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 precollection 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 clients 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 contraindications to arterial blood sample collection

Identifyascertain respiratory status of client

Maintain client confidentiality

continued

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 nonroutine and complex problems

Work with others and display empathy with client and relatives

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 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

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

Computeraided 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 andor 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

Pathology request may:

Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:

Pre-collection testing may include:

Gas mixture may include

Equipment and disposables may include:

Personal protective equipment may include:

Collection sites may refer to:

Infection control procedures may include:

Sharps may include:

Waste may include:

Documentation may include:

Appropriate staff may include: