Course overview

During the session you will undergo supervised instruction and practice venepuncture using a simulation arm here at our state of the art Horizon Education Centre.

The assessment of competency in this skill needs to take place in your own workplace on your own clients and we recommend 3 sign offs.

Our recommendations to be signed off as competent in the skill of venepuncture are;

  • You have staff linked to your workplace who are already skilled in venepuncture to assess and sign off your competency.
  • You maintain your competency by taking blood fairly frequently –  if more than six months elapse we do recommend that you are re-assessed.

Who is this course suitable for?

This venepuncture session is designed specifically for registered nurses, carers and support workers whose roles include the taking of blood on a regular basis.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • List equipment required for venepuncture.
  • Discuss labelling a sample accurately
  • Perform venepuncture on an adult.
  • Recognise the standard precautions required to minimise or prevent infection when carrying out this procedure.
  • Understand the importance of consent and documentation.
  • Describe scenarios when not to take blood.
  • Identify relevant national and local policies and procedures to area of work.
  • Outline basic first aid in relation to venepuncture.