Suturing

[AmandaRN]

This may be a totally ridiculous question, but.... I am wondering if RN's are allowed to suture?? Is this even allowed, does it vary from state to state, institution to institution, etc. Thanks in advance!!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Removal of sutures and debridement of decubiti only in PA.

[nurseman]

When I was working in a nursing station I was allowed to suture. Had to read a self learning package, pass a test, watch two patients being sutured then have a nurse watch me suture two. I was working in a very isolated community that did not have roads out and you had to fly in. The nearest doctor was a 1-hour helicopter ride away. The College of Nurses of Ontario has special guidelines for Northern Ontario so I was covered legally.

Would not even suggest that I could suture someone down in civilization.

[KC CHICK]

Surgeon's Private nurses at my facility suture in the OR setting.

[jdomep]

Interesting...I live in PA and after the birth of #2 the doc let the RN suture my episiotomy - I guess that wasn't really legal:rolleyes: I was hoping I was going to get to do that too - oh well...

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Yep, as stated above, in the AF as a medic, I, too, did plenty of suturing. Also after "getting out" at a Dr.'s clinic where I worked..again, under "his" licence. Don't know that I'd want to do it now without training and certification, but would like to see it added to a nursing skill in that way.