Maintaining competence and competency in the care of the intra-aortic balloon pump patient.

Care of the IABP patient requires specialized knowledge and skill. Two methods exist for verifying the nurse's ability to safely care for this patient population. Competence and competency testing approach this task from two different aspects; the former assesses the nurse's potential knowledge and skills and later verifies the nurse's ability to perform and apply knowledge, skill, and standards of care in an actual "mock run" situation. Both aspects should be included in an IABP training program.