CHESTER – Memorial Hospital hosted Nursing Skills Days December 2–4, 2025, bringing together RNs, LPNs, and CNAs from across the ER, ICU, MSU, Infusion, and OR for three days of immersive, hands-on training. Held in the hospital’s conference room and key clinical departments, the event reinforced Memorial’s commitment to clinical excellence, emergency readiness, and the highest standards of patient care.
The Skills Days featured a robust lineup of competency-based stations designed to refresh and validate critical nursing procedures. From high-acuity interventions like chest tube management, AutoPulse operation, intraosseous (IO) insertion, and central line/PICC/Midline/Port-A-Cath care, to essential safety practices such as N95 fit testing, PPE protocols, and restraint/seclusion procedures, the event ensured staff were prepared for any situation.
Additional training included:
- EKG interpretation, high-flow oxygen therapy, and Airvo systems
- Malignant hyperthermia response
- IV pump operation (primary, secondary, bolus)
- Blood administration
- Pharmacy compounding and Stericycle protocols
- Adult Foley catheter insertion
- Safe patient handling with slide boards, box lifts, gait belts, Hoyer/SLIPP, and the Med Sled
- Professional development and interdepartmental collaboration
“Skills Day 2025 brought together all nursing staff for three days of hands-on learning and competency validation,” said Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer. “With so many high-value stations offered, it was hard to choose just one highlight, but my favorite part of the experience was witnessing the staff practice and refresh critical skills in a hands-on environment. The balance of critical-care procedures, safety training, and professional development made the experience not only educational but energizing for the entire nursing team.”
The event’s success was made possible by the dedication of clinical leaders and educators across the hospital. Special thanks go to Amy Kloos, Adrienne Caby, Kristyn Riley, Bailey Misuraca, Charlie Bargman, Emily McGeehan, Maribeth Golding, Amy Eggemeyer, Susan Diddlebock, Sara Harris, Sarah Rathert, Amy Mathis, Kim Ruebke, Madi Kribs, and Stephanie Guethle for their expertise and leadership.
At Memorial Hospital, training and education are not one-time events, they are a continuous investment in the safety, confidence, and excellence of our care teams. Skills Day is a cornerstone of that commitment, ensuring that every nurse is equipped to respond swiftly and skillfully in any emergency, and to deliver the highest quality care to our community every day.