Work performed requires a broad knowledge of varied activities and the ability to apply solutions to a wide range of non-routine and complex problems Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs, and provides some guidance and leadership to others to achieve outputs All tasks are conducted in accordance with relevant federal, state and territory legislation and organisation policies and procedures including OHS and infection control guidelines |
Not Applicable
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare to assist with procedure | 1.1 Identify precise nature and requirements of the pathology request 1.2 Identify collection or procedure site 1.3 Obtain and record relevant clinical information in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 1.4 Ensure client is correctly and comfortably positioned and prepared for collection or procedure 1.5 Comply with pre-test criteria 1.6 Liaise with health professional concerning nature of assistance required 1.7 Select and prepare equipment and disposables and correct collection or specimen containers 1.8 Prepare collection or procedure site in accordance with organisation policy and procedures |
2. Assist with performance of procedure | 2.1 Maintain communication with health professional performing collection or procedure 2.2 Follow correct protocols for assisting with collection or procedure 2.3 Follow instructions from health professional 2.4 Follow correct infection control procedures throughout collection or procedure 2.5 Use personal protective equipment correctly 2.6 Hand equipment and disposables or other items to health professional as required 2.7 Use equipment correctly 2.8 Observe client during collection or procedure for possible adverse reactions 2.9 Assist with response to adverse reactions as directed 2.10 Follow organisation policy and procedures for safe handling of pathology specimens |
3. Assist with post collection procedures | 3.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 3.2 Complete documentation 3.3 Check collection or procedure site to ensure bleeding has stopped, and is dressed appropriately 3.4 Ensure client is correctly positioned and made comfortable 3.5 Observe client during and on completion of collection or procedure and report adverse outcomes immediately to appropriate health professionals 3.6 Provide relevant information and instructions to client 3.7 Ensure client is left comfortable and notify appropriate staff so client's condition can be monitored 3.8 Label, store and transport pathology sample to laboratory in accordance with organisation policies and procedures |
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 relevant to the work role and type of pathology collections or procedures, for which assistance is provided Basic medical terminology in regard to relevant collections and procedures Boundaries of responsibilities Client care in relation to the range of collection procedures Correct storage methods for collected specimens Obligations with respect to confidentiality of client information and relevant legal and ethical issues Pre-test criteria for the range of collection procedures Relevant organisation policies and procedures Specimen transport requirements Understanding of test requested and any critical requirements Waste disposal procedures |
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: Comply with policies and procedures including OHS, infection control etc Communicate effectively, including: effective client communication asking questions to obtain specific client and clinical information effective communication with a range of healthcare professionals and clients Demonstrate correct techniques for safely assisting with the collection of a range of pathology specimens and assisting with other pathology procedures Follow documentation procedures Follow safe working practices Follow workplace instructions Handle, label and transport sample correctly Identify clinical risks and response procedures in relation to the relevant range of procedures Select and use appropriate collection equipment and disposables Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues Use reading and writing skills as 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 oral communication skills and language competence as 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 numeracy skills, ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, weighing and measuring requirements, and recording data Use problem solving skills including ability to use available resources and apply solutions to a wide range of non-routine 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 Collection equipment and disposables required for the range of pathology collections, for which assistance is provided of Relevant personal protective equipment Relevant waste disposal equipment Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols |
Method of assessment may include: | Observation of performance Written tasks Interviewing and questioning Computer-aided assessment Formal appraisal systems Staff/client feedback Portfolio/CV Supporting statement of supervisor(s) Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice in the work environment |
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 and/or 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 |
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. | |
Pathology request may: | Be in writing Be made by a medical or authorised nurse practitioner And must be in accordance with relevant legislation |
Collection or procedure site may include: | A broad range of collections or procedures in accordance with organisation policy and procedures |
Organisation policy and procedures may relate to: | Collection and documentation of client clinical information Confidentiality of client information Consent Preparation for pathology collection procedures Performance of pathology collection procedures Infection control Occupational health and safety Specimen preparation, labelling, storage and transport Maintenance of sample integrity Documentation and recording keeping Handling of waste |
Collection procedure or collection of sample may relate to: | Pap smears Frozen sections Skin biopsy Swabs Bone marrow Fine needle aspirates skin scrapings Mantoux tests Arterial sampling Allergy testing Other procedures as per organisation policy and procedures or as required by an appropriate health professional |
Pre-test criteria may relate to: | Dietary restrictions Resting Drug administration |
Health professional may include: | Pathologist Medical Practitioner Medical Scientist Other appropriate health professional |
Equipment and disposables may include: | Swabs Scalpel blades Sterile containers Needles Syringe Slides Slide carrier Punch biopsy Arterial blood gas syringe Pap smear kit Alcohol wipes Dressings |
Infection control procedures may include: | Standard and additional precautions Collection site preparation Waste handling and disposal |
Personal protective equipment may include: | Gloves Gowns Aprons Masks Protective eye wear |
Waste may include: | Clinical waste Cytotoxic waste Sharps General waste Personal and confidential waste |
Documentation may include: | Record of test procedures Complete and sign request form Medical record notation Specimen labelling Data entry |
Appropriate staff may include: | Registered nurse Nursing unit manager Nursing staff in critical care or special care units Medical practitioner Collection centre staff |
Not Applicable
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Not Applicable