RN2Consultant

I agree with the previous post. The nurses administering sedatives only job is to monitor the patient. This is clearly stated in most accrediting agencies standards and the JCAHO spells it out clearly. In more and more places the standard is becoming that you have the ability to rescue patients from one level deeper than the intended level of sedation. Example: your intention for a procedure is moderate sedation, then you should have the training and skill to rescue a patient from deep sedation, and so on. Alot of good information is available online for nursing, just google "conscious sedation nursing" Best,

Congratulations, Jump right in! You will learn somthing new everday. I spent 15 years in a Level I trauma center in a major metropolitan area, it was an awesome experience. Trust your instinct, stay ahead of fear by continuing to increase your skills, knowledge and experiences. Thus increasing you confidence and competance. Best, R

Never let fear of what might happen prevent you pursuing your goals. The disease of addiction has touched most peoples lives in one form or another It has been my experience that if it is an issue, honesty and openess are the best policies. Best, R

I agee, check out the hospitals policy and procedure manual. Most sedation related p&p for hospitals are written by anesthesia personell. You might check out your states "scope of practice" or nurse practice act, to see where any delineation of resposibilty lies. At least you have anesthesia on site, many nurses are asked to administer procedural sedation with out an anehtesia dept. down the hall. There are places to get continuing education on conscious sedation for nurses and certifications, I have seen many adds for these at the top of the pages on this website. Always be learning! Thanks,