[Princess1234]

What is your practice with regarding to removing constavacs? RN or MD and do you have a reference?
Thanks!

[diveRN]

We are allowed to remove all drains except those that contact CSF, so no bolts, ventrics, or epidural caths. Has to do with infection control, or so I'm told.

Once trained, we can also DC internal and transvenous pacer wires. This is an annual competency.

[P_RN]

But, epidurals shouldn't be in contact with csf. If there's a doubt about what you can and can't do your state board is the ONLY answer.http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursi...ms/nervous.pdf

This is my states neurological line policy. There is a similar one for each type of invasive line. Every state has their own laws. That is what you must go by.

[diveRN]

Originally Posted by P_RN

But, epidurals shouldn't be in contact with csf. If there's a doubt about what you can and can't do your state board is the ONLY answer.http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursi...ms/nervous.pdf

This is my states neurological line policy. There is a similar one for each type of invasive line. Every state has their own laws. That is what you must go by.

True on the epidural. Dunno why we can't remove them other than what's dictated by policy. I know RNs in other facilities take them out.

+1 on board of nursing to check scope of practice.

[chocolatepoppy]

I would say the same as P_RN. Sound advice.

[Thunderwolf]

Under the guidelines of YOUR state's law, your facility will then decide and train who can D/C what drain/appliance....and even in a particular facility, it may only be permitted on a particular floor or setting. Regardless, if you are interested in learning how to D/C surgical drains, talk to your floor supervisor/preceptor. Training should be available.

Also, it may be a matter of surgeon preference....especially after the surgeon has come to know your own skill level. Some surgeons prefer to D/C their own drains...usually 2-3 days post op. Some surgeons feel confident enough to permit/write an order for nursing to do it (after training). So, the surgeon preference is another factor.

[Sueilp]

We as RN's can take out drains including constavacs (we only have one Ortho Doc who uses them) the only thing we dont take out is the epidural catheters.

[SassyJennRN]

We take out everything including epi's