Electrical Stimulation Therapy

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2014

The LVN scope of practice formulated by the Texas Board of Nursing is wide open. Basically, LVNs in Texas are permitted to perform whatever skills that they are allowed to perform per the policies and procedures of the entities that employ them.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Oct 5, 2014

E-Stim is not really that difficult. Because you likely haven't taken any therapeutic modalities theory coursework, simply ask the physician what settings to use. Within wounds/injured tissue, there's a lot of K+ floating around in there, so the area is positively charged. You want to entice those K+ ions to go elsewhere, so you need to think about the direction of the flow of current.

There's also various modes that you'll need to learn about and you'll need to know what the intent is for why the e-stim is being used. TENS units are basically used for pain control. Russian Stim is used for some muscle re-education and strength development. Occasionally Quad-Polar interferential stim can be used.

I studied Sports Med... so I do know a little about this stuff.

sharpeimom · Oct 5, 2014

When I began the electrical stim therapy in the doctor's office for a torn rotator cuff, they showed me how it worked, then said I could adjust it up as it became comfortable. They had no idea that I was an RN because I'm insured under my husband's policy. Later, when I went to PT, they gave me a portable unit to use at home.

Makes me wonder though. If they think the average patient can do it when using the office's machine, it bears checking into. You do have to take it slowly at first when you increase the amount of stimulation, so I'm inclined to think patient control under supervision, at first, is best.

Doesn't really answer your question but it's food for thought,

lvn87 · Oct 6, 2014

Thanks so much for the swift and informative responses.

guest2210 · Oct 6, 2014

I was a TENS fitter for a podiatry group many years ago in Ohio. It was my job to instruct the patient on use and level of pain to increase as needed post operatively. The company that employed me wanted a licensed professional for the position.