Simple question: When for one of various reasons, a non-responsive person with no gag reflex needs airway resuscitation and a head-tilt is inappropriate or inadequate do you as an RN have the right within your scope of practice to use these airway adjuncts?
This is a scope of practice question, and I've been all through my state scope of practice data and run into the question (in their algorithm): " Is this practice within an accepted standard of care which would be provided by a reasonable and prudent nurse with similar education and experience?"
If so, what sort of training did you receive, do you have certification, and how often must you renew said certification?
Thanks
The rest of the story for those interested. I'm on Occ Health Nurse in Industry. I have taken the EMT-A National Registry Course, and have passed the practical exam the results of which are now registered with my state. I have yet to take the computerized answer/question exam and prefer to do so in November when I have plenty of free time to bone up on the questions/answers. Upon completion then I would use such adjuncts not as an RN but rather as an EMT-B. However I hold the view that I am an RN who is trained in these procedures to an adequate degree and have proof of proficiency.
A co-nurse where I work essentially says: "no, you can't" unless you are fully EMT-A. I respectfully disagree and would prefer to use an adjunct and save a person's life rather than sit back and say: Oh well, the bag-valve mask doesn't work and the adjunct airways would make it work, but I'm not allowed to use them so good-bye patient--see you in your next life.
The state of MA has an algorithm for determining scope of practice and I'm wondering how many RNs (Not LPN's or APN's) get trained and occasionally use these adjuncts when necessary. If some do, then "is this practice within an accepted standard of care...(see above)" becomes a yes. If so, even in the absence of the EMT-A certification the algorithm leads me to believe that it would be within allowed Scope of Practice with my level of training.
