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

Cleaning and waste disposal techniques

Legal requirements affecting the mortuary worker

Relevant basic medical terminology

Relevant basic pathology

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

Safe working procedures during autopsies

Workplace occupational health and safety in a mortuary

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 problem solving skills including an ability to use available resources

Correctly complete documentation

Correctly dissect prepare label and store specimens

Correctly preserve maintain and display specimens

Demonstrate

correct anatomical display of specimens

correct and safe disposal of clinical and other wastes

correct and safe use of equipment

correct dissection techniques

correct use of personal protective equipment

effective communication with medical officer performing autopsy

relevant and accurate labelling of specimens

safe working procedures during autopsies

Follow infection control policy and procedures

Follow Medical Officers instructions

Follow waste management practices

Preserve specimens

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

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations and undertake measurements of volumes and weight record stock levels and statistical information

Use oral communication skills 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

using effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons

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 workplace policy and procedure manuals and documenting administrative and clinical information

Use literacy support available in the workplace that may range from having access to support or assistance from expertmentorsupervisor to having no communication supports available

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

This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions

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

Method of assessment

Observation of work activities

Observation of simulation andor role play

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal educationtraining courses

Case studies and scenarios

Interviewsquestioning

Role plays

Resource implications

Access to a specimen preparation room where assessment can take place

Museum preparation equipment

Relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

Relevant legislative requirements

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 can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other mortuary units of competency is encouraged

Specimen may include:

Information may relate to:

Documentation may relate to:

Medical personnel may relate to:

Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:

Equipment and materials may include

Personal protective equipment may include

Mountings may include:

Waste may relate to: