Syringe Driver
Syringe driver training gives registered nurses the knowledge and skills to use syringe drivers safely for symptom control in end-of-life care, in line with current UK legislation and NICE guidance. Delivered on-site by a registered nurse, with practical work wherever the subject allows.
Why this training matters
More than half of deaths in England (57%) now occur at home, in a care home or in a hospice rather than in hospital, settings where syringe drivers allow continuous symptom control for people who can no longer take medication by mouth.
Source: GOV.UK / OHID (ONS data) · 2023
About the course
Use syringe drivers safely for end-of-life symptom control
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Explain what a syringe driver is and when it is used
- Understand the legal requirements for Controlled Drugs, including safe custody and CD Register entries
- Know the four key types of medicine used for end-of-life symptom control and typical dosing ranges
- Recognise breakthrough pain and know when to escalate under NICE NG31
- Set up the McKinley T34 correctly, including syringe choice, priming and keypad lock
- Select an appropriate subcutaneous site and know which sites to avoid
- Carry out observations, monitoring and documentation correctly at every check
- Respond appropriately to common alerts and alarms
- Know the correct procedure for stopping the infusion and disposing of controlled drugs
What you’ll cover
Full course content
Everything the course covers, exactly as our trainers deliver it:
What is a Syringe Driver?
- What It Is
- Why it’s used
- Advantages & disadvantages
- Main indications for use
Prescribing, Ordering & Controlled Drugs
- Processes
- PRN & variable-dose medicines
- Remote prescribing
- Ordering
- Controlled drugs
- Syringe driver administration
- CQC Regulation 12 & Mental Capacity Act 2005
Medicines for Symptom Control: Analgesics
- The four key types
- Diamorphine: opioid-naïve dosing
- Converting from oral opioids
- Anti-emetics
- Sedatives
- Antisecretory drugs
Managing Breakthrough Pain
- Breakthrough pain
- NICE NG31: PRN dose review
- Not a prescribing failure
Equipment & Setting Up the Pump
- Required equipment
- Choice of syringe
- Priming the extension line
- Keypad lock
- Lockbox
Selecting & Preparing the Site
- Suitable sites
- Sites to avoid
- Cannula preparation & insertion
Observations, Stopping & Removal
- Staff competence
- Stopping the pump
- After stopping
- Removal of the cannula
Documentation & Monitoring
- Documentation at set-up
- Monitoring at each check
- Action points
Cleaning, Alerts & Alarms
- Decontamination
- Occlusion / syringe empty
- Syringe displaced
- Pump paused too long
- Near end / end program
- Low / end battery
Please note: successful completion of this course certifies that delegates have demonstrated an appropriate level of competency within a training-room environment only. This is not the same as being competent to perform the procedure on a person. Competency must still be demonstrated in the working environment and signed off by a relevant and competent person in line with your company policies.
Keep exploring
Related clinical courses
These subjects sit naturally alongside this course, and we can combine courses into one visit.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Where is the training delivered?
All of our training is delivered on-site at your service, anywhere in the UK. We come to you, so there are no travel costs or venue hire for your team. We can also deliver the theory virtually over Zoom; the practical parts stay on-site.
How long is the Syringe Driver course?
It runs as a half day (3 hours) course, delivered in one visit unless stated otherwise.
How many delegates can attend?
Up to 12 delegates per session. We keep practical groups smaller so everyone gets hands-on time.
Is there a practical element?
Yes, delegates practise the techniques hands-on during the course, guided by the trainer. Please note that completion certifies competency within a training-room environment only; competency must still be signed off in the workplace in line with your company policies.
Do delegates receive a certificate?
Yes, every delegate receives a certificate on completion. We recommend refreshing every two years.
How much does the course cost?
We price every course on application, based on your dates, location and delegate numbers. Use the contact buttons below. We reply quickly with a quote.
Can we combine courses into one visit?
Yes. Many clients build a full training day from shorter courses, and we can deliver several subjects in one visit. Just tell us what your team needs.
Do you only train care providers?
No. This course suits care & nursing homes, home care (complex packages), hospices, hospitals & clinics, supported living. If your sector isn’t listed, ask and we’ll tailor the course to your setting.
Often booked with Syringe Driver
Clients often book these for the same visit, so the whole team trains on one day.
First AidEmergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)Full day (6 hours)
First AidBasic Life Support (BLS)Half day (3 hours)
MandatoryMoving & HandlingFull day (6 hours)ClinicalEnd of Life Care (Clinical)Half day (3 hours)
MandatoryFire MarshalFull day (6 hours)Book this course
We bring Syringe Driver training to your service
Delivered on-site at your service, nationwide, with pricing on application. Tell us your dates and delegate numbers and we’ll reply quickly with a quote.
Part of our clinical training range. Also explore mandatory training and first aid courses.