IV Cannulation

IV cannulation training provides nursing and medical professionals with the practical and theoretical knowledge required to safely perform peripheral IV cannulation. Covering anatomy, vein and cannula selection, infection control, procedure, complications, consent and legal considerations, this practical course supports healthcare professionals in developing safe and effective cannulation skills.

  • Suitable for: Nurses and qualified care staff

  • Delivery method: Face-to-face / Virtual training

  • Course length: ½ day (theory) / 1 day (theory & practical)

  • Max attendees: 15 delegates

Who is this training for?

This CPD training course is designed for organisations wishing to train 8 or more staff members and can be delivered either face-to-face, or as an online webinar. For further information, please contact us on 02920 494 969 or make an online enquiry.

Course information

Peripheral IV cannulation is an essential clinical skill used to provide intravenous medication, fluids and blood products, as well as rapid access in emergency situations. This training combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises to help delegates understand the principles of safe and effective peripheral cannulation. The course covers the vascular system, vein and cannula selection, preparation, insertion, site maintenance and removal, alongside infection prevention and the recognition and management of potential complications.

Delegates will also explore consent, legal and professional responsibilities, sharps safety and aseptic technique. The training is designed for nursing and medical professionals and should be followed by competency assessment and supervised practice within the clinical setting.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this training, delegates will be able to:

  • Understand the anatomy and function of the vascular system relevant to peripheral IV cannulation.
  • Identify appropriate indications for peripheral IV cannulation.
  • Select suitable veins and appropriate cannula sizes according to the clinical requirement.
  • Recognise veins and sites that are appropriate or inappropriate for cannulation.
  • Prepare the patient, environment and equipment safely before commencing the procedure.
  • Understand and apply appropriate infection prevention and aseptic techniques.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the peripheral IV cannulation procedure.
  • Understand the importance of patient consent and professional accountability.
  • Recognise the signs and symptoms of common local and systemic complications.
  • Understand appropriate actions when complications such as phlebitis, infiltration, extravasation or infection occur.
  • Understand the principles of IV site maintenance, documentation and cannula removal.
  • Apply appropriate sharps safety and disposal procedures.
  • Understand the importance of working within local policies, procedures and individual scope of competence.

Please note: A competency framework is included in this training. Competency is achieved in the workplace following the training. Each procedure needs to be signed off by a qualified, senior member of staff. The completed document can then be used to identify the individuals’ competence.

Delivery methods

Acute Training Solutions strive to deliver an engaging and informative learning experience in a safe and inclusive environment. All of our training courses are delivered by experienced healthcare professionals across the UK. This healthcare training course is available via the following delivery methods:

  • Face-to-face training (½ day - 1 day): This course can be delivered to a maximum of 15 delegates and can be tailored to meet your organisation's specific needs. The half-day option provides a theory-only session, while the full-day includes a simulated workstation with clinical oversight. Please confirm your preference when booking.

  • Virtual training (½ day): This course can be delivered via Zoom or MS Teams to a maximum of 20 delegates. Virtual sessions are most commonly used as refresher training sessions. Please note that there is no hands-on practical element in this training; practical elements are displayed using video examples.

Course FAQs

The course is designed for nursing and medical professionals who require the theoretical and practical knowledge to perform peripheral IV cannulation safely and effectively.

The training covers anatomy and indications, the vascular system, vein and cannula selection, the cannulation procedure, calculations, infection control, complications, consent and legal considerations.

Yes - however only when participating in the 1 day session. The course includes practical exercises designed to support delegates in developing their understanding of vein identification and the cannulation process.

Delegates learn about complications including phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, infiltration, extravasation, haematoma, cannula occlusion and venous spasm, as well as systemic complications such as septicaemia, embolus, circulatory overload, air embolism and anaphylaxis.

Yes. Infection prevention is a key component of the training, including hand hygiene, universal precautions, aseptic technique, sharps safety and appropriate site maintenance.

Yes. The course covers vein selection, sites to avoid and cannula selection, including consideration of cannula size, flow requirements, vein size and the intended clinical use.

Yes. We deliver IV cannulation training nationwide and can provide training at your premises or through alternative delivery methods where appropriate.

Yes. Certificates are provided following successful completion of the course.

Make an enquiry

Acute Training Solutions can provide tailored healthcare training to your organisation or team. To find out more about this course, please contact us on 02920 494 969 or complete the short online form below. A member of our team will be in touch right away.