All IPI nurses who were hired before April 1, 2016 must participate in Annuals, as required by the State of Illinois and CHAP.
Education is at the forefront of everything we do at Independence Plus, Inc. (IPI). Upon hire, our nurses are immersed in a hands-on training and education program designed to prepare them to provide the best possible care for patients with complex medical and respiratory needs living at home. Once they are working in the field, the education keeps on going. Each fall, IPI nurses and clinical educators come together over the course of six days to take part in our Annual Skills Competency Training.
For almost three decades, annual evaluations have been an essential part of Independence Plus’ nursing education and training program. In 2006, the company began incorporating return skill demonstrations.
Every nurse is required to complete one 2-hour session once a year, which includes return demonstrations of approximately 15 skills including emergency trach changes to calculating and drawing up medications.
Commitment to Education
We invest in each of our nurses by providing extensive education and training. Similarly, we expect our nurses to invest in our patients by providing the quality care and services they need and deserve.
“Annual training is a designated time to re-calibrate skills according to best practices in a pro-learning environment,” says Christa, RN, IPI’s Clinical Educator. “It is a lot of smart people focused on one goal. The energy is awesome and we get to re-connect the field and the office as one team.”
Training and Education Classes
In addition to Annuals, our education team oversees a number of training classes throughout the year. To name a few:
Home Ventilator Training Class (7 contact hours): Typically held on Thursdays, this class covers basic volume and pressure ventilation theory with hands-on training with multiple ventilators including the Pulmonetic/Carefusion LTV 950 and LTV 1150, and the Philips/Respironics Trilogy 100.
Pre-Employment Class: All nurse applicants are required to successfully complete this training to learn “the IPI Way” utilizing specific policies and protocols for providing care to our medically complex, technology-dependent patients.
Family Ventilator Class: Patients and their families of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in this class to become comfortable with tracheostomy and ventilator care at home.
IPI CONNECT: IPI CONNECT is a monthly networking event for our nurses, which features an educational presentation and discussion. Our next event is presented by a guest speaker on Thursday, October 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on IPV Technology. IPI nurses may RSVP for IPI CONNECT by emailing rsvp@independenceplus.com or calling (630) 463-4402.
For more information about our training courses, please call (708) 366-4500 (option 2).