Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to register and assess blood donors for whole blood, red cells, platelets, plasma and other blood components donated as whole blood or through the process of apheresis. It does not include haemoglobin testing.
This unit applies to enrolled nursing work carried out in consultation and collaboration with registered nurses, and under supervisory arrangements aligned to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia regulatory authority legislative requirements.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Register a donor giving blood and blood components | 1.1 Identify whether the donor is a new, lapsed or regular donor and use appropriate documentation according to information gained 1.2 Use eligibility assessment tools in an appropriate manner and at a level and pace that elicits informative responses 1.3 Check donor records against responses, and identify and record discrepancies, inconsistencies, omissions and ambiguities in information, and report to designated personnel 1.4 Respond to the donor’s questions and, before seeking their consent, seek feedback from the donor to confirm that they understand the nature and purpose of procedures 1.5 Record donor information clearly and accurately into the donor record, including the donor decision and signed consent 1.6 Refer accurate information to the appropriate person in line with organisation policies and procedures, where donor information indicates unsuitability to donate 1.7 Maintain confidentiality of the donor |
2. Assess suitability for blood and blood component donation | 2.1 Check the donor against selection criteria requirements for blood and blood component donations 2.2 Provide accurate information about the nature and sequence of session activities appropriate to the donor’s needs and concerns 2.3 Explain clearly and sensitively to the donor where information obtained indicates they may not be able to donate, outlining the reasons for seeking further guidance 2.4 Interpret haematological results to identify variation from normal health status and refer to registered nurse 2.5 Determine that ante-cubital veins are easily accessible in both arms and, if not, refer to registered nurse |
3. Observe a person’s behaviour before and after donation and report any physical irregularity | 3.1 Observe donor behaviour for any physical observations that may indicate a potential situation such as anxiety or fainting 3.2 Alert supervising registered nurse and take action in line with organisation policies and procedures to ensure donor safety 3.3 Document and report incident to designated person in line with organisation policies and procedures |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
undertaken work in adherence with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia professional practice standards, codes and guidelines
registered and assessed 3 people as donors for blood or blood products.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
apheresis – the process of ‘skimming off’ the stem cells from blood to be used for transplant or stored in frozen form until needed
organisation policy and procedures, including standard operating procedures (SOPs)
documentation and components of donor declaration form
importance and potential impact of the quality of the donation, and the reasons for careful selection of donors of blood or blood components including:
infectious diseases and their incubation periods
age, height and weight
health of donor including recent surgery, invasive procedures, immunisations, injury or illness
family health history
frequency of donation
geographical locations prior to donation which require special consideration
lifestyle
medications
occupational activities that are considered hazardous
recreational activities that are considered hazardous
workers compensation
safety of blood supply
safety of recipients
safety of service provided to customers
safety of staff
production of a quality product
types of donations including:
plasma
platelet
red blood cell plasma
purpose and use of apheresis donations including timeframe requirements
purpose and use of blood and blood products, including types and functions of infusion and transfusion
safe disposal, and minimisation of waste of resources resulting from collection of unsuitable donations
World Health Organisation guidelines including:
selection of blood donors
international travel and health vaccination requirements
Australian code of good manufacturing practice for human blood and blood components, human tissues and human cellular therapy products
Australian Red Cross service – for blood and blood products donations
monthly index of therapeutic agents (MIMS)
National Blood Transfusion Committee – safe transfusion practice.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources in line with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council’s Standards
modelling of industry operating conditions including access to real people for simulations and scenarios in enrolled nursing work.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors
In addition, assessors must hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.