Training and education

All staff using syringe pumps for continuous subcutaneous infusions must be appropriately trained and assessed as competent. Registered nurses are accountable for ensuring their practice is evidence based and that they are competent in accordance with The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour of nurses and midwives (2018).

Each organisation has a responsibility to ensure staff are provided with the appropriate training and education. All managers should ensure competency is achieved and keep an up to date staff record. Using a syringe pump is a practical, clinical skill. Therefore, education and training should follow a clinical skills approach. This approach supports the learner with the theory required to carry out the skill, a practical demonstration(s), often in the clinical area, and the opportunity to practice and develop this skill (Burgess et al, 2020).

Supervised practice continues until the learner and supervisor feel competency has been achieved. Once competency is achieved, a record should be kept by the learner, supervisor and manager. It is the responsibility of the nurse to ensure they maintain their competency and it is suggested that a competency review is carried out every 3 years or earlier if a learning or training need has been identified.

NHS Education for Scotland has agreed to help with the development of education and training resources. Once developed, these national resources that will be hosted on TURAS and will be accessible to all.