UNIT OF COMPETENCY Patient Controlled Analgesia Registered ...

UNIT OF COMPETENCY
Patient Controlled Analgesia
Registered Nursing Staff
DESCRIPTOR: This assessment is concerned with the ability of the Registered Nurse to perform
the procedure of set up, programming and care of a patient utilising Patient Controlled Analgesia
(PCA). This competency assesses your clinical skills and is to be completed following successful
completion of the PCA learning package.
ELEMENTS
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
(Expected Performance)
Demonstrates safe practice
Performs procedure:
Set up
Performs procedure:
Programming of the
PCA pump
Performs procedure:
Syringe change
Performs procedure:
Records observations
Demonstrates awareness
of Infection Control and OH
& S requirements
(Critical Aspects)
1.1 Reads PCA prescription
1.2 Adheres to the hospital policies related to PCA management
1.3 Identifies patient
1.4 Does not leave medication unattended
1.5 Checks for known drug allergy
1.6 Assesses patency of IV or SC cannula
1.7 Observes patients for any adverse drug reaction
2.1 Gathers equipment
2.2 Prepares medication
2.3 Labels prepared syringe
2.4 Adheres to the 5 rights of medication administration
2.5 Primes the line and antireflux valve
2.6 Connects to the patient
3.1 Programming confirmed with a second RN
3.2 Selects protocol
3.3 Modifies protocol as required
3.4 Confirms all program parameters
3.5 Commences PCA
3.6 Hands button to patient
4.1 Gathers equipment
4.2 Prepares medication
4.3 Labels prepared syringe
4.4 Adheres to the 5 rights of medication administration
4.5 With second RN changes syringe
4.6 Discards remaining drug volume
4.7 Reconfirms all program parameters with second RN
5.1 Records observations
5.2 Determines pain score at rest and on movement and takes
remedial action
5.3 Assesses respiratory rate and takes remedial action
5.4 Determines oxygen saturation
5.5 Assesses sedation score and takes remedial action
5.6 Assess for complication and take remedial action
5.7 Records demands made and successful doses received
5.8 Records amount remaining in syringe
5.9 Records cumulative total of drug delivered
5.10 Record current infusion rate, if applicable
5.11 Checks patients understanding of PCA use
6.1 Washes hands
6.2 Positions self
6.3 Ensures patient comfort
6.4 Dons PPE
6.5 Disposes of equipment
Demonstrates
communication and
interpersonal skills
7.1 Addresses patient by name
7.2 Explains procedures
7.3 Responds to needs
7.4 Completes documentation
PCA Competency Registered Nurses June 2008 Candidate’s Descriptor

7.5 Reinforces PCA education
EVIDENCE GUIDE
Context for assessment:
This unit of competency must be
assessed in the work place.
Range of variables:
May be for IV or subcut PCA
(PCEA in Delivery Suite only)
Underpinning knowledge is
required
of the following:
Completed PCA learning package
Hospital Policy
Standard Precautions
ASSESSMENT DECISION
Competent Not Yet Competent
Action/Further Training Required:
Details of Feedback to Candidate:
Details of Feedback from Candidate:
Assessor’s Signature:
Date:
Candidate’s Signature:
Date:
Methods used
to gather
evidence
Observation
Oral
Questioning
Workbook
Confirmation
of result
Assessment Matrix
Elements of Competency
1 2 3 4
PCA Competency Registered Nurses June 2008 Candidate’s Descriptor