Syringe driver training for nurses and healthcare professionals

Our syringe driver training and awareness course is designed for nurses and healthcare workers, and delivered by qualified professionals with direct experience of using, operating and troubleshooting syringe drivers in real-life situations.

Syringe drivers (or pumps) offer a reliable way to administer regular medication to patients who are unable to take treatments orally – this can be due to persistent vomiting, obstructions, unresponsiveness or an inability to swallow tablets and/or liquids. They can be used to deliver analgesics, antiemetics, antibiotics and many other types of medicines used in recovery, rehabilitation and palliative care.

Our course is based around the use of the McKinley T34 syringe driver used in care home environments, and all delegates will have the opportunity to practice using the T34 during the training process.

Also known as continuous subcutaneous infusion, syringe drivers must be used only by qualified staff – our training and awareness course allows nurses and healthcare professionals to learn a new skill, or refresh their knowledge on their use.

What’s covered in our syringe driver training and awareness course?

Our syringe driver training for nurses and healthcare staff provides essential, comprehensive theoretical and practical teachings on the safe and effective use and handling of syringe drivers, covering:

• Introduction to syringe drivers
• Introduction to drug administration
• Commonly used drugs and possible side effects
• Indications for use
• Types and selection
• Universal precautions
• Patient/service user ID, communication and consent
• Cannula (saf-t-intima) site selection
• Syringe driver type specific operation
• Maintenance and trouble shooting
• Record keeping and defensible documentation
• Summary and evaluation

Course duration

Our Syringe Driver Training and Awareness course is completed in one day, over a 4 hour session, at a time and location to suit you.

Assessment and certification

Nurses undertaking the syringe driver training course will be assessed throughout the duration of the course by our qualified tutor.

As part of the assessment process, delegates will participate in a practical scenario in order to fully familiarise themselves with the safe handling and operational usage of the equipment.

Upon completion of the course, Guardian Angels Training will supply the necessary competency proformas required to ensure safe and evidenced-based clinical practice, allowing the registered provider to ensure mandatory competency assessments are completed within the workplace by a nominated mentor/supervisor.

Upon successful completion of the syringe driver training and awareness course for nurses, you’ll receive a certificate valid for 2 years from issue.

Please note: this syringe driver training course is only available to employers such as...

• NHS Trusts
• CCGs
• Care providers
• Independent hospitals

...that can provide training facilities onsite for groups of 4 - 12 delegates per training session.