Having a competent, skilled staff is essential for an ASC to achieve better financial results and high patient satisfaction, according to Pinnacle III, an ASC management company.
They outlined four essential components to launching an ASC staff certification program:
1. Eligibility. Research program eligibility requirements, including whether part time employees can participate or whether there is a service time requirement before the benefits kick in.
2. Certifications. Determine which certifications are essential to your center's success. Examples of relevant certifications include:
● Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
● Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN)
● Certified Ambulatory PeriAnesthesia Nurse (CAPA)
● Certified Surgical Tech (CST)
● Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN)
3. Expenses. Determine what expenses are eligible for reimbursement after the staff completes the certification. Expenses to consider include practice exams, books, webinars and transportation.
4. Return on Investment. Including a reimbursement qualifier in ASC certification guidelines ensures the employees that receive certification will remain at the surgery center for a set amount of time.