nurses undertaking angiograms

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 15, 2005

Do you mean, the nurse being the primary operator: gaining arterial access, directing the catheters, injecting the contrast and/or positioning the II(s) and panning???

I haven't heard of this, although a Cardiologist I knew once stated his opinion that the nurses should learn to be the primary operator, in a teaching institution setting.

I don't know if it's within our scope of practice. I would think it wouldn't be too hard to develop the skills, but I don't think it could be done, legally and ethically, without a Cardiologist being present during the case.

Anyone else? I have NO research or precedents on this one; good question!

papawjohn · Dec 16, 2005

Hey Y'all

Frankly, this beats all I ever heard of. I agree that with our understanding of lines and labs and meds it is sort of possible to imagine 'doing' a heart cath--but stop and think!!! Do you think even the best trained nurse is going to angioplasty or stent a stenosed CA? Nah!!!

That's why they have Doctors!!

Further, the Cath Lab is a fabulous money maker for cardiologists. Does it seem reasonable that they want to let go of their control of that?

Somebody's dreaming.

Papaw John

Trauma Columnist · Dec 17, 2005

What role are trying to explore? RN as the primary provider of this procedure? I doubt this is in the scope of practice for any state. Maybe I'm misunderstanding, can you clarify?

ann h · Dec 17, 2005

It was a cardiologist who asked me to explore this area.

It would only be for diagnositics and not PCI etc (due to dr shortages)

I know here in the UK some RN undertake leg angios and the Drs report findings

papawjohn · Dec 17, 2005

Hey Ann

Doh!!! Clueless Papaw John. I was jumping to conclusion that you were writing from the US which I would have at least SOME information about.

Sorry if I sounded dismissive.

Still, having spent close to 30yrs (school plus career) within our 'scope of practice' laws and customs it seems amazing to me that there are nurses doing angios. Not that it would be impossible for us to be brought up to that level--of course we could. Just that the legal/insurance/reimbursement issues would NEVER let that happen around here.

Papaw John

austin heart, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2005

That is not within the scope of practice of a US RN.

jobyjoz · Oct 19, 2006

I am a registered Nurse in UK I know few nurses doing coronary angiogram in our country. They are called coronary angiography practitioners.

ann h · Oct 19, 2006

I know they are now doing a course in London, so that you can do the role rad, tec and RN.

JoRSA · Mar 7, 2008

I would be really interested in finding out more about the course mentioned for RN's to do angiograms, in the U.K I think? Sounds fab!

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 7, 2008

You might ask in the UK forum (Region tab at the top of this page, then click International Nursing). :)

jrmom · Mar 16, 2008

Beyond the scope of Canadian Nurses also.