Difference between nursing in the UK vs nursing in the US?

english_nurse · Nov 27, 2006

Of course we use normal lubricant. But Lidocaine gel has lidocaine in it and numbs on the way down the urethra, still slippery but not so sensitive. You need to get an order for it because Lidocaine is rx whereas lubricant is just there or included in the catheter trays.

ah i see!!!

to be honest here (as far as i know) we just use the lidocaine gel and not an ordinary lubricant.

thanks for clearing that one up :)

RGN1 · Nov 27, 2006

I always use lidocaine gel too -I agree with EN - OUCH!!! I'm a coward so I always treat my patients as if they are too! Don't need an order for it because it's in the same tray as the KY. JUst have to be aware of allergies that's all.

I've also found that it helps define the female urethra better too = less misses!

Interesting to see that they are finally allowing nurses to cath males in some hospitals now (as I thought) - but not where I work yet!

english_nurse · Nov 27, 2006

I always use lidocaine gel too -I agree with EN - OUCH!!! I'm a coward so I always treat my patients as if they are too! Don't need an order for it because it's in the same tray as the KY. JUst have to be aware of allergies that's all.
I've also found that it helps define the female urethra better too = less misses!
Interesting to see that they are finally allowing nurses to cath males in some hospitals now (as I thought) - but not where I work yet!

i agree with the defining of the female urethra, this happened to me a couple of days ago at work, very useful,

but then, some dont use the gel for a female at all, all i can say is that if i was having a catheter i would want it :)

cariad · Nov 28, 2006

back home i went on a course to catheterise males, but only a few females would do it,,,,,,,,,,,typical, i am sure that it was an archaic type of thinking that stopped them. we used lidocaine gel for all catheterisations, as we were taught that the catheter damaged the lining of the urethra without it. we also had a choice of sizes, male or female and what they were made of. over here they are all in complete packs and are made for elephants,,,,no lidocaine gel and all size 18's. although i am working at a hospital at the moment where there are protocols for straight cathing someone without calling the doctor, and all the patient care techs, do all the catheterisations.

they come in as cna's and then go on a course to do all the ekg's etc as well.

english_nurse · Nov 28, 2006

back home i went on a course to catheterise males, but only a few females would do it,,,,,,,,,,,typical, i am sure that it was an archaic type of thinking that stopped them. we used lidocaine gel for all catheterisations, as we were taught that the catheter damaged the lining of the urethra without it. we also had a choice of sizes, male or female and what they were made of. over here they are all in complete packs and are made for elephants,,,,no lidocaine gel and all size 18's. although i am working at a hospital at the moment where there are protocols for straight cathing someone without calling the doctor, and all the patient care techs, do all the catheterisations.
they come in as cna's and then go on a course to do all the ekg's etc as well.

omg size 18 are you kidding me???

RGN1 · Nov 28, 2006

There aint NO WAY I'm sticking a size 18 cath in anyone!!!! Gel or no gel!!!! That size is for urologists to use in theatre with an anaesthetised patient in my book!!!!!

OH & there's absolutely no way I'd EVER let anyone stick a cath that size anywhere near me or mine either!! I'd tell them I'd sue if they came within 10 feet of me or a member of my family with a cath that size!!!:chuckle

I'd be bringing this up with management as a matter of urgency as it does not represent good patient care in my book & clinically makes no sense whatsoever!

Fiona59 · Nov 28, 2006

16s are our norms, but 18's are used a lot.

Over the years, I've found that just chatting and keeping the patient relaxed makes it go a lot easier on all concerned.

Females are way more difficult. Back when I was a student, the nurse I was following asked me to cath. a 6mo old little girl. No Way! I knew then that kids weren't my forte and passed.

RGN1 · Nov 28, 2006

I look at my patient first & then bring a selection under my trolley. Once I've put her in "position" I then make the final judgement call on the size I pick as I clean her.

It's usually a size 14 I end up using, in general. I have occasionally used a 16 & some 12's for those little old, thin ladies. I can honestly say, hand on heart, I've never had a patient that I've wanted to use an 18 on. The tears are still in my eyes & my legs are crossed!:chuckle

filnurseuk · Dec 10, 2006

just a thought, if you accidentally dropped a patients drug ampoule or vial will i that come out of my pay? i work here in the uk and i'm always careful but accidents do happen. here in the uk we dont get charged for it but considering that most healthcare providers in the states are private or thru health insurance will i be paying for it?

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2006

I dont think you are charged, it goes in the computer as wasted

RGN1 · Dec 10, 2006

I work in the private sector here in the UK & we don't get docked, it's just "wasted" as MW said. I presume it's the same in the USA - accidents do happen & that is accepted I would hope!

suehp · Dec 10, 2006

just a thought, if you accidentally dropped a patients drug ampoule or vial will i that come out of my pay? i work here in the uk and i'm always careful but accidents do happen. here in the uk we dont get charged for it but considering that most healthcare providers in the states are private or thru health insurance will i be paying for it?

I have done this and I contacted Pharmacy and they recorded it as waste.