Can an RN push ACLS drugs if not certified under doctor's order during a code?

[Athenas83]

Might be a stupid question, but can an RN who is only BLS certified push drugs during a code on the floor if not ACLS certified when ordered by doctor?

[registerednutrn, BSN, RN]

I think so I know that I have

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Well, as an RN you cannot deliver any medication without MD orders to administer. If you administer any drug it is with MD orders, so.

As far as who does ACLS stuff, that's your facility P&P.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

Why would it matter? You'd be giving an ordered med the same as always.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Of course. No difference between administering drugs during a code and in the normal course of patient care with an MD order.l

[bill4745, RN]

On the other hand, many hospitals have their own policies about administering certain drugs, in terms of training. For example, I can give IVP Versed in the ED, having been trained in Conscious Sedation, but a floor or ICU nurse cannot.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I would consult your pharmacy as well as policy and procedure manual. Usually it is OK but I do know what your facility says. There are some formulary drugs that will say "May only be given but ACLS Certified Critical Care nurses in specialized areas" Then NO you may no give it by your hospitals policy. Legally you may give the drug if it is usual and customary for an RN to give that drug by your states nurse practice act then yes....if the doctor orders it you may give it but it must co-incide with the policy and procedure of your facility. :)

[ICUnurse1985]

I congratulate you on asking this important question. You cannot give any drug without a MD order, CODE or not. If you do, you are practicing medicine without a license. At my hospital we have ACLS standing orders for all codes and a CODE TEAM which has members who are ACLS certified who work in Critical Care and one will lead the CODE until a physician arrives. You must adhere to your facilitys policys and procedures. If you donot have standing orders for CODES, this would be a wonderful opportunity for you to suggest this to your manager. This change could save many lives and 3 minutes goes by very fast.

[ICUnurse1985]

Ok, I realize I totally misread and misunderstood the question, and I apologize.(This is what happens after I work a 12 hr night shift and don"t go to bed right away, SORRY.) I believe you can push ACLS drugs in a CODE even if you are not ACLS ceritified but caution to review your state board of nursing regs and your hospital policys and procedures as well as the formulary.

[merlee]

If an MD is leading the code, any drug can be ordered and given per your facility's policies.

[Glageman]

It depends on your area's P&P. Even during a code, a nurse should understand dosage, action, and timing of any medication that she/he gives to a patient. I have been in a situation many times where the doctor running the code was not familiar with the medicine that he prescribed. He did not believe me. Luckily, a pharmacist was present.

[313RN, BSN, RN]

For example, I can give IVP Versed in the ED, having been trained in Conscious Sedation, but a floor or ICU nurse cannot.

I believe you, but I'm shocked none the less. ICU's here push any med in the pharmacopoeia that's available and proper with an MD order. Maybe it's because I'm on a Neuro ICU, but we push a lot of versed.

It's always interesting to see how the job is different from place to place.