CNA's giving sucrose during circs

[bhardy]

Hello, we are in heavy debate about whether or not CNAs should be allowed to give newborns sucrose during the circ procedure by the physician. Some say it isn't a big deal as it is only sugar water (sweeties) and the doc is right there...some say, since the purpose is for pain management it needs to be an RN...even though the physician is standing right there over the infant gloved, and in the middle of the procedure....to have an RN doing this in a place where we deliver about 12 - 15 babies a day, seems a waste of a valuable resource (RN)....what do other places do? thanks

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Our techs give it during circs too. They give 0.2ml before and after. It doesn't bother me personally, as it is in our orders.

Tylenol is in our orders too, but the RNs give that, since it is technically a 'medication.' I don't think sweet-ease is considered one.

Swaddling and non-nutritive sucking are also methods of pain management in infants, and that doesn't require an RN. JMHO.

[BabyRN2Be]

When I worked as a volunteer in the NICU, we could give Sweetease after we were instructed how to do it. I was working as a CNA in another area so I did have that certification, but they had the other volunteers giving it, too, with no certification.

[BertinaRN, ASN, RN]

During my OB rotation on L&D the RN provided the sweet-ease to the baby, not the tech

[kstec, LPN]

My first question would be what is the risks if a CNA gives the sucrose? If they are accompanied by a doctor, what does it really matter. I don't think it takes a RN to do this job. I'm not sure but I think you guys have other more important things to do. Thats just one more example of having RN's only do somethings that can definitely be designated to other support staff. JMHO

[SmilingBluEyes]

IF it's part of the protocol and CNAs are assisting, I would not see a problem. After all, like pointed out, the MD is there anyhow. Where I am , we do use Sweet-Ease, but only RNs assist w/circs and give this.

[MegNeoNurse]

I am a CNA (tech) in the NICU, we give sweet-ease to our kids after we are asked to do so by an RN (if we are in the unit). As far as circs go, which I take our kids over to PP to have done, we give the sweet-ease without even thinking about it. There is a big bucket full of it in the circ room. It is not a med, it is not locked, pharmacy does not control it, an order does not have to be written to dip a bink in the sweet-ease.

I am surprised this is even a debate. I will roll my eyes if it ever comes up at a staff meeting. I will be an RN in less than a year, have a job in the NICU (yay for me), and will be very surprised if I ever have sweet-ease on a MAR for one of my kiddos.

[NewEnglandRN, RN]

Our sucrose is kept in the Pyxis! LNAs are not allowed to administer it, even in the presence of an MD. RNs assist with circs, so I think it due to pain assessment protocol. I will have to check our our Policy & Procedure.