot of supplies is expensive for people focused on making money.

 ·        Is the information evidence based? Do the presenters tell you that red haired people need 2% lidocaine without a citation. It’s ok if they are clear about what is evidence based and what recommendations are based on their experience.

 ·        Are there pharmacologic or other pearls offered?  Did the presenter mention that subunguals can’t be drained after 24 hours?  Also was there a review of tetanus recommendations in regards to wounds?

IMPACT excels in all categories! Small batch organizations like IMPACT are safely back to live trainings, but continue to serve those at a distance virtually.  Contact us for special education pricing for programs!