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

An awareness of the role of complementary therapies

An awareness of traditional medicine in the context of health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Application of guidelines to individual needs of clientsie therapeutic interventions hygiene dignity esteem physical cultural and cognitive restrictions

Documentation associated with medication administration

Ethical guidelines including confidentiality duty of care and public safety

Factors influencing medication actions

Legal requirements for practice parameters of EnrolledDivision nurse relating to the administration of medications including legal requirements of each route of administration

Major medication groups

Methods of storage handling and usage of medications

Organisation policies and procedures guidelines and protocols including workplace health and safety policies to ensure safe practice eg management of sharps

Relevant medicalmedication terminology and approved medication abbreviations

Relevant pathophysiology

Role of the health care team in the administration of medications

Stateterritory legislative requirements relating to medication administration

Systems of medication delivery and medication administration devices eg pumps and syringe drivers within the scope of own role

Scheduling of medications including

Schedule

Schedule

Schedule

Schedule

Substance incompatibilities including

anaphylactic reactions

adverse reactions

contraindications

precautions

side effects

An understanding of the pharmacology of medications including

pharmacodynamics

pharmacokinetics

pharmacotherapeutics

toxicology

continued

Essential knowledge contd

Own role in medical emergency

Principles of peripheral intravenous therapy

Peoples perception of pain and principles and strategies to alleviate pain

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 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

stateTerritory Drugs and Poisons Act

scope of nursing practice decision making framework

Apply infection control principles hand washing handling of medications universal precautions

Calculate volumes for administration of medications

Demonstrate preparation administration and recording of medications via all routes as per State and Territory Legislation

Demonstrate professional conduct skills and knowledge

Explain and demonstrate emergency management for a client experiencing an adverse medication reaction

Observe and monitor peripheral intravenous therapy

Use interpersonal skills including working with others using sensitivity when dealing with people and relating to persons from differing cultural social and religious backgrounds

Use formulae for drug calculation for

adult clients

older clients

paediatric clients

intravenous therapy

Use language literacy and numeracy competence required for

comparison of metric measurements

drug calculation administration and documentation

estimation

SI abbreviations

Use oral communication skills language competence required to fulfil job roles as specified by the organisationservice Oral communication skills include interviewing techniques asking questions active listening asking for clarification nonjudgement attitudes nonverbal behaviour

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

Assessment must include a written calculation test with mastery

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must be undertaken in a simulated clinical laboratory prior to and replicated where appropriate in the clinical setting

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

Assessment of competency may occur on more than one occasion Assessment may include but not be limited to

Observation in the work place

Evidence gathered from clinical work environment

Written assignmentsprojects

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

Questioning verbal and 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

Health environments may include:

Potential risks may include but is not limited to:

Medication administration routesinclude:

Terminology associated with medications may include:

Legal and regulatory framework include:

Client history may include:

Reports can be verbal or written, and may include:

Policies and procedures relating to infection control can include:

Relevant client information and education may include:

Factors influencing medication actions may include:

Major medication groups include:

Major medication groups include: (contd)

Methods of storage, handling and usage of medications may include:

Administration of oral medications and associated terminology may include:

Administration of subcutaneous or intramuscular injection may include:

Common fluid and electrolyte imbalances may include:

Calculation of medication dosages must include:

Drugs commonly used for fluid and/or electrolyte imbalance may include:

Common terminology associated with fluid and electrolytes may include:

Policies and procedures relating to occupational health and safety include: