RNs assisting with c-sections....what are your thoughts?

[babypanda123]

I apologize if this has been previously discussed as I am new to the board.

AGOG "recommends" that 2 docs be present for a c-section. However, it isn't "required."

Most of our OB/GYNs call in a partner to assist. And a few will do an occasional CS with just themselves and the scrub tech. Recently one of our docs that normally would call in his partner has been asking for another nurse to scrub in with him and assist. That RN will just hold retractors and cut suture. My question is what do you guys think about this from a liability standpoint? That RN isn't a "certified" first assist but isn't doing anything that the scrub tech (unlicensed at my hospital) wouldn't do when only 1 MD is present. It just kinda made me think about this from a liability standpoint if it ever became a legal issue...opinions please??

[Davey Do]

It's been over 20 years, but as an LPN, I would standardly be the first scrub and assist on C-Sections.

Maybe times have changed and someone will chime in with an update.

Dave

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

Two docs is the ideal, but in an emergency like fetal distress or placenta abruptio, you don't waste time waiting for the assist to pitch up. If it's just the RN and the surgeon, tough, get the h#ll in there and get that baby out.

[Jolie, BSN]

Every hospital has a policy on who may scrub in a C-section, including credentials and education.

Ask your nurse manager and/or risk manager to show you the policy that discusses whether an RN may act as a first assistant in the event of an emergency C-section and also whether the rules are different for a non-emergent C-section.

If an RN who is not a RNFA does not qualify in your institution, then there must be other personnel available.

[eslvn]

It kinda sucks that we always have to think about liability... I understand why, but sometimes it would be nice to just take care of people.