I'm currently looking into some of our nursing standards of care for my hospital, and I have a question:
In your facility, are nurses able to insert Coude catheters and/or three-way (bladder irrigation) catheters? Or do only providers place three-way caths and Coude-tip caths, while nurses only insert standard Foleys?
Any input is appreciated. Thanks! (also if you could mention where you're from and what type of facility and unit you work in thanks).
Libby, as a HHRN would you most likely insert the initial Coude as well as the 3 way?
Im not sure if we've inserted the initial coude, I actually never thought about it. There's nothing different re the 3 way as far as insertion goes and have initiated it for frequent irrigations.
RN inserts all 3 catheters based on MD order. Foley vs coude is based on evaluation of patient. We have other types as well. 3-way catheter placed only for continuous bladder irrigation. Urologist consult by MD to place catheter usually only if multiple RN's have tried unsuccessfully already or patient has known problems with catheter placements in the past.
coude's and regular Foley's - the 3 ways usually came out of surgery or the ER after Urology inserted them, however if a 3 way came out by mistake the nurse could re-insert
Update: It looks like our policy is going to change, to allow RN's to place bothe Coude and three-way foleys.
Now I'm wondering if anyone would be willing to share their facility's policy/protocols on catheter placement? Any help or input would be appreciated. Feel free to PM me if you prefer.
AnthonyD
228 Posts
Thanks, this is all great info!