RN's removing chest tubes/heimlich valves and urostomy drains

[Miss RNC]

This week I have been asked to remove a heimlich valve and a urostomy drain. The MD told me that our CCU nurses have been removing chest tubes for a long time. Are any floor nurses doing these 2 procedures. Our house supervisor told me not to do either of these until they approved it through our Board of Nursing.

[rgroyer1RNBSN, BSN, RN]

In my SICU where Im the sup. we remove all drains, but that is a controlled ICU enviroment, with special protocols, and I dont think no offense, I use to work M/S/floor, but if a floor nurse doesnt feel comfortable, dont do it, I wouldnt, I would rather keep my license.

[ayla2004, ASN, RN]

nurses in the UK are bound by the NMC code of practice

this does not specfiy clinical tasks but rather to practice withing your knowledge skills and experince.

so drain removal if trained and skilled and competent and something you carry out regulary is ok, whereas putting in the drain would be outside these as it medicine.