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

Relevant medicalmedication terminology

Approved drug abbreviations

Relevant pathophysiology

Factors influencing drug actions

Major drug groups

Documentation associated with accessing drugs and methods of administration

Systems of drug delivery and drug routes

Legal requirements of role

Relevant workplace health and safety policies to ensure safe practice eg management of sharps

Methods of storage handling and usage of drugs

Understanding the legal requirements of method administration

An understanding of the role of the health care team in the administration of drugs

Substance incompatibilities may include

anaphylactic reactions

adverse reactions

contraindications

precautions

side effects

An understanding of the pharmacology of medications including

pharmacodynamics

pharmacokinetics

pharmacotherapeutics

toxicology

Understanding of role in medical emergency

StateTerritory Drugs and Poisons Acts and Regulations

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Use language literacy and numeracy competence relevant to the accessing of drugs

Apply formulae for drug calculations including variations in dosages for adults and children

Apply scheduling of drugs including

Schedule

Schedule

Schedule

Schedule

Perform emergency management for a client experiencing an adverse drug reaction

Observe and monitor peripheral intravenous therapy

In addition the candidate must be able 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

Use interpersonal skills include working with others using sensitivity when dealing with people and an ability to relate to persons from differing cultural social and religious backgrounds

Demonstrate professional conduct skills and knowledge

Use oral communication skills language competence required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organisationservice Oral communication skills include interviewing techniques asking questions active listening asking for clarification

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

Assessment must include a written calculation test with mastery

It is desirable that assessment be undertaken in a simulated clinical laboratory prior to clinical placement

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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Resources for assessment

Manufacturers instructions

Organisation policies and procedures

MIMS

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Evidence gathered from clinical work environment

Written assignmentsprojects 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

Questioning verbal and written

Role playsimulation

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

Potential risks may include but is not limited to:

Medication administration routes include:

Legal and regulatory framework include:

Limited range of drugs includes:

Access drugs includes:

Prepare intravenous drugs includes: