This course is suitable for all registered healthcare professionals, as a beginners course or as a refresher course. Inclusive of, but not limited to: -

• Nurses
• Midwives
• Doctors
• Health Visitors
• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapists

You must have a valid registration number in order to attend this course.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be equipped with the underlining theory and practical skills to gain competence under clinical supervision of a practitioner in your workplace. 

This Venepuncture (Phlebotomy) and Cannulation course has been assessed and accredited by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) providing all registered healthcare professionals with: -

• A compact, face to face theory and practical course using simulation equipment delivered by a specialist trainer
• The opportunity to observe best practice demonstrations, practice and perfect techniques and achieve initial skills competency
• Small group sized providing lots of occasions for one-to-one teaching during the practical session
• A structured skills assessment sign-off sheet allowing delegates to continue gaining competencies on the return to the workplace. 

Please note:

• Accreditation only applies to educational content and not to any product
• Competency must be delivered locally under supervision in a clinical setting
• RCN cannot confirm the competence of any practitioner

By the end of this course you will understand: -

• Practitioner requirements and how they relate to governing bodies
• Strategies for maintaining clinical competence
• The legal implications of poor practice
• Infection causes and documentation requirements
• The patient/ environmental factors affecting procedure
• The Aseptic Non-Touch Technique process
• How to prevent and manage infection
• Document correct information on specimen labels
• List transport systems
• Components and functions of the circulatory system
• The function of skin and why we take blood samples
• How to identify veins used for Venepuncture (Phlebotomy) and Cannulation
• How to prepare the service user for procedures
• How to identify correct equipment for both procedures
• The needle gauge system
• What complications can occur during the practical procedure
• Common complications and adverse effects
• How to recognise, prevent and manage extravasation
• How to perform the Venepuncture (Phlebotomy) / Cannulation procedure safely

Course Introduction: 9:30 - 09:45 (15 minutes)

Session 1: 09:45 - 10:30 (45 minutes)

• Legal aspects of Venepuncture (Phlebotomy) and Cannulation
• Practitioner requirements
• Professional competence and accountability
• Documentation and record keeping
• Vicarious liability
• Consent

Session 2: 10:30 - 11:15 (45 minutes)

• Why infections occur
• Patient and environmental factors
• Aseptic Non-Touch Technique
• Maintaining a sterile field
• Infection prevention and management
• Practitioner hazards
• Specimen handling
• Visual infusion phlebitis scoring

Session 3: 11:15 - 12:00 (45 minutes)

• Overview of the circulatory and venous systems
• Arteries and Capilleries
• The skin
• Vasoconstriction and Vasodilation
• Reasons for taking blood
• Factor affecting site selection
• Improving venous access
• Managing anxious patients

Lunch Break: 12:00 - 12:30 (30 minutes)

Session 4: 12:30 - 13:15 (45 minutes)

• Selecting correct equipment
• Needle gauge systems
• Tourniquets
• Needle safety
• Bio connectors
• Dressings
• Common complications
• Extravasation prevention and management

Session 5: 13:15 - 17:15 (240 minutes)

• Trainer Venepuncture (Phlebotomy) and Cannulation practical demonstration
• Candidate Venepuncture (Phlebotomy) and Cannulation practical session
• Candidate Venepuncture (Phlebotomy) and Cannulation assessment

Course Summary: 17:15 - 17:30 (15 minutes)

• Certificate lasts for 1 year!
• Compact, face to face theory & practical course using stimulation equipment to learn the foundations to access veins confidently.
• Small group sizes mean there is lots of occasions for one to one teaching during the practical sessions, so all delegates are catered for.
• Vascular Access Structured Learning Programme endorsed by NIVAS to take away with you to enable you to demonstrate competency.