Essentials of Phlebotomy • Health Assessment and Fundamental Clinical Skills • IV Therapy: Peripheral and Central Line Care • Peripheral IV Therapy • Wound Care: Fundamental and Advanced
Please note:
These courses do not provide proof of competency or certification.
Essentials of Phlebotomy
Participants will learn introductory level indications for phlebotomy and best practices for obtaining blood samples for diagnostic testing, donations to help save lives and therapeutic treatment. The course includes time to practice venipuncture for blood draws using simulation materials.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Following this course, students will be able to:
- describe the history and purposes of phlebotomy (also referred to as venipuncture)
- identify common indications for venipuncture and potential complications
- demonstrate venipuncture procedure, including order of draw, using best practices
Available Dates
- Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Thursday, November 6, 2025, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Thursday, April 9, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Thursday, May 28, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Health Assessment and Fundamental Clinical Skills
Three days of immersion learning comprised of lectures alternating with hands-on practice of health assessment and clinical skills. Students will have a high-fidelity simulation experience using full scale computerized patient simulators that provide a high level of interactivity and realism to manage and assess select health emergencies.
Content most appropriate for: APRNs/RNs, LPNs and other Healthcare Professionals including Primary Care, Health Promotion, Rehabilitation and Diagnostics.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Following this course, students will be able to:
- conduct and document a thorough Health History Interview
- recite a systematic approach to Physical Assessment
- demonstrate Physical Assessment techniques relevant to course content
- identify significant anatomical landmarks pertinent to systems assessment
- conduct and document a head-to-toe assessment
- discuss special considerations for select populations
Available Dates
- Wed - Fri, December 10 - 12, 2025 - 9, 2025, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Wed - Fri, May 6 - 8, 2026, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
IV Therapy: Peripheral and Central Line Care
A full day course dedicated to the anatomical placement, utilization and assessment of intravenous lines used in acute and home care settings. The course includes time to practice venipuncture for the placement of peripheral lines using simulation materials. Students will gain a thorough understanding of intravenous nursing care, not competency.
Content most appropriate for: APRNs/RNs, LPNs and other Healthcare Professionals
Intended Learning Outcomes
Following this course, students will be able to:
- identify and differentiate central venous catheters
- discuss the complications of caring and feeding patients with central venous catheters
- demonstrate insight into both the bedside and procedural world of central access
- relate the basic principles of intravenous therapy
- explain the anatomy and physiology of the venous system
- insert and care for peripheral IV cannula
Available Dates
- Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Instructor
Blanche D. Murphy, BSN, RN, VA-BC has been teaching venous access courses at Boston College for nearly two decades with an expertise in combining lecture with hands-on training using simulated materials. With Vascular Access Board Certification since 2011, she serves as the Assistant Nursing Director for Venous Access at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, where she has practiced for more than 40 years. Throughout her career, Ms. Murphy has served on numerous committees and task forces while participating in and presenting at professional association conferences, including the December 2024 Organization of Nurse Leaders Poster Presentation: Back to Basics: Nursing Line Care Audits to Reduce Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections. Ms. Murphy earned a Bachelor of Nursing from Boston College and is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society.
Comments from students:
“Today was a great experience! I learned so much from Blanche and her power points were very informative. I feel confident in my skills of not only inserting P IVs but also assessing for complications and how to treat them. The anatomy breakdown was very helpful as well! Will definitely recommend this course to colleagues!”
Peripheral IV Therapy
Participants will benefit from a dynamic session describing how and why IV therapy is the fastest way to deliver medications, blood products and more. The course includes time to practice venipuncture for the placement of peripheral lines using simulation materials.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Following this course, students will be able to:
- understand the basic principles of intravenous therapy
- describe the anatomy and physiology of the venous system
- demonstrate insertion technique and care for peripheral IV cannulas
Available Dates
- Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Thursday, January 29, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Thursday, May 21, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Instructor
Blanche D. Murphy, BSN, RN, VA-BC has been teaching venous access courses at Boston College for nearly two decades with an expertise in combining lecture with hands-on training using simulated materials. With Vascular Access Board Certification since 2011, she serves as the Assistant Nursing Director for Venous Access at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, where she has practiced for more than 40 years. Throughout her career, Ms. Murphy has served on numerous committees and task forces while participating in and presenting at professional association conferences, including the December 2024 Organization of Nurse Leaders Poster Presentation: Back to Basics: Nursing Line Care Audits to Reduce Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections. Ms. Murphy earned a Bachelor of Nursing from Boston College and is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society.
Comments from students:
“Today was a great experience! I learned so much from Blanche and her power points were very informative. I feel confident in my skills of not only inserting P IVs but also assessing for complications and how to treat them. The anatomy breakdown was very helpful as well! Will definitely recommend this course to colleagues!”
Fundamentals of Wound Care for Nurses
This course provides a comprehensive overview of wound care, focusing on the characteristics and treatment approaches for various types of wounds, including surgical wounds, burns, arterial and venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure injuries.
Learning Outcomes
Following this course, students will evidence increased knowledge by demonstrating:
- Thorough wound assessments Identification of infection signs and symptoms
- Accurate documentation of wound characteristics
- Safe practice for all aspects of wound management
The course also covers pressure injury prevention and staging, including the assessment of darkly pigmented skin. Hands-on practice will be provided for wound cleansing, dressing selection, and deep wound packing.
Target Audience
Ideal for all nurses/clinicians who are motivated to learn the latest evidence-informed practices in fundamental wound assessment and management.
Available Dates
- Saturday, October 4, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Advanced Wound Care
Designed to equip nurses and clinicians with the skills needed to handle more complex wound care scenarios, the course includes advanced wound care concepts and techniques, including vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressings and compression bandaging for venous leg ulcers. Advanced wound care products will be discussed, including cellular skin substitutes (e.g. Dermagraft ® and Apligraf ®). Participants will receive tips and tricks with hands-on practice, including VAC dressing application and removal, compression bandaging, and surgical staple removal.
Target Audience
Perfect for nurses and clinicians interested in mastering advanced wound care techniques, including negative pressure therapy dressing changes, unna boots and 4-layer compression wraps. This course is especially beneficial for those who will serve as wound care champions or unit resources, and/or who will be performing complex dressings, including negative pressure wound management for deep wounds, compression bandaging for venous leg ulcers, and surgical staple removal.
Available Dates
- Saturday, October 25, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Instructor
Beth McNutt-Clarke, D.N.P., M.B.A., RN, CWOCN, is an assistant professor of the practice at the Connell School of Nursing. She is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in pressure injury prevention and wound management. McNutt-Clarke has been an educator for over two decades, having taught primary health care and population health nursing at the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University and the University of Toronto before coming to Boston College. In addition to her nursing credentials, she also holds an M.B.A. from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.
Education
B.Sc., McGill University
M.Sc.(A.), McGill University
M.B.A., Concordia University
WOCNEP, LaSalle University
D.N.P., Boston College
Research Interests
Wound, ostomy, continence care across the continuum; health promotion; home care; fall prevention in older adults
Selected Appointments and awards
2023: Award for Excellence in Clinical Education and Mentorship, Boston College; Mentorship Award, Sigma Theta Tau
2022: Award for Excellence in Teaching and Clinical Practice, Boston College; Spirit of Sigma Award, Sigma Theta Tau
2021: Award for Excellence in Clinical Education and Mentorship, Boston College
2020: Award for Excellence in Clinical Education and Mentorship, Boston College
2019: Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, Boston College
2018: Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, Boston College
2017: Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, Boston College
2016: Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching, Boston College