elkpark 14,633 Posts Apr 11, 2013 I've never had a job specifically/exclusively as an "ECT nurse," but I've worked in settings where it was done, and have participated in the procedure and worked with the clients receiving ECT. What, specifically, are you looking for or wanting to know?
302queen 47 Posts Apr 11, 2013 is it always done under sedations or are there cases where it is done with the pt awake
elkpark 14,633 Posts Apr 11, 2013 As far as I know, general anesthesia is always used and is the standard of care nowadays, but I can't swear to that.
MrChicagoRN, RN 2,589 Posts Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care. Has 30 years experience. Apr 14, 2013 Yes, ECT is done under sedation, but TMS is not.
jenin 22 Posts Apr 15, 2013 I have maintenance ect every 2 weeks under general anaesthesia. I am in Australia but I cannot imagine it being done anywhere with the pt awake! No way!
bostonbakednurse 65 Posts May 5, 2013 I am an ECT nurse. A general anesthetic and a muscle relaxant are given. The anesthetic is short acting.
Topaz7 126 Posts Specializes in Psychiatric- Detox and ECT. Jul 11, 2013 I'm an ECT nurse as well, and yes it's done under general anesthesia with a muscle relaxant. If they didn't it would be torture
Topaz7 126 Posts Specializes in Psychiatric- Detox and ECT. Jul 11, 2013 Accidentally cut off my post mid way. Anyways it would be no better than how they did it years ago when they used it to punish people "out of their bad behavior."
poppycat, ADN, BSN 856 Posts Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU. Has 45 years experience. Jul 13, 2013 Yes, ECT is done under sedation, but TMS is not.I'm not a psych nurse but I was just wondering what TMS is. I've never heard that term.
Topaz7 126 Posts Specializes in Psychiatric- Detox and ECT. Jul 13, 2013 Transcranial magnetic stimulation It's a less invasive new were approved treatment
poppycat, ADN, BSN 856 Posts Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU. Has 45 years experience. Jul 13, 2013 Thanks, Topaz, I'd never heard of that before.
