administering corvert

[nursethings]

Recently we had two patients have CORVERT ordered on the same day. I work on a 26 bed telemetry floor where we have 5 patients per nurse. I am experienced and have given this drug once before and thankfully no complications(no conversion either though) but I feel like this drug needs to be given in ICU. I would like to know if this drug is given where you work and what are the procedures. We do not do cardioversions on our floor where a Dr and Anesthesia are present. Doctor is not present for the administration of corvert.

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

We gave it all the time on the tele floor where I used to work. Have the life pak handy and be sure someone else knows what your doing. There was a recent thread about this, and I realized in the 10+ yrs I've been a nurse I've never seen a bad outcome with corvert. It usually doesn't convert either :)

[allele, LPN]

We used to, but stopped a few years ago, it just didn't work that often. I usually kept a Lifepak hooked up so I could watch the rhythm myself in the room with the patient and stayed with the patient during infusion. Personally, I think amiodarone works better, IV or PO, from my experience. Good luck! If you don't feel safe giving it, mention it to your manager. I know medical telemetry units get CRAZY!! When I gave it I worked on a cardiac surgical unit with good ratios and lots of support, I had time to stay with the patient and make sure there were no complications. Good luck! :)

[nursethings]

I agree I think it is necessary for you to stay and moniter the patient during the infusion and there is even a chance of dyrrhythmia for some hours after. That's why with four other patients with distance in between it doesn't seem that safe to administer it on a tele floor. I also agree I have seem many patients convert with amiodarone or cardizem both of which I feel much more comfortable about. Thanks for your responses.