The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

Simulation of realistic workplace setting may be used for initial training and assessment

Artificial arm for initial training and assessment

Phlebotomy equipment required for the collection of arterial blood samples

Relevant personal protective equipment

Relevant waste disposal equipment

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Interviewing and questioning

Computer-aided assessment

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Basic anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system relevant to arterial blood collection

Basic first aid relevant to arterial blood collection

Clinical and general waste disposal procedures

Relevant infection control policy and procedures

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

Specimen transport requirements

Standard and additional precautions

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Apply standard and additional precautions

Ask questions to obtain specific client and clinical information

Communicate effectively with clients and with a range of healthcare professionals

Comply with organisation policies and procedures including WHS and infection control

Demonstrate correct pre-collection testing

Demonstrate correct techniques for arterial blood collection

Demonstrate knowledge of need for arterial sampling and of clinical risks of arterial blood collection procedures

Demonstrate verification of client's oxygen therapy if applicable

Follow documentation procedures

Follow procedures to maintain sample integrity

Follow relevant work health and safety (WHS) procedures

Follow workplace instructions

Handle, label and transport sample correctly

Identify clinical risks and appropriate emergency response procedures

Identify contra-indications to arterial blood sample collection

Identify/ascertain respiratory status of client

Maintain client confidentiality

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Essential skills (contd):

Provide clear explanation of intended procedure and obtain consent

Recognise boundaries of responsibilities and refer problems to supervisor, pathologist, scientist or other appropriate health professional

Select and use appropriate collection equipment

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use oral communication skills and language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading and interpreting requests for pathology specimens, completing appropriate clinical and other documentation, and comprehension of complex and relevant policies and procedures

Use time management strategies to set priorities

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, weighing and measuring requirements, and recording data

Use problem solving skills required including ability to use available resources and apply solutions to a wide range of non-routine and complex problems

Work with others and display empathy with client and relatives

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Pathology request may:

Be in writing

Be made by a medical or authorised nurse practitioner

And must be in accordance with relevant legislation

Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:

Entry to Critical Care or Special Care (e.g. Burns, Spinal) Units for blood collection purposes

Collection and documentation of client personal and clinical information

Confidentiality of client information

Preparation for arterial blood collection procedures

Performance of arterial blood collection procedures

Infection control

Work health and safety (WHS)

Consent

Blood sample preparation, labelling, storage and transport

Maintenance of sample integrity

Documentation and recording keeping

Handling of waste

Pre-collection testing may include:

Allen's test

Gas mixture may include

Room air

Oxygen therapy

Method of oxygen delivery (e.g. face mask, artificial ventilation)

Equipment and disposables may include:

Arterial blood gas syringe

Temperature controlled containers

Range of needles

Sharps containers

Alcohol wipes

Dressings

Ice pack

Iced water

Personal protective equipment may include:

Gloves

Gowns

Apron

Masks

Protective eye wear

Collection sites may refer to:

Radial artery (either arm)

Infection control procedures may include:

Standard and Additional precautions

Collection site preparation

Waste handling and disposal

Sharps may include:

Needles

Waste may include:

Clinical waste

Sharps

Cytotoxic waste

General waste

Personal and confidential waste

Documentation may include:

Record of test procedures

Complete and sign request form

Medical Record notation

Labelling

Data entry

Appropriate staff may include:

Registered Nurse

Nursing Unit Manager

Nursing staff in Critical Care or Special Care Units

Medical Practitioner

Collection Centre staff