Rad Tech's pushing IV Narcotics for sedation - Page 2

You might poll the area hospitals and see what they're doing, and if it's different, ask if they have any reference material (articles, national technologist bylaws/guidelines/standards) to support their practice. If all else fails, you may contact the tech licensing organization and let them fill you in. It sounds like it's a touchy area (a little territory-ism going on??). I agree that it's a NURSING duty. Years ago they did push narcs (I'm talking 25 yr ago ), but at the facilities I've worked, the pendulum has swung (and rightly so) and it IS a nursing duty. Assessments, monitoring and all. Hmmm, maybe JCAHO has something to say about this, you might check their website and do a search. -- D

I work in a Michigan facility. IV starts, IV sedation, conscious sedation are all done by RNs. Have you contacted risk management at this facility?
I would ask her under what legislative guidelines that they are allowed to perform what is clearly within a NURSES scope of practice. In fact I would have to see this in black and white to actually believe this one.

Just wanted to mention that the reason some radiology/nuclear medicine techs (like my dad and his coworkers) are allowed to start the IVs for these patients is that they are certified in phlebotomy as part of their orientatoin. So legally, they are fine to start the IVs, and while they do administer the contrast, they do it only when the radiologist is present, either in the actual room of the test or in the adjacent room that has the cameras and computers in it.

What about your hospital's Risk Manager?

The "contrast" the nuc. med. techs administer is not iodinated contrast, but a radioactive isotope, which they are trained and licensed to administer.

Agree with above poster, speaking to risk management is a GREAT idea! Keep us posted.

practice standards for medical imaging and radiation therapy

[color=#336699]2006 american society of radiologic technologists

http://www.asrt.org/content/rts/practicestandards/practice_standards.aspx



cardiovascular- interventional technology
clinical performance standards

standard four – implementation
the practitioner implements the action plan.

the practitioner:
1. implements the action plan in conjunction with the cardiovascular team.
2. explains each step of the action plan to the patient as it occurs.
3. positions the patient properly for the procedure to include appropriate immobilization.
4. monitors ecg, bp, respiration, oxygen saturation and level of consciousness pre-, peri- and post procedure.
5. starts and maintains iv access per orders when applicable.
6. starts and maintains oxygen administration per orders when applicable.
7. uses principles of sterile technique according to the protocol for the exam requested.
8. prepares, sets and implements appropriate technical parameters such as generators, power
injectors, etc.
9. obtains and documents appropriate data in the record pre-, peri- and postprocedure.
10. administers medications at the physician’s request according to policy.
http://www.asrt.org/media/pdf/standards_cv.pdf


dig out your facilities policy and procedure book---should be a policy on this issue to cover both techs and nurses. no policy, discuss with manager and bring to attention of risk management.

Yeah, but, do they have the training and legal authority to give and then, evaluate the EFFECTS of a narcotic, once given?

Narcotics are different than other meds, obviously.

It doesn't matter what their rules say if DEA doesn't give them authority to handle narcotics. And If an RN hands them that narc to give, that's a violation of FEDERAL law. Not to mention possibly an illegal delegation of authority.

And it doesn't matter what their rules say if they don't know how to evaluate and document the effects of a narcotic on an 'IV Conscious Sedation' flowsheet.

I don't see how this is legal. Not beating up on the guys. But it's simply a scope of practice issue. It's not enough that their scope of practice states they can give drugs under a physician.

NARCOTICS ARE DIFFERENT.

~faith,
Timothy.

Big three words: "according to policy." Policy dictated by JCAHO and risk management.

I am a nursing supervisor and a rad tech. In the state of Kentucky, RT's can give sedation and monitor patients in the IR suites. There is a sedation class that they must attend first and an annual competency test. Although it is not required I am getting my techs ACLS certified.