[lovemyjob]

It baffles me that there are states that do not allow nurses to do art sticks. One of the states I work in has the same rule and I cant stand burning up veins to get blood for cx's and large amounts of blood, like during an admission (the docs arent there for admits, so no lines placed for blood.) It can be time consuming and an added pain for the baby when you have to make multiple attempts for blood. It is insane that a nurse can not stick art sites. We can put in UVC's in an emergency, but cant poke a artery???

Sorry, had to rant!!!

PS, in the other state I work in RT's do art sticks, but not art lines. However, we have residents/fellows/neo's available around the clock, so there is no reason for RT's/RN's to do art lines.

[HazelLPN]

RTs draw blood gases if the patient has no line....nurses do not. RTs do not start the A- line...only the docs do that.

[Nahbee]

I work in a PICU where RNs are allowed to do art sticks. I also know the NICU nurses do this. However, a general peds RN is not allowed. Unfortunately, there was no formal training in this area. This was treated just like PIV starts and blood draws: gaining experience w/practice.