Every person is legally owed a legal duty of care (Donaghue V Stevenson 1932). In addition the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Professional Conduct should be observed, particularly points 1-6.
In short the practitioner must:

1. Act in a manner to safeguard the well being of the patient.
2. Ensure that no act or omission on the practitioner?s part is detrimental to the patient.
3. Maintain and improve knowledge and competence.
4. Acknowledge any limitations and decline any duties unless able to perform safely and skilfully.
5. Work in a co-operative manner with patients and their families.
6. Work in a co-operative manner with other healthcare professionals and recognise their particular contribution within the care team.

Do not proceed without consent

You are inflicting a wound. Patients can refuse treatment. A doctor has a duty to explain the consequences of the refusal but pressure must not be exerted on the patient to change their mind.
Consent can be verbal, written or implied. All are of equal value in law and it is not common practice to obtain written consent for venepuncture.

Unconscious and confused patients

In these situations the tests requested must be deemed necessary. The practitioner must act as the patients? advocate. If in doubt delegate the task back to the doctor. Do not proceed alone. Confused patients, though consenting can be unpredictable, unconscious patients can move.

Documentation

1. Keep accurate records.
2. Document procedure in the patient notes.
3. Record samples, dates, times etc.
4. Also record bruising/haematoma.
5. Inform patient.
6. If consent is in question, document consent or refusal.
7. Inform the doctor if patient refuses

Minors

1. For children up to the age of 16 years consent may be required from a parent or guardian.
2. Only practitioners with a recognised paediatric qualification who have attended an approved paediatric venepuncture training programme may take blood from or inject children under the age of 16.

Know who you are accountable to

1. Yourself
2. The patient
3. Your employer
4. Professional Body

Know your local policy

1. Be properly trained.
2. Attend all relevant study sessions and supervised practice sessions.
3. Be properly assessed by an approved assessor.
4. Maintain your competency by regular practice.
   
   

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