[katlhoun]

Our cath lab recently opened a seven bed outpatient unit. This unit is staffed by cath lab RN, RT and a NA/Ward Clerk. Recently we had a day when our patient load was low. Our department manager sent everyone home except one Rn to take care of one patient who had received Versed and Fentanyl for a pacemaker generator replacement. The staff of the cath lab feels that this was not safe. What is your opinion? Do you have a policy regarding staffing in an outpatient setting?

[pickledpepperRN]

What if the worst happened. No patient in a hospital should have to wait for ACLS while the nurse calls a code. Who will call the MD if there is bleeding, hypo/hypertension or other problem? This is clearly not safe.

[dawngloves]

Not only that, what if she had to go to the bathroom?!