Can an RN do an I&D or place sutures?

[Lemon Bars]

Hello, I'm a first semester RN student. I know that incision and drainage and suturing are typically done by an MD, DO, NP or PA. But I also know that the field of nursing is broad and that sometimes there are additional certifications that nurses can get which permit them to perform certain procedures. For example, I think a nurse who becomes certified to first assist in surgery can do some suturing, and I think nurse midwives can do some. I'm not sure what all a wound ostomy nurse can do. Of course an NP can do all kinds of procedures but that requires a master's or doctoral degree.

Are there certifications or training available that allow an RN to do I&D or suturing, perhaps in a rural setting or after a physician has made the initial diagnosis? I suppose it's silly, but I really want to I&D a small abscess and suture a small laceration. I'm disappointed that this will be out of my scope of practice without three years of graduate school training.

I do know that these are two different procedures and that an abscess is not sutured closed but is typically packed and left open to heal from within. Also, what about wound straps, surgical glues or foams injected into wounds to stop bleeding, will RN's get to apply any of these futuristic treatments?

Thanks for reading. I apologize in advance if I used any incorrect terminology or sound foolish. I'm a student and this is a serious question. Thanks!

[klone, MSN, RN]

Are there certifications or training available that allow an RN to do I&D or suturing, perhaps in a rural setting or after a physician has made the initial diagnosis?

Not that I'm aware of. I believe it is outside the scope of an RN.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Not that I know of...

When I worked in an Acute Rehab hospital, I'd take out staples for total knee replacement individuals-with a provider's order, of course.

We also had shadowed the Wound Care nurse during orientation-it helped with managing complex wounds and at least understanding the eyes of the WOCN; if you are interested in wounds, that requires a graduate degree, at least in my area.

[Boomer MS, RN]

Congratulations on starting on your journey to be an RN. Suturing and procedures such as an I&D are beyond the scope of practice of an RN. The above mentioned procedures, as well as others, can be done by an advanced practice nurse, specifically by an NP, usually the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. All advanced practice nurse roles require at least a master's degree. Any wound care nurses out there who can offer some information about your role?

You might change your mind as you progress through school and see all the other opportunities open to nurses. Some critical care nurses are allowed huge autonomy, and that is so exciting.

[MereSanity]

If you work in surgery and get your RNFA (RN First Assist) you can indeed do these things. A BSN is suggested for an RNFA.

[Boomer MS, RN]

If you work in surgery and get your RNFA (RN First Assist) you can indeed do these things. A BSN is suggested for an RNFA.

That is very true. Thanks for pointing that out. I have a friend who is an RNFA and harvests the veins for the hearts at her facility. She is highly specialized with more then 20 years of experience as an OR nurse. Her role as an RNFA, however, is not an advanced practice role as defined by a master's prepared nurse. It is my understanding a BSN is required for a RNFA. If one wants to be an OR nurse, I think an RNFA would be a rewarding and challenging way to go after initial OR training. But it's different from an Advanced Practice role.

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

I had a coworker that got his WOCNCB and any kind of surgical or sharp debridement of a wound was out of his scope of practice. He (and any RN that has been trained) could debred via wet to dry, whirlpool, enzymatic, syringe/sterile water. Our Physical Therapist could do sharp debridement, although we only had one that liked it well enough he admitted it was part of his training and scope.

I do wonder about the RN's that work in the burn units... I'd ask them what type of wound care they do, their training, and how it fits into scope of practice.