suprapubic catheter reinsertion

[bubbacat]

Need help deciding if I was wrong or not. In my LTC facility where I work we have a resident who has a s/p cath. I was pulling a double last night and in the treatment book it was (s/p cath) designated to be changed with an 18FR. I being a fairly recent grad, & never have done a s/p cath change went to the policy and procedure book to look up s/p cath's. In the book it states under responsiblity as licensed nurse but in parathensis (reinsertion requires physician). I did not change the cath out, my reasoning was the p & p book, and since state is ready to come in on us, how would that look if I did it? I notified the next shift which they were kinda crappy about it and said that the normal night nurse changes it every month. I told them fine if that nurse wants to change it let her, but I am not risking my license. Was I wrong?

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

as long as you follow P and P you are correct.

[SnowymtnRN]

I agree, as long as you follow P&P you won't go wrong. We used to change ours at the LTC facility i worked at, but we were covered by our policies. Good luck!

[FoxRN]

Need help deciding if I was wrong or not. In my LTC facility where I work we have a resident who has a s/p cath. I was pulling a double last night and in the treatment book it was (s/p cath) designated to be changed with an 18FR. I being a fairly recent grad, & never have done a s/p cath change went to the policy and procedure book to look up s/p cath's. In the book it states under responsiblity as licensed nurse but in parathensis (reinsertion requires physician). I did not change the cath out, my reasoning was the p & p book, and since state is ready to come in on us, how would that look if I did it? I notified the next shift which they were kinda crappy about it and said that the normal night nurse changes it every month. I told them fine if that nurse wants to change it let her, but I am not risking my license. Was I wrong?

I think you can never go wrong by following policy, the only policy I have seen on this however stated that the 1st reinsertion must be done by a physician, after that the nurse or properly trained UCP may change.

[Pneumothorax, BSN, RN]

you followed policy, and even if u felt uncomfortable doing something you shouldnt do it. simple as that. i wouldnt sweat it :)