amcgraw

Thanks for your response. That is pretty much what I have been told to do going forward for cardioversions. I just thought I would bounce the idea out there to be sure it was consistent with the practice of others. We too have McKesson to do our cath procedures etc, so it is only really an issue during cardioversions. Deep down though I can't help but still feel that if we are not "allowed" to document during the time they are sedated, then I would rather not even be in the room - "If you didn't document it, then you didn't do it" mentality scares me too much. In the meantime, I will continue to document "Care of patient airway and sedation assumed by anesthesia, etc" Thanks so much!

What is your policy on documenting during cardioversions (or other cardiac procedures) when anesthesia is present and administering sedation? We do propofol for cardioversions. I have recently been told that I am no longer supposed to document vital signs when anesthesia is present. This presents too much grey area for my liking and I feel that it would not stand up in a court of law. Please tell me how you handle it in your facility? Thanks!

I am a second career new grad from a BSN program. I am on my 6th week on a cardiac access floor at a large teaching hospital. I enjoy the work, and the floor is challenging yet supportive - however, my problem is that I have a very long commute (1.5 hours each way) and am working a 40 hour day/night rotation. I am exhausted and have already become ill from being so run down. I have an offer from a small, but magnet status, community hospital that is 1 mile from my home. The thought of giving up the experience at the teaching hospital seems awful, however for the sake of my health and my family's health I wonder if I should stay local for a while. Experienced RN's - please give me advice on whether not having experience at a large hospital as a new grad will hurt me in the long run. New nurses - anyone else working in a community hospital - what has been your experience? This decision is literally tearing me apart so any advice/thoughts would be much appreciated!! Thanks!