Any RNs applying Dermabond out there?

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Specializes in Psych.

Hi all,

Quick question as I am doing research for my ED about RNs being trained to use dermabond. Not talking about suturing or first assistant type stuff here, just simple lac repair when applicable (and prescribed by the Doc) for small lacs. I have attempted to find specific policies on various State BONs but cannot. I have been told by some travel RNs that it is okay in their home state, but have had difficulty contacting these EDs and getting some clarification on their policies. My own state has no specific policy and I received conflicting answers from two different BON members. I will be helping to draft a policy and then maybe ask for a practice decision in my state. I have found a few older research articles from the ENA supporting RNs applying adhesives but would like more input from current ED RNs.

Any information would be helpful

Thanks

D:)

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Specializes in Transgender Medicine.

I'm not much help as I won't be starting in the ER for another couple weeks, but I do know that those RNs are using/applying it down there. So I guess I'll get to learn.

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

We do not do it in our department but I don't know if it's against the law or just against our policy. Interesting question and I'd like to hear from others as well.

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Specializes in CT ,ICU,CCU,Tele,ED,Hospice.

the rns don't in my ed .np ,pa or md does

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Specializes in Psych.
I'm not much help as I won't be starting in the ER for another couple weeks, but I do know that those RNs are using/applying it down there. So I guess I'll get to learn.

Thank you so much for the reply. Can you PM me with the hospital name and location? I won't mention where I got the information. I'd like to talk to them about their policy on dermabond application by RNs if they have one. For example, I found a facility with a very specific policy to address this that outlined the training involved with using it, a check off for training, where it can't be applied (facial) and size of lac (nothing larger than 2cm otherwise doc has to do it).

Thanks again,

D

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Specializes in Psych.
the rns don't in my ed .np ,pa or md does

Can you tell me in what state you are located?

Thank you for the reply.

D

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Specializes in Psych.
We do not do it in our department but I don't know if it's against the law or just against our policy. Interesting question and I'd like to hear from others as well.

Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me what state you are located in? I think it is an interesting topic because it appears to be such a gray area out there. Interestingly enough, Dermabond's parent company has yet to get back to me on any information to their knowledge of RN application of their product. They consistently tell me they are "looking into it" and will contact me when they have information. It has been weeks. Hmmmmm.:confused:

Thanks again

D

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

Washington state...also the same in the facilities I've worked in Oregon.

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Specializes in ER.

The hospital I am at (in Virginia) only the MD, PA and NP apply it, officially. I don't know if it is a hospital policy or just what.

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Specializes in Psych.

Thanks to all who have replied so far. I thought I'd give you an update on the info I've gathered. I've been slowly hearing back from the state BONs. As stated before, this applies to RNs who are not operating room first assistants or APRNs.

These are the states that said Yes to RNs applying dermabond with some type of a hospital training program/competencty policy in place. Nebraska, California, Washington State, Missouri, Maine.

These are the Maybe states who said perhaps this is within the scope of practice, but they've never addressed it specifically before. Many referred me to their decision tree models which were pretty nifty. Florida, Michigan, Wyoming, Arizona, Arkansas, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana.

New Hampshire just stated they were uncertain.

Keep the replies coming, I'll keep you all updated.

Thx,

D

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Specializes in ER.

I worked in Maine 2 years ago. WE got the doc to look at the laceration and they would say yes/no to Dermabond, and delegate the application to us, or do it themselves. We had no training program. We likened it to steristrips which do not need any training, and can be removed easily if there is a problem.

If you can apply Bandaids and ointments, and you can read 2 paragraphs of indications and cautions, I think Dermabond should be a no brainer.

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Specializes in CT ,ICU,CCU,Tele,ED,Hospice.
Can you tell me in what state you are located?

Thank you for the reply.

D

rhode island

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