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

Awareness of the Australian Standard for Work in Compressed Air and Hyperbaric Oxygen Facilities

Basic structure and layout of a hyperbaric chamber

Common dive tables for hyperbaric treatment and their indications

Common treatment profiles for hyperbaric therapy and their indications

Conditions indicated for hyperbaric therapy treatment and the mechanisms of therapeutic benefit for each

Critical thinking and problem solving

Cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices

Culturally appropriate health promotion activities

Educational resources and professional organisations associated with hyperbaric therapy

Legislative requirements for practice

Medical terminology

Organisation policy and procedure

Participating as a member of the health care team

Physiological effects of increased atmospheric pressure on the human body and of breathing oxygen hyper oxygenation helium or mixed gases under hyperbaric conditions

Principles of health assessment

Rationale for staff undertaking annual hyperbaric medicals

Reflective practice

Specialised indepth knowledge of anatomy physiology and pathophysiology related to hyperbaric issues

Specialised knowledge and execution relating to emergency care

Specific considerations for paediatric clients

Workplace health and safety legislation

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 relevant admission and discharge tools according to organisation policy

Apply relevant health unit assessment tools according to organisation policy

Apply cognitive processes to reflect problem solving and analysis in the planning implementation and evaluation of care to clients

Apply organisation policy and procedure relating to hyperbaric management

Apply professional standards of practice

ANMC code of conduct

ANMC code of ethics

ANMC national EnrolledDivision nurse competency standards

Stateterritory Nurse Regulatory Nurses Act

Stateterritory Nursing and Midwifery Regulatory Authority standards of practice

Scope of nursing practice decision making framework

Demonstrate accountability for personal outputs and broad client group outcomes

Use language literacy and numeracy competence required to communicate effectively with client group colleagues and to record or report client outcomes

Use advanced communication skills

Use education and teaching strategies relating to health promotion and practical task applications for hyperbaric clients

Use information technology systems

Undertake nursing interventions which may include

administration of nebulisers in the chamber

assessment observation and documentation of clinical skills relating to the nursing management of hyperbaric interventions and emergencies

chest tube drainage in the chamber

client preparation for treatment

monitoring of intravenous infusions in the chamber

oral medication administration

pain management

setting up and management of breathing circuits hood and BIBS Scott mask

setting up the chamber for treatments

suction in the chamber at depth and at surface

urinary drainage in the chamber

wound care and asepsis

wound management

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 or in a simulated clinical work environment and under the normal range of clinical environment conditions

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

Written assignmentsprojects

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

Questioning verbal or 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

Clients may include:

Members of the multi-disciplinary hyperbaric health care team include:

Theories of physics include:

Emergencies associated with the hyperbaric chamber and treatment may include:

Complications of hyperbaric therapy may include:

Indications for hyperbaric therapy may include:

Specific assessment tools and resources for hyperbaric assessment may include:

Relative contraindications for hyperbaric therapy include:

Client education requirements must include:

Nursing interventions include but are not limited to:

Hyperbaric specific equipment may include but is not limited to: