What is meant by competency?

Definition of Competency

About Competency

This page provides background context. About Competency Cannulation, Phlebotomy,Venepuncture Competence is about achieving an expected outcome through a combination of objective performance and subjective understanding. It is not simply the completion of a course or the holding of a certificate, but the consistent application of knowledge, skill, and professional judgement in practice.

Sarah Phillips, Managing Director of VeinTrain, has debated and explored competency in clinical practice and at board level for several decades. This experience informs the teaching, documentation, and Structured Learning Programme (SLP) used across VeinTrain courses.

At VeinTrain, we recognise the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s guidance as a strong reference point for understanding competent practice. The NMC emphasises that competence is a whole process rather than a single outcome:

“A bringing together of general attributes – knowledge, skills and attitudes. Skill without knowledge, understanding and the appropriate attitude does not equate with competent practice.”
NMC (2008), Guidance for Delegation, p.3

Measuring Competence in Practice

Competence can sometimes be recognised intuitively by experienced practitioners. However, in venepuncture and cannulation, competence can be measured more precisely through structured assessment.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) principles help reduce subjectivity within complex clinical environments. They support fair and focused assessment of skill performance while allowing theory-based and professional questioning to demonstrate wider and deeper understanding.

Experience shows that:

experienced clinicians can be overly critical of their own performance during supervised self-assessment, and
senior clinicians may focus heavily on one aspect of a skill when a learner is struggling
structured assessment helps maintain balance, keeping attention on observable practice, safety, and decision-making.

Supporting Competence After Training

VeinTrain supports learners beyond the training day through its flat-pack training system and Structured Learning Programme.

After receiving training and practising on simulation equipment, learners can take their competency booklet into the clinical environment for objective assessment under supervision. This allows competence to be demonstrated in real practice, not just in a classroom setting.

As experience develops, practitioners can continue to build confidence, refine technique, maintain standards, and, where appropriate, progress to teaching and supporting others.

VeinTrain Phlebotomy Training

VeinTrain phlebotomy training is designed in line with the CH132 National Occupational Standards for Obtaining Venous Blood Samples, developed by Skills for Health for the NHS. This ensures learners gain the knowledge and skills required to meet employer expectations and practise safely and effectively.

What You Will Learn

Roles and responsibilities of a phlebotomist
Familiarisation with venepuncture equipment
Anatomy of veins to support effective vein selection
Best-practice techniques for safe blood sampling
Flexible Learning Approach

The course combines asynchronous online learning with optional live workshops or a 3.5-hour self-guided practical session. Learners also have access to up to 21 hours of online skills lab content, supporting continued practice and skill development.

The online skills lab reduces the need for travel while maintaining access to structured learning. Live online sessions provide real-time interaction and guidance from experienced trainers.