Name :

Assessor:

Role / Band:

Level of competency expected of role 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □

Competency:
Injection technique – Intramuscular and sub-cutaneous sites
Competency Statement
The practitioner will be competent to administer intramuscular and sub-cutaneous injections (as appropriate to their role in the organisation)

Initially please self-assess your current level of competence in relation to the competency statements outlined. You may feel that you are at different levels for different components of this competency. For example you may feel that you are safe to practice autonomously in some aspects of the competency but only understand basic principles for other elements. Initial and date where you feel that you are for each statement. This information will help you focus your learning needs. Agree with your assessor a timeframe to complete the competency. At the end of this period reassess your competence and ask your assessor to do the same

Complete self-assessment regarding this competency on day 1

At agreed date re-assess your level of knowledge / skills / attitude

Assessor to indicate level of competency achieved at negotiated end point

The NMC code (2008) states : “As a professional, you are personally accountable for actions and omissions in your practice and must always be able to justify your decisions”.

For the full code: The code in full | Nursing and Midwifery Council

Link to KSF dimensions and levels / 1.Understands basic principles
Self-Assessment
At Induction / 2.Consistently able to demonstrate principles and apply to practice
Following Training / 3.Safe to practice unsupervised
Assistant Practitioner level
Following formal assessment / 4.Autonomous
Clinical decision making
Registered Nurse level
By First 1 year PDR / Negotiated timeframe for successful completion
Knowledge required:
Understanding of the anatomy of the skin and muscles in relation to sub-cutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) injection sites
Understands why you would administer a medication via an injection
Understands the disadvantages of injections
Understands the difference between IM and SC injections
Understands the pre-administration skin checks that must be made before any injection is given
Understands the maximum volume that can administered via SC and IM routes
Understands the different sites for IM injections
Understands the rationale for Z-tracking technique in IM injections
Understands the different sites for SC injections
Understands the rationale for rotation of SC injection site
Understands the rationale for pinching skin into a fold for SC injection administration
Understands the difference between ampoules and vials
Understands the difference between luer lock and luer slip syringes, the different sizes they come in, and how to choose which is used
Understands the difference between gauges and lengths of needles and how to choose which is used
Understands the different medication preparations used in IM and SC injections
Understands techniques to reduce the pain associated with injections for the patient
Understands how to minimise the risk of infection when giving an injection
Understands safer sharps legislation
Understands the procedure following a needlestick injury
Skills required:
Is able to prepare solution and powder medications from a single-dose ampoule
Is able to prepare solution and powder medications from a multi-dose vial
Is able to demonstrate correct procedure for SC and IM injections Demonstrates aseptic non-touch technique when drawing up and administering injection
Disposes of sharps correctly
Records the administration on appropriate documentation
Attitude/Behaviour required:
Ensures the dignity and privacy of patient is maintained
Recognises and addresses any anxiety the patient may have about receiving an injection
Examples of Application
Suggested learning opportunities to develop skills and knowledge:
Injection technique training
Other resources:
Royal Marsden clinical procedures manual
Related Policies :
Incident reporting policy RMHS1
Infection Control policy IF1
Clinical Risk Assessment and Management CP16
Medical Devices Management Policy and Procedures CP08
Privacy and Dignity CP51

The policies identified within this competency framework are not exhaustive and clinicians should have a kworking knowledge of all relevant polices for required competency Home - Policies & Procedures

Links to Care Quality Commission Outcomes : 1, 2, 4,7,8,11,12, 14, 16

Clinicians Comments / Assessors Comments
Signature
Date / Signature
Date
Date of competency/Training review

Subsequent Review Period

Clinicians Comments / Assessors Comments
Signature
Date / Signature
Date
Date of competency/Training review

References:

Final, V1, 20.9.13, reviewed 25.9.15