RRTs Placing Art Lines

[Cik]

This question was posed to me and Im interested to know if all States enable RRTs to place Arterial Lines, if not which States don't, or is purely driven by hospital policy?

Along with responses, Is there a Critical Care resource that can help give some guidance to the questions?

Thanks

[meandragonbrett]

Our RTs do not place art lines. I'm unsure of what the state's position on it is.

[Sarah, RNBScN]

Our RT's in Ontario, Canada insert arterial lines. They are very good.

[RNforLongTime]

I think that as a rule RRT's can place a-lines, they did in Ohio when I worked there. Where I work now, in PA, they do not but then as a whole Dr's don't use a-lines. Geez, I have had pt's on a Nipride gtt where the Dr refused to put in an a-line and we had a HECK of a time getting the NIBP on the bedside monitor to pick up a BP on this pt.

[kayaknurse]

I think it's more hospital-policy. In the community hospitals I've worked, RT's do a-lines, and they also intubate. At Tampa General (big teaching hospital), they do neither - it's up to Anesthesia. Also at the smaller hospitals, the decision on when to extubate the pt was between RT/RN - here its up to the MD.

[jbtampa]

RRT here.... a-lines are within scope of practice, same as intubation. You won't find me doing one though....I'm in NURSING school...

[kayaknurse]

Good for you! With your background, you bring so much to our profession - welcome!