practice questions

Specialties Operating Room

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i was wondering if anyone knows in what capacity may a cst close the skin of a patient. we have a 'rogue' cst who is gung-ho on what he can do. he has even completed a first-assist home study program.....but is not certified as an FA. he has been observed closing the skin w/o the physician present (the physician knew he was closing). i don't think that they are licensed to perform any medical procedure without the proper certs. or license. any info and reference sources would be helpful.

In California, it is illegal for anyone who is not an RN or PA to suture. That is a new law that went into effect about 2 years ago.

Yoga, CRNA

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i am posting this as a follow-up to my original post from 10-13-03 in which i asked about a non-certifed first assist. i also explained that due to this persons wife being the DON at the hospital, i was in a precarious position. i had questioned his being cleared to suture without the presence of the surgeon and if he really is qualified to perform these procedures. of course i checked with my supervisor and the DON. i was assured that everything was ok and advised not to worry or isolate myself by 'picking' on his credentials. well well well, this past week i was asked to resign for some rediculous charge (signing a chart), by none other than the DON! apparently they had been collecting a little diary of my work and waited until they had enough evidence to push me out. now i am not implying that i am the perfect nurse, by any stretch (don't know very many who are). but when my nursing care and skill is flagrantly questioned and singled out, it pisses me off! it seems i was singled out for being a whistle-blower and questioning the wrong person.

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Lawsuits happen! And when things do happen, the RN is the responsible person and it's every man or woman for his/herself. Trust me, when the fire dies down and the smoke clears away, you'll be standing all alone. No one will have your back. If you feel it's not right, go to risk management, an attorney or someone to C.Y.A. Go to the surgeon privately to make sure he's aware of this because he may think that the tech is certified.

It's far better to leave a position and find another job than to lose your license because of someone else's mistakes.

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