elkpark 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? 0 Likes
302queen Apr 11, 2013 is it always done under sedations or are there cases where it is done with the pt awake 0 Likes
elkpark 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. 0 Likes
MrChicagoRN, RN Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care. Has 30 years experience. Apr 14, 2013 Yes, ECT is done under sedation, but TMS is not. 0 Likes
jenin 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! 0 Likes
bostonbakednurse May 5, 2013 I am an ECT nurse. A general anesthetic and a muscle relaxant are given. The anesthetic is short acting. 0 Likes
Topaz7 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 0 Likes
Topaz7 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." 0 Likes
poppycat, ADN, BSN Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU. Has 43 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. 0 Likes
Topaz7 Specializes in Psychiatric- Detox and ECT. Jul 13, 2013 Transcranial magnetic stimulation It's a less invasive new were approved treatment 0 Likes
poppycat, ADN, BSN Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU. Has 43 years experience. Jul 13, 2013 Thanks, Topaz, I'd never heard of that before. 0 Likes
Topaz7 Specializes in Psychiatric- Detox and ECT. Jul 13, 2013 Newer* lol and no problem. My unit is in the middle of transitioning into doing TMS treatments. You should research it, pretty interesting! 0 Likes