Sedation nurse

[KatieBug713]

I'm interested in becoming a sedation nurse and was wondering maybe from some experienced ones what it took to get you there. Facilities around here I think will train you but I'm pretty sure you have to have a certain amount of nursing experience in general before they will hire you on. How long did you have to work as a nurse before being able to become a sedation nurse? Did you have to work a specific area? Thanks for any and all replies!

Katie

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Are you in the US? If so, I have never heard of a 'sedation nurse' - think you may be referring to "nurse anesthetist" (CRNA). This is an advanced practice role which requires successful completion of an accredited a graduate degree program and passing a national certification - programs are not facility-based. Most CRNA programs require at least one year of intensive care or similar clinical experience. Admission is extremely competitive. CRNA programs are rigorous, both academically and in terms of the time commitment. I don't know of anyone who was able to work while completing their CRNA clinical practicums.

[KatieBug713]

Yes I am in the US, Texas. And no I'm not talking about a CRNA. Thanks for the response though. We have sedation nurses here I followed one in clinicals however I don't remember how she got to that position.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Yes I am in the US, Texas. And no I'm not talking about a CRNA. Thanks for the response though. We have sedation nurses here I followed one in clinicals however I don't remember how she got to that position.

Perhaps you are thinking of a nurse who administers conscious sedation? There is really no such thing as a "sedation nurse"...but there are nurses who administer conscious sedation and most of them work in special procedures, such as in endoscopy or cardiac cath. They are expected to function at the level required by their unit but will also receive training in administering sedation.

[KatieBug713]

Yes that is what I'm talking about, the one I followed was in the GI center. But there they call themselves "sedation nurses".

[lesdrn]

I was never a "Sedation Nurse", but I've worked in Critical Care for the majority of my 18 year career. I've given sedation to intubated patients and also given conscious sedation when assisting with procedures. I think you would either need experience in a department that uses conscious sedation or work in Critical Care. We had to do annual competencies on many things including conscious sedation. But, to prepare yourself, I would suggest getting familiar with the drugs used for those procedures the same way you did during nursing school. It never hurts to have the knowledge beforehand.