Course Overview

This comprehensive one-day course teaches the theory and practice of peripheral venous cannulation (IV access). Participants will gain the knowledge and skills required to insert, secure, and manage peripheral cannulae safely and competently.

Cannulation is an essential skill for healthcare professionals involved in administering IV medications, fluids, blood products, or obtaining blood samples. This course provides thorough preparation through detailed theory and extensive supervised practice using realistic training arms.

You'll learn site selection, insertion technique, securing and dressing, troubleshooting complications, infection prevention, and the legal and professional responsibilities associated with this invasive procedure.

What You'll Learn

  • Anatomy and physiology of the peripheral venous system
  • Indications and contraindications for IV cannulation
  • Types of cannulae - sizes, uses, and selection criteria
  • Site selection principles and vein assessment
  • Aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) for cannulation
  • Step-by-step cannulation procedure
  • Securing cannulae and applying sterile dressings
  • Testing patency and flushing cannulae
  • Documentation and record keeping
  • Recognition and management of complications
  • Phlebitis assessment and VIP scoring
  • Removing cannulae safely
  • Preventing needle stick injuries
  • Legal, professional, and accountability issues

Course Content & Format

Session 1: Theory (2 hours)

  • Introduction to peripheral venous cannulation
  • Anatomy and physiology of veins and blood vessels
  • Indications for IV access and cannulation
  • Equipment overview - cannula types, sizes, and components
  • Infection prevention and ANTT principles
  • Site selection and vein assessment
  • Patient preparation, consent, and communication
  • Step-by-step cannulation technique demonstration
  • Securing and dressing IV cannulae
  • Complications - recognition, prevention, and management
  • Phlebitis scale and VIP scoring
  • Documentation requirements
  • Legal and professional accountability

Session 2: Practical Skills (2 hours)

  • Hands-on practice with cannulation training arms
  • Vein palpation and site selection practice
  • Tourniquet application techniques
  • Skin preparation and ANTT practice
  • Cannula insertion technique - multiple attempts
  • Advancing the catheter and withdrawing the needle
  • Checking flashback and confirming placement
  • Flushing and testing patency
  • Securing with transparent dressing
  • Cannula removal technique
  • Problem-solving difficult cannulation scenarios
  • Individual feedback and coaching
  • Practical competency assessment

🩸 Equipment & Resources Provided

  • Realistic IV cannulation training arms with replaceable skin
  • Various sizes of cannulae (14G to 24G)
  • Safety cannulae with retractable needles
  • Tourniquets and skin cleaning solutions
  • Transparent semi-permeable dressings
  • Normal saline flushes and syringes
  • Sharps containers and PPE
  • Comprehensive training manual
  • Competency assessment documentation

Cannulation Technique Covered

Site Selection

  • Preferred sites: dorsal hand, cephalic, basilic veins
  • Sites to avoid: areas of flexion, damaged skin, infected areas
  • Assessing vein suitability - visibility, palpability, straightness
  • Considerations for patient comfort and mobility

Cannula Sizes

  • 14G/16G (orange/grey) - major trauma, rapid fluid resuscitation
  • 18G (green) - blood transfusion, theatre, emergency
  • 20G (pink) - routine IV therapy, medications
  • 22G/24G (blue/yellow) - children, elderly, fragile veins

Insertion Technique

  • Optimal angle of insertion (15-30 degrees)
  • Watching for flashback in chamber
  • Advancing catheter while withdrawing needle
  • Releasing tourniquet at appropriate time
  • Occluding vein to prevent blood spillage

Who Should Attend?

  • Registered nurses (RGNs, RMNs, RNLDs)
  • Operating department practitioners
  • Paramedics and advanced practitioners
  • Student nurses in final year placement
  • Healthcare professionals authorized to cannulate

⚠️ Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Professional Registration: Must be a registered healthcare professional or final year student
  • Employer Authorization: Must have permission from employer to perform cannulation
  • Supervised Practice: 10-20 supervised insertions required after training before independent practice
  • Annual Review: Competency should be reviewed annually
  • Group Size: Maximum 6 participants to ensure adequate practice time

Complications & Management

The course covers recognition and management of:

  • Phlebitis (mechanical, chemical, infective)
  • Infiltration and extravasation
  • Haematoma formation
  • Occlusion and blockage
  • Accidental removal or dislodgement
  • Infection at insertion site
  • Nerve damage
  • Failed insertions

Assessment & Certification

Assessment includes:

  • Written knowledge assessment
  • Practical demonstration of full cannulation procedure
  • Safe disposal of sharps
  • Appropriate documentation
  • Understanding of when to seek assistance

Successful participants receive a Safe2Care Cannulation Training certificate. This provides evidence of theoretical knowledge and initial practical skills, but supervised workplace practice is essential before independent cannulation.

Post-Course Support

  • Comprehensive course manual
  • Cannulation procedure checklist
  • Workplace competency assessment documentation
  • Phlebitis assessment tool (VIP score)
  • Troubleshooting guide
  • Email support for queries
  • Guidance for supervisors

Delivery Options

At our training centre: Purpose-built clinical skills facility with all equipment in Northern Ireland.

On-site at your premises: We deliver at your workplace with all equipment provided. Requires suitable room for theory and practical sessions.

Tailored to your organization: Training can incorporate your organization's specific procedures, documentation, and equipment.