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.

Training Faculty: Biological Safety Advisory Practice

Training venue: Specific Hospital / Care Center Site /Hired facilities

Number of participants: 12/ 24 per programme

Entry Requirements: Participants must be currently registered with An Bord Altranais.

Number of instructors: 1 Instructor per 10/12 participants

Programme Personnel: The programme administration is under the nursing guidance of Siobhan Prout, MSc Environmental Health Risk Management, Dip.Infection Control, and Dip. Management & Industrial Relations, RGN, CMIOSH. The instructors are registered with An Bord Altranais as Registered General Nurses and have demonstrated competency skills in teaching and performing phlebotomy and cannulation.

Educational Equipment: Manikin Arms, Simulated Venous Pads, Phlebotomy Units, IV Cannulation Equipment, Sharps Disposal Units, Body-Fluids Spillage Kits and Hand-Hygiene Products.

Visual Aids, Handouts of Presentations and Venepuncture self-performance framework

Teaching Methods:  Lectures, Discussions, Demonstrations, Application to practice

Programme Evaluation: Participants will be invited to give verbal feedback and fill in a programme evaluation form on content, length, relevance, presentation, and practical involvement.

Certification: On completion of the programme B.S.A.P. will present a Certificate of attendance, which has been granted Category 1, An Bord Altranais approval.

This course is aligned to the HSE programme “ A Guiding Framework for Education, Training and Competence Validation in Venepuncture and Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation for Nurses and Midwifes”, 2010. For further information on this structure and pre-course reading material please visit

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/corporate/NursingServices/

Programme Costs: The price of the programme is dependent on numbers participating and geographical location if training is held outside Dublin Area.