Course Overview
This workshop is highly practical, giving candidates extensive supervised experience using high-quality training manikins and IV arms. Our experienced instructors provide step-by-step guidance, feedback, and mentoring throughout, helping learners develop the technical skills and professional judgement required to perform venepuncture and IV cannulation safely and confidently.
After completing the workshop, delegates are expected to consolidate their skills and achieve competency under clinical supervision within their own workplace. This ensures a safe transition from training to real-world clinical practice and supports the delivery of high-quality patient care.
This face-to-face programme can be tailored to meet the needs of your organisation and can be combined with related courses such as Anaphylaxis.
This course blends classroom-based teaching with hands-on practice and skills development using an IV training arm.
Learning Outcomes
Delegates who complete the Venepuncture & IV Cannulation Training will be able to:
- Discuss the legal, professional and local policy requirements relating to venepuncture and IV cannulation.
- Explain relevant venous anatomy and identify suitable vessels for both venepuncture and cannulation.
- Prepare the patient, environment and equipment appropriately prior to the procedure.
- Demonstrate awareness of available equipment, including vacuum systems, “butterfly” needles and cannula types.
- Perform venepuncture and IV cannulation using a systematic, safe and aseptic technique on training manikins.
- Recognise common complications (e.g. haematoma, extravasation, needlestick injury) and describe measures to minimise risk to patients and staff.
Course Length:
At Least 4 contact hours
Course Assessment:
Continuous assessment of practical skills and participation
Certification
Certificate of attendance issued on completion. Clinical sign-off to practise independently must be obtained within your own workplace.
Course Structure and Programme
The course combines concise teaching sessions with extensive supervised practical training. A typical programme includes:
Professional & Theoretical Elements
- Overview of the professional, legal and ethical aspects of venepuncture and cannulation.
- Review of the venous anatomy of the arm (and leg where appropriate) and criteria for vein selection.
- Discussion of infection prevention, aseptic technique and sharps safety.
Equipment & Technique
- Overview of commonly used blood sampling and cannulation devices, including safety-engineered devices.
- Demonstration of practical techniques using up-to-date training manikins and IV arms.
- Step-by-step coaching in needle insertion, cannula advancement, securing and flushing devices.
Complications & Documentation
- Identification and management of complications of venepuncture and cannulation (e.g. haematoma, phlebitis, extravasation, infiltration, needlestick injury).
- Documentation requirements and ongoing assessment/monitoring of IV devices.
Venepuncture & IV Cannulation Training FAQs
No previous venepuncture or cannulation experience is required. The course is suitable for beginners and for clinicians who want to refresh, update, or revalidate their skills in line with current best practice.
Yes. The workshop is highly practical, with extensive hands-on practice using high-quality training manikins and IV arms, supervised by experienced clinical instructors.
Yes. Assessment is continuous throughout the session, focusing on safe technique, correct use of equipment, infection prevention, and adherence to professional standards.
You will receive a certificate of attendance, but independent practice requires competency sign-off within your own workplace. Local policy determines when you may perform these procedures unsupervised.
Yes. The course can be tailored to your clinical environment, staff experience and patient needs. We can also combine it with other courses such as Anaphylaxis or Medical Emergencies training.
This course is ideal for Nurses, doctors, paramedics, healthcare assistants, ODPs and other clinical staff who require venous access skills for diagnostics, treatment or emergency care.
No equipment is required. All training devices, manikins and materials are provided. If your organisation uses specific equipment, we can incorporate it into the training.
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Contact Details
Whether you’d like to discuss your training requirements, book a course, or get expert advice, our friendly clinical team would love to hear from you.
Phone: 0333 0122 999
Email: info@rcmstraining.co.uk
Resuscitation Consultancy Medical Services Ltd
86 Forest Walk
Buckley, Flintshire
CH7 3AR
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed