Course description
This course equips learners with the critical skills and clinical knowledge required to safely and effectively perform peripheral intravenous (IV) cannulation in accordance with current clinical guidelines and infection control protocols. It prepares health professionals to carry out IV cannulation procedures confidently, supporting patient care in acute, subacute, and community settings.
This course is essential for:
- Registered and enrolled nurses
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners
- Paramedics and emergency care workers
- Allied health professionals in extended scope roles
- Practice staff working in procedural settings or under supervision of medical officers
It is also strongly recommended for clinical staff working in rural, remote, or resource-limited environments where expanded clinical capabilities are required.
What will you learn?
This course provides practical, hands-on training and theoretical foundation in:
- Anatomy and physiology of the peripheral vascular system,
- Indications, contraindications, and potential complications of IV cannulation,
- Patient assessment and informed consent procedures,
- Selection of appropriate vein and cannula size,
- Aseptic technique and infection control during cannulation,
- Insertion and securing of cannulas using correct technique,
- Monitoring the cannula site and responding to adverse events (e.g., phlebitis, infiltration),
- Documentation, labelling, and incident reporting requirements,
- Safe disposal of sharps and adherence to workplace health and safety standards
Course format
To obtain your certification, you will need to:
- Successfully complete the online knowledge assessment,
- Attend the face-to-face workshop and successfully complete the performance assessments, including:
- Peripheral IV cannulation using simulated training models,
- Complete an industry placement in a suitable clinical setting under the supervision of a suitable health practitioner (e.g., doctor, currently qualified and competent RN, NP or paramedic) who has observed you performing the following:
- Peripheral intravenous cannulation for three (3) different clients,
- Monitoring one (1) peripheral in-situ intravenous cannula, and
- Safely removing one (1) peripheral intravenous cannula.