Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:26 PM AWST

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Perform peripheral intravenous cannulation

Perform peripheral intravenous cannulation

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTHPS009
State Code
AVA34
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
06/08/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/01/2016
Field of Education
060301 - General Nursing
Original Release Date
22/01/2016
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform peripheral intravenous cannulation on clients. This unit applies to registered enrolled nurses, registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and emergency workers for whom peripheral intravenous cannulation is part of the job role. They may be working in hospitals, primary health care in rural remote locations, pathology services, out-of-hospital settings or in other allied health care environments.The extent of the practitioner’s role for peripheral intravenous cannulation may be subject to state/territory legislation and organisation policy, and competency should be demonstrated within the context of applicable legislation and organisation practice.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for peripheral intravenous cannulation
  • 1.1 Correctly identify client and authorised request/s for peripheral intravenous cannulation
  • 1.2 Explain procedure to client and obtain consent and check for allergies
  • 1.3 Identify any additional specific requests/tests relevant to the procedure before proceeding
  • 1.4 Ensure client is correctly and comfortably positioned to access the veins
  • 1.5 Work with multidisciplinary team to coordinate activities to ensure they do not impact on peripheral vascular cannulation
  • 1.6 Discuss with parent/carer/staff member appropriate holding and/or distraction technique for a client during cannulation
  • 1.7 Assemble and prepare peripheral intravenous cannulation equipment using standard precautions
  • 1.8 Apply tourniquet/blood pressure cuff to limb, palpate for identification of suitable vein and then release tourniquet/blood pressure cuff
  • 1.9 Prepare and clean insertion site for cannulation
2. Perform peripheral intravenous cannulation
  • 2.1 Identify own work health and safety (WHS) risks associated with poor posture during procedure and adjust client’s position
  • 2.2 Use aseptic technique to insert peripheral intravenous cannula in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and organisation policies and procedures
  • 2.3 Respond to complications in accordance with organisation policy and procedures and refer client to supervisor
  • 2.4 Dress the site with visibility of cannula entry and secure cannula to limb.
  • 2.5 Date the cannula in-situ dressing site, ensure client is left comfortable and is provided with relevant information and instructions
  • 2.6 Dispose of wastes, taking into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues
  • 2.7 Document in client’s health information the site of peripheral intravenous cannulation and number of attempts
3. Monitor peripheral intravenous cannula in-situ
  • 3.1 Assess site and cannula patency regularly in accordance with organisation procedures
  • 3.2 Refer to supervisor or authorised personnel observed indications for cannula removal
  • 3.3 Upon authorised request, remove intravenous cannula, cover insertion site and check bleeding has stopped
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD247 HLTPAT409D Perform intravenous cannulation for sample collection Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
AZA2 HLT64115 Advanced Diploma of Nursing Qualification
BGW6 HLT64121 Advanced Diploma of Nursing Qualification