Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

ECT Procedures

Hello Everyone,

Just started at a new hospital that I really like. We do ECT procedures (Electroconvulsive Therapy,) probably about 5-8 cases per day. This is done only with anesthesia present (and the psychiatrist, obviously.) It is on our schedule because of the use of the anesthesia staff. I have never worked in an OR that performs these and I was wondering if this violates the 'RN as circulator' law that is in my state and many others. I have read up on the procedure and know it is short, but it is a procedure all the same. Does anyone else out there work in an OR that does ECT? If so, is there a circulator involved? Thanks in advance for the responses. Have a great week.

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    • Admin

    We do not do ECT in my OR. In the facility where I did my clinicals, ECT was done in the PACU. We also have procedures involving anesthesia in the OR with the staff appropriate for the procedure (TEE, etc.). There isn't a circulator as these are not OR cases and the OR simply provides a space.

    We do cardioversions and blood patches in PACU as well.

  • Quote
    • Experts

    I've seen ECT done in PACUs and also in designated rooms on psychiatric units. There was never a circulating nurse present; there was nothing to "circulate" for.

  • Quote

    We do ECTs in the PACU. We usually do 2 to 3 but we have done as many as 5 in a morning. A CRNA handles the anesthetic and paralytic. The psychologist attaches his leads and administers the shock. A PACU RN starts the IV, runs the timeout, assists with the procedure, and recovers the patient. Everything we might need is nearby.

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.