The aim of this one-day programme is to extend and enhance the knowledge of venepuncture (Phlebotomy and Cannulation) for registered general nurses and other qualified healthcare professionals. It has been designed using a Risk Management approach and encompassing the use of a standard operating procedure for the techniques being applied.

The enhancement of the nursing role through the application of the Scope of Practice is addressed with regard to performing Venepuncture.

The objectives of the programme are that each participant will:

- Be aware of the risks of blood borne viruses.
- Appreciate the importance of hand hygiene and skin decontamination
- Comprehend the anatomy of the relevant vascular system,
- Develop skills in phlebotomy and / or intravenous cannulation
- Adhere to HIQA standards on Infection Prevention & Control
- Practice the correct disposal of Sharps
- Understand Inoculation injury protocols.

It is anticipated that this programme will produce a practitioner who is capable of performing phlebotomy and / or intravenous cannulation in a safe manner for both the patient/client and colleagues in the workplace.

The aim of this one-day programme is to extend and enhance the knowledge of subcutaneous infusions for registered nurses. It has been designed using a Risk Management approach and encompasses the use of a standard operating procedure for the techniques being applied.

The enhancement of the nursing role through the application of the Scope of Practice is addressed with regard to performing Hypodermoclysis. The objectives of the programme are that each participant will:

- Appreciate the importance of hand hygiene and skin decontamination
- Comprehend the anatomy of the skin structures
- Develop skills in hypodermoclysis
- Adhere to HIQA Infection Prevention & Control Standards
- Be aware of the risks of blood borne viruses.
- Practice the correct disposal of Sharps
- Understand Inoculation injury protocols.

It is anticipated that this programme will produce a practitioner who is capable of performing Hypodermoclysis in a safe manner for both the patient/client and colleagues in the workplace.

The objective of the “Primary Course in Food Safety” is to create an awareness and knowledge in food workers of the reasons for the importance of good food hygiene practices.

The course covers a broad range of subjects, including an overview of basic microbiology, food contamination, food hygiene law, personal hygiene, cleaning procedures and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (H.A.C.C.P.).

These subjects are geared towards enabling food workers to see and understand where problems could arise in the preparation, handling, storage or service of food. These problems could if uncontrolled create a risk of food poisoning to the consumer and the subsequent damage to the food business.

The course consists of 2 sessions, each of four-hour duration. The sessions may run from 9am – 1pm or from 1pm to 5pm dependant on the client’s requirements. A coffee/tea break will be facilitated during each four hour session. On completion of this course, the student undertakes a written exam of 1-hour duration. Successful students will be awarded a Certificate in the Primary Course in Food Safety from the Environmental Health Officers’ Association. (An oral exam for a course participant can be taken by special arrangement with the tutor but will incur an extra charge).

BIOLOGICAL SAFETY ADVISORY PRACTICE

Infection Control & HIQA Hygiene standards Study Day

The aim of this one-day programme is to extend and enhance the knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control for registered nurses.

The programme content is individualised to meet the needs of the nursing staff attending the study day varying from the nursing home environment to the practice nurse setting or to the acute hospital setting.

Topics covered by lectures on the prevention of cross infection include:

• Hand Hygiene
• Standard & transmission based infection control precautions and HIQA hygiene standards
• MRSA
• TB
• Scabies & body lice
• Clostridium difficile
• SRSV (Winter vomiting disease)
• Blood borne viruses
• Inoculation injury management
• Waste Management

The aim of this half day programme is to extend and enhance the knowledge of registered general nurses on the care and maintenance of peripherally inserted CVC’s

It has been designed using a Risk Management approach and encompassing the use of a standard operating procedure for the techniques being applied.

The objectives of the programme are that each participant will be trained in:

- Standard precautions

- Hand hygiene in accordance with the WHO 5 moments

- Aseptic (no touch) technique

- Appropriate catheter care and maintenance

- Dressing change technique

- Identification of catheter complications

- Problem solving

- Use of CVC care bundles