This course is suitable for beginners or as a refresher course for all healthcare workers with a professional registration, inclusive of, but not limited to: -

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

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)

Please note: Accreditation only applies to the educational content and not to any product.

• 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.