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

Aetiology of chronic wounds trauma venousarterial insufficiency infection

Anatomy and physiology of dermis muscle and bone and physiology of wound healing

Biohazard and waste disposal

Chain of infection transmission of infection defences and immunity host factors

Common fungi protozoa and viral diseases

Evaluation of wounds

Evidencebased practice compression therapy use of honey hyperbaric therapy

Infection prevention interventions hand washing asepsis and aseptic technique sterilisation disinfection and decontamination

Methods of identifying bacteria and common bacterial diseases

Microbiology related to nosocomial infection anaerobic organisms Gram positive and Gram negative organisms

Mode of action of antiseptics other topical solutions hydrocolloids agars antibiotics

Signs and symptoms of infection

Standard precautions compliance with current infection control practices and guidelines

Types of dressings methods of fixation

Wound management strategies and contemporary wound healing practice

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Apply knowledge of processes and protocols in the setting where care is being provided

Demonstrate understanding when advice and referral to appropriate health professional is required

Maintain aseptic or clean technique as appropriate

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

Apply infection control principles in a variety of health environments

Apply Professional Standards of Practice

ANMC code of conduct

ANMC code of ethics

ANMC national EnrolledDivision nurse competency standards

scope of nursing practice decision making framework

stateterritory Nurse Regulatory Nurses Act

stateterritory Nursing and Midwifery Regulatory Authority standards of practice

Demonstrate critical thinking in the conduct of EnrolledDivision nurse practice

Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills

Maintain reporting and documentation

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

Undertake wound assessment

Use aseptic technique

Use oral communication skills language competence required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organisationservice

Use written communication skills literacy competence required to fulfil job roles as specified by organisationservice The level of skill may range from reading and understanding client documentation to completion of incident reports

Undertake infection control risk assessment in relation to

client

others

self

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 performance in a work context is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations and should occur on more than one occasion and be assessed by a registered nurse

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit is most appropriately assessed in the clinical workplace

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

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place of clinical performance

Written assignmentsprojects

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

Questioning verbal and written

Role playsimulation

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

Related units

This unit is recommended to be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency units

HLTENB Implement basic nursing care

HLTEN405B Implement basic nursing care

HLTINC Comply with infection control policies and procedures

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

HLTAPB Confirm physical health status

HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status

Common terms associated with microbiology may include:

Wounds caused by micro-organisms include:

Common fungal infections include:

Common viral diseases may include:

Commonly seen wounds as a result of acute/chronic conditions may include:

Harmful effects of microflora include:

Components of the chain of infection:

Common terms associated with the spread of disease:

Infection process may include:

Wound assessment may include the following classifications:

Organisation protocols, guidelines, procedures include:

Wound care may include the use of:

Wound management team may function in a variety of health care contexts and may include: