Obtaining FNA during a bronch

[RNinEndo]

I am an RN in an Endo dept in Ohio. We do EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) cases where we usually obtain multiple FNA (fine needle aspirations) during a case. These FNAs have always been obtained by the pulmonologist doing the bronchoscopy. Our facility recently decided that it is within the scope of practice of an RN to obtain the FNA under the supervision of the pulmonologist. I have checked with the Ohio Board of Nursing but the wording is vague in stating that an RN can assist in obtaining specimen while working under the supervision of a licensed physician. There is no mention of the RN actually puncturing the lymph node with a needle to obtain specimen and the risk involved. Anyone else out there familiar with this practice as an RN? Thanks!!

[brownbook]

So sorry....I have no idea.

It's been years since I helped with FNA's during bronchoscopies, and the doctor did them.

I float to our GI clinic. Several years ago I walked in to the procedure room and the GI tech informed me that there was a meeting this morning with the charge nurse. It's not in a tech's scope of practice to collect specimens, open and close the biopsy forceps, a RN has to do it.

I was shocked....it's nice to know how, and certainly not that hard...but still I had never done it. Well....that lasted one day. the doctor had a fit and next day it was back to normal.

I asked here on Allnurses (this was several years ago) and the answer was very vague.

My gut says it is okay to do....but my gut also said I could use a sharp knife to poke a hole in my phone case and I still have no feeling in the finger I almost sliced off :).

[offlabel]

reimbursement allows the operator (the endoscopist driving the scope) to direct someone else to open and close the "grasper" biopsy device. He/she aims, you pull the trigger. No big deal.