Can an RN administer general anesthesia?

[Tinkk]

When I had my wisdom teeth removed at an oral surgeon's office a few years ago, I was given general anesthesia by a regular RN. This RN was not a licensed advanced practice nurse and was VERY young (looked like she didn't have much experience). I'm not complaining or anything because there wasn't any sedation complications, but I always thought only certified registered nurse anesthetists could administer anesthesia. Laws probably differ from state to state regarding who can administer it, but its always something I've wondered about. Maybe she was allowed because it was fairly minor surgery and it was an outpatient setting with a DDS present in the room? Can RNs administer local anesthetics?

One other question - can RNs take x-rays or ultrasounds or not? Is it something only a technician can do?

[UABsleeperSRNA]

Yes Agreed GrnTEA Unfortunately ignorance cannot be outlawed.. and again just because you did not remember something doesn't mean it's general anesthesia, conscious sedation is often pushed by the use but under the direction of a physician, or set protocol per the facility unless you were intubated and put put under with volatile anesthetics you were not given general anesthesia.. now some drugs given for general anesthesia can also be given for conscious sedation.. but at lower doses.. some of these drugs such as versed and propofol possess amnesia properties.. which is why when you woke up you had no memory of what happened...

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I? This happened to me? I got all that stuff and didn't remember? I sure as heck don't remember it.

Oh, wait.

:)