Radiology Techs practicing Nursing?

[Evagall]

The radiology techs at my hospital flush central lines, administer heparin flushes, administer lasix, stop IV pumps and adjust gravity IV drips. The other day I witnessed a medication stash at the receptionist desk, she has PO and Rectal dulcolax in her desk draw to give to out-patients for IVP preps.

We really need to be careful what nursing responsibilities we allow other healthcare providers to perform. I think it weakens our profession and jeopordizes patient safety.

[Evagall]

My former Radiology Department never had any problem working with Nurses. I greatly admire Nurses which is why I'm in Nursing school!

I guess you can do your own research about Radiography Tech's attitudes toward Nurses.

I presented my theory to our Radiography Instructors and they agreed with my hunch. And my hunch is that techs do like for nurses to tell them what to do, regarding patient care in the Rad. Department and I think that's what creates the tension. It's a "superior/inferior" issue, that's my opinion.

[Evagall]

I can understand that the techs have one concern and that is to get the test done ASAP and on to the next patient. They have to scan/x-ray lots of patients and get it done quickly. My role in our Rad. Dept. is to help with patient care, while at the same time help the techs scan/x-ray patients safely and efficiently. I try to improve the patient flow through the department. The way I see it, we are on the same team, but I sometimes feel the rad tachs see me as the opposition.

In my experience rad tachs only concern with nurses is that we have a patent IV for them to inject their medium and we get them to their dept when they're ready (doesn

't matter if we're not ready)

Radiology sends notices to units reminding us we need to place 2 large bore IV's etc prior to their CT, etc. I've had to accompany unstable patients to CT and they hook up these infusers to my IV sites and frequently blow them on the spot with the high pressure. That's why they want 2.. I try to tell them venous access is at frequently at a premium and to be careful, but in most cases they really don't care. Seems like they don't need a nurse to give IV drugs there if they use this fancy 'infusor'.

I do not blame the OP for being concerned and hope you make some headway.

[nurhmb]

The radiology techs at my hospital flush central lines, administer heparin flushes, administer lasix, stop IV pumps and adjust gravity IV drips. The other day I witnessed a medication stash at the receptionist desk, she has PO and Rectal dulcolax in her desk draw to give to out-patients for IVP preps.

We really need to be careful what nursing responsibilities we allow other healthcare providers to perform. I think it weakens our profession and jeopordizes patient safety.

It is my suggestion that if a nurse who witnesses these behavours perfrom a quick check of state practice acts. If staff are not within their state "job descriptions", there could be hell to pay when your certifying organizations come through or get a report from someone. In our state, the Dept. of Health would definitely not be happy. Afraid to work within the walls of your institution through proper channels? Contact your state health dept. or JCAHO anonoumously. But stop this madness for the sake of the patient....who could be someone you love or you yourself. Did you ever hear the phrase too stupid and arrogant to know they are dangerous?

[Evagall]

I have seen the stash of meds, but I have not witnessed them being handed to patients. I do have a plan of action, but I have to be fair in my approach. I don't want to report this to the State before going to the Director of Radiology.

I have learned my lesson not to accuse people of any 'wrong-doings' before getting all the facts. I know that they can easily deny my accusations.

It is my suggestion that if a nurse who witnesses these behavours perfrom a quick check of state practice acts. If staff are not within their state "job descriptions", there could be hell to pay when your certifying organizations come through or get a report from someone. In our state, the Dept. of Health would definitely not be happy. Afraid to work within the walls of your institution through proper channels? Contact your state health dept. or JCAHO anonoumously. But stop this madness for the sake of the patient....who could be someone you love or you yourself. Did you ever hear the phrase too stupid and arrogant to know they are dangerous?

[eph432girl]

"We really need to be careful what nursing responsibilities we allow other healthcare providers to perform. I think it weakens our profession and jeopordizes patient safety."

This attitude works both ways. Many laboratory managers and pathologists feel the same way about nurses. We need to be careful what laboratory tests we ALLOW the nurses to perform at bedside because it (not performing qc, not documenting out of range qc, not labeling specimens, not following procedure for POC instrument, etc,etc,etc) jeopordizes the patient safety.

Perhaps your attitude is what is really hindering communication with the radiology staff (and it can definately work both ways - the radiology department might need to investigate for a log in their own eye before offering to pluck your splinters). It is difficult to cultivate a professional atmosphere when you are dominated by "superior/inferior" mentality.