Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Pathology requests may:
Be in writing
Be made by a medical or authorised nurse practitioner
And must be in accordance with relevant legislation


Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:
Collection and documentation of client clinical information
Confidentiality of client information
Consent
Preparation for intravenous cannulation procedures
Performance of intravenous cannulation collection procedures
Care and maintenance of IV cannulae in situ
Administration of basic first aid and protocols for seeking assistance
Infection control
Work health and safety (WHS)
Blood sample preparation, labelling, storage and transport
Maintenance of sample integrity
Documentation and recording keeping
Handling of waste


Pre-collection criteria may relate to:
Fasting
Other dietary restrictions
Resting
Drug administration
Absence of contraindications, e.g. peripheral perfusion
Health status of client
Referral of client issues to an appropriate health professional


Intravenous cannulation equipment and disposables may include:
Tourniquet
Chlorhexidine and alcohol swabs
Chlorhexidine and alcohol wipes
Cannulae
Bung
Dressings
Local anaesthetic cream
Three-way tap device
Flushing equipment
Extension set


Intravenous cannulation insertion sites may include:
Sites determined by organisation policy and procedure


Personal protective equipment may include:
Gloves
Gowns
Aprons
Masks
Protective eye wear


Appropriate health professionals may include:
Pathologist
Medical practitioner
Registered nurse


Infection control procedures may include:
Standard and additional precautions
Collection site preparation
Waste handling and disposal


Complications may include
Occlusion
Infection
Phlebitis
Rupture
Migration
Extravasation
Unsuccessful cannulation attempt
Client discomfort or distress

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
Simulation of realistic workplace setting may be used for initial training and assessment
Artificial arm for initial training and initial assessment
Phlebotomy and intravenous cannulation equipment required for blood collection
Relevant personal protective equipment
Relevant waste disposal equipment
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols


Method of assessment may include:
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:
HLTPAT411D Perform blood collection for specialised testing