Re: chest tube removal

In my unit, RNs can remove chest tubes, however, you must attend training, and then you have to have 3-4 witnessed CT removals before you can do them on your own.
Look at your state's scope of practice. Do not do anything without the proper training.

Re: chest tube removal

At my hospital, we have a policy that RNs may pull mediastnal CT only. However, the surgeon or the PA usually end up pulling the mediastinal and pleural CTs at the same time. I have only pulled 3 mediastinal CTs in my career.

Re: chest tube removal

In the unit where I used to work RN's were allowed to remove chest tubes, provided that you have been found competent in the procedure.

Re: chest tube removal

RN's who have been signed off on a competency pull medistinal and pleural chest tubes at the hospital I work at. I would never do it without proper training or being signed off though!

Re: chest tube removal

This is a very old thread, but considering the new replies, here goes...
My state (AZ) says it's a no no for RN's to pull pleural tubes. We can pull MS tubes, however. Having said that, my doc pulled all the tubes, and the epi wires, too.

Re: chest tube removal

I work in AZ too and we have been signed off by doctors to pull PT. I looked at the AZ Board of Nursing site, but cannot find information about what is in the scope of practice. They only have the meetings listed. How do you know nurses are not supposed to pull pleural tubes and can you tell me where to find that information? Thanks. I I do know that doctors have to pull epicardial wires.

Re: chest tube removal

Not going to say where I work, but our RN's pull them in the CVICU. Our "policy" is a see one, do one, teach one, kind of deal.....not so safe, but we actually haven't ever had any problems.

Re: chest tube removal

It's common practice in my unit for RN's to pull chest drains. The protocol says to remove the drains after at least 3 hours of no drainage or bubbling.

Re: chest tube removal

RN's in my unit remove ct's. once taught and you understand the complications following inappropriate removal, you'll be fine, just remember breath sounds before and after

Re: chest tube removal

Can anyone tell me the proper procedure for closure of the chest tube wound once the tube has been successfully removed. Patient after 3 mos. still has open incision. Is this normal practice? Is it supposed to close on its own. Patient is 78 yr. old and diabetic. What sort of complications can result from the open incision. Should we contact a surgeon to close it? Patient is in SNF.