Surg tech with serious burns from

[sharann]

We had a ST that was delegated the responsibility of doing the defib monitor checks by the OR RN (charge nurse). This nurse has the orderlies, ST's and other unlicenced assts doing this for years. We had a ST hospitalized with electrocution and burns to the hands while incorrectly checking the monitoe(she didn't know the paddles had to be in the holder area and she touched the machine... So, I can't understand this. Is this something that can be delegated? The nurse is blaming the tech of course. I think that the delegator must assume responsibility to assure those persons given the task are competent(or legally allowed) to perform them. This is so sad. Any thoughts?

[lwlrn]

Everyone in our O.R. has to be ACLS certified.

I always thought that an LPN could not work in surgery unless you were scrubbing holding retractor or have been train to scrub. I thought you had to be an RN to circulate. What state are you in?

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I always thought that an LPN could not work in surgery unless you were scrubbing holding retractor or have been train to scrub. I thought you had to be an RN to circulate. What state are you in?

I haven't said anywhere that i circulate, because i do not circulate. And my job title is not Retractor-Holder.

[lwlrn]

I haven't said anywhere that i circulate, because i do not circulate. And my job title is not Retractor-Holder.

Ok. So what do LPN do in surgery? I just wanted some info, did not mean to upset you. I thought this was about gathering info. MY bad.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I assist with whatever needs done for now (no circulating), and i scrub in on some cases.

[burtonorrn]

Interesting since CST's and most LPN's would be far outside of their scope of practice doing any ACLS functions, although I think the knowledge base is good to have.

everyone in our OR has to be ACLS cert. too...including the ST's...

[angel03]

Every place that I have ever worked, it was the responsibility of a registered nurse to check the crash cart, as well as the defibrillator.

How could she delegate when she didn't even know the proper way to do it? Perhaps, that is why? She is the charge nurse and this occurred during her shift. She is the one that delegated the responsibility.. :uhoh21:

It is my experience that delegation of this task is ok..IF the person has been trained and educated on proper handeling it is unfortunate if inservice was not provided to the staff on how to check a defibrillator..I know that monitor techs have checked our equipment and as a matter of fact the lead tech has given our staff inservices