Fetal Scalp Electrodes Policy

bbnurse · Mar 7, 2001

We instituted a policy a few years ago and the instances in which we may apply SE are

Membranes ruptured

Non-reassuring FHT pattern

Absence of Previa (Ultrasound)

Physician preference for notification prior to application or after was included in the policy.

We also addressed the competency issue and the training issues. ie) year experience, Completion of FH Monitoring course (AWHONN) and 5 successful return demo's to TL or DR.

We use it a lot at night and most don't want to be bothered for permission, just if it validates non-reassuring FHT patterns.

We think it is a lifesaver.

nantotten · Mar 7, 2001

Thanks so much for replying to my post. I will incorporate this information into our policy. It is just what I was looking for.

Originally posted by bbnurse:
We instituted a policy a few years ago and the instances in which we may apply SE are
Membranes ruptured
Non-reassuring FHT pattern
Absence of Previa (Ultrasound)
Physician preference for notification prior to application or after was included in the policy.
We also addressed the competency issue and the training issues. ie) year experience, Completion of FH Monitoring course (AWHONN) and 5 successful return demo's to TL or DR.
We use it a lot at night and most don't want to be bothered for permission, just if it validates non-reassuring FHT patterns.
We think it is a lifesaver.

nantotten · Mar 7, 2001

Thanks to you too, I will also use your information informulating our policy!

Originally posted by kday:
Our policy is about the same, with the exception that you only have to have 3 return demos, but they MUST be witnessed by an attending MD. It is a really great thing, especially on nights, I agree. It's an optional skill on our unit, but some of the docs have been talking about making it mandatory. Yikes!

schobrn · Apr 14, 2001

I agree with the other info in the postings..but just be sure sure you check with your BRN..in California, RN's can place internal monitors as long as it is under a stadardized procedure with competency validation annually.

nantotten · Apr 14, 2001

Thanks for the response. I have checked with the board of the state I am working in and it is not a problem with them. It will be a new competency for our nurses. So, thanks for the info.

Originally posted by schobrn:
I agree with the other info in the postings..but just be sure sure you check with your BRN..in California, RN's can place internal monitors as long as it is under a stadardized procedure with competency validation annually.

HazeK · Apr 17, 2001

double-check w/ your board of Nursing...

Here in Nevada, we can AROM, IUPC & also place FSE's w/ MD orders....***BUT *** the statement by the BON specifically is worded "Fetal Scalp Electrode", soooooooooooooooooo if we goof & place it on a butt or any other non-scalp area, we are outside our scope of practice & liable!

OUR policy at the hospital states "scalp application only"...if we goof, we fill out an occurance report...but it usually isn't a problem.

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