texan_nurse

Who should give sodium bicarbonate? resident doctors or nurses? Because I'm quite confused about this matter. I used to work in a tertiary hospital and our nursing department is quite protective of us when it comes to administration of dangerous meds such as sodium bicarb and magnesium sulfate. Our level heads are fighting for our right to refuse to administer such meds if the resident on duty is around but if in case of emergency, a nurse supervisor who is very well knowledgeable about emergency nursing can administer the dose. Right now, I just got started working in a smaller hospital in which they wanted me to administer sodium bicarb that is incorporated in a 1 liter PLR. She prepared it but she wanted me to hook it to the patient. So I refused. Am I right or Is it just a matter of different policy per hospital regarding meds administration? who should give sodium bicarb? I fear that if I try to adopt on their style, I could harm a patient. HELP!