[czipp]

I wondered if anyone of you as RN's
use propofol? Only the anesthesia
people are using it. When anesthesia
is used they use propofol. We as Rn's are pushing the Demerol, Versed, Morpheine, Nubain,elc.for conscious sedation. We
are not "allowed " to push propofol or
really any Fentanyl. Is this typical?
Or are we as RN's being overruled or
not allowed to push such drugs..........???
We usually use Demerol and Versed.
but propofol requires a nurse anesthestist or an anesthesiologist.
Is this common????

[kewlnurse]

We can use it in ccu areas, fentanyl also. Floor nurses aren't allowed to push much of anything, 'cept most narcs.

[EndoRN]

We don't do our own sedation where I work. Anesthesia does it. But when I worked at the hospital we were NOT allowed to push it. Only Demerol/Versed/Droperidol...........the usual stuff.
I just atttended a workshop for IVCS. It was pretty interesting. They said Propofol can be given by any RN. So it must just be up to the hospital's policy where it can be pushed. Only in ICU...or whatever.

Amy

[PhantomRN]

We run Propofol as well in our unit.

[lmbv55]

Our anesthesia staff gives the propofol. web use demerol, versed, MS, fentanyl. I personally don't want to give it, it's deeper than conscious sedation and some times conscious sedation goes too deep for me.

[ButtRN]

Only Anesthesia administers Propofol thankfully! I think it would be a huge mistake to allow any RN to PUSH Propofol!!!!! The liabilities would be huge and we certainly do not make enough money to cover the malpractice! Did you ever watch Propofol given and watch how some people completely go out and need constant airway support? A Propofol drip in an ICU is one thing as it is a slow drip and many of the patients are already intubated! The implications are huge! Much more so than involved with Fentanyl, which can be given safely with just a little care! Not all RN's are that careful. I really hope and pray that Propofol will only be given by anesthesia, as their only responsibility in the case is the patient, nothing else. A far cry from what we who administer concious sedation are required in any given case! It's the best drug ever in my opinion but something for Anesthesia, the same as General Anesthesia!

[patsue53]

Only anesthesia administers Propofol in our endo lab and like ButtRN I'm more than thankful! We typically use versed and demerol...occasionally fentanyl...and morphine or nubain if the patient is allergic to demerol. Propofol is very powerful. It's a great drug but I'll let the Anesthesiologists take the liability thanks!

[Endo Diva]

We use Demerol and Versed mostly! I was at an ERCP conference in Milwaukee and there does not appear to be a push for RNs to give Propofol. Too many issues and like said deeper sedation than we are trained to manage as RNs. We are not paid enough money to be responsible for deeper sedation!

[LibraSun]

Holy Cow!! Have none of you guys taken ACLS? I would LOVE to be able to give Propofol. The patient wakes up in seconds. It has a half life of 1.8 minutes!!! I would rather bag a pt for 1.8 minutes than give an 85 y/o 85 lb lady 125mcg of fent and 5 mg of versed!!!!!! Then have to reverse her!
I understand there is an Endo lab in southern Oregon that trains RNs in GI to administer propofol---would love to go there!!!

When I worked in the Midwest as a recovery room nurse we had a procedure room for ECTs, and the Drs started the propofol and we managed it during and post procedure. I NEVER had a problem with airway (if that is the concern)--only with people waking up TOO FAST!

Don't sell yourself too short, RNs keep people alive all the time. All the nurses in our GI lab have ICU/ER experience and ACLS. We need to expand our expertise, not limit it. As long as we are appropriately trained and supervised by an MD, there is no reason to fear administering a medication that enhances the patients comfort and safety during procedures.

[ENDOgal]

WE don't use Propofol either.

We use mostly versed, sublimaze, and occasionally (for 1 doc) demerol.