Penn Valley Health Science Institute hosts Skills USA competitions

The health care industry should be gaining some top-notch allied health professionals if the recent Skills USA competition is any indication. Students in the following medical programs competed in the national competition at MCC-Penn Valley Health Science Institute:

Dental Assisting students competed in chair-side assisting; preparation of dental materials; infection control; and emergency, laboratory and office procedures.

Medical Assisting contestants were tested on their skills in the clinical and administrative setting. They are judged on speed, the use of correct safety measures and their ability to interact personally with a patient. Skills were inclusive of general office skills, communication skills, patient education, knowledge of anatomy and physiology, terminology, instrument identification, and equipment, as well as on a variety of clinical procedures and techniques.

Nurse Assisting contestants demonstrated knowledge and abilities in CPR, and the measurement of vital signs. Contestants were also familiar with basic anatomy, communications skills, legal/ethical issues and employment skills

Practical Nursing competitors were judged on their knowledge of medical terminology, body structure and function, nutrition, medications and nursing care. They also performed job skills such as: administration of oral, subcutaneous and nasogastric medications; physical assessment; insertion of a nasogastric tube; sterile dressing change and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At each workstation they are judged on accuracy of their skill, organization, communication and safety.