Invasive procedures in ED

[Novo]

Besides foleys and ng tubes what other procedures can ER nurses do? can nurses start central lines, suture deep wound packing?

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

This varies by location (RN scope of practice) as well as by hospital policy. Some places I can do EJs, others I can't, for example. Here in Afghanistan I can do chest tubes, but I can't do those at home! Check with your BON and hospital.

[MedicalPartisan]

I know you are probably expecting a more detailed response but it really varies by location and how strict the policies are enforced/what the physician allows (in terms of overstepping typical boundaries).

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

First you have to check the state SOP for RNs. Then the facilities policies. Finally, the provider.

[Novo]

What are some typical procedures or some not so typical that an RN can do?

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

IVs, Foleys, Some places let you do ABGs (I do them at my job). NG/OG tubes, wound care. Meds-IV, IV blood products. If your thinking more task based career you might want to do Physician's Assistant or perhaps paramedic. I believe they do more suturing, etc. But they also tend to not do the other stuff that I listed. Honestly I think the Physician's in my ER get to do most of the fun stuff, chest tube placements, intubations, etc.