Suturing question

[pghfoxfan]

I work in an ElectroPhysiology lab. We do operative procedures such as putting in pacemakers and ICD's. We are an all RN staff. Our doctors have taught us to suture the pockets closed.

Our OR nurses do not suture and are questioning whether we are allowed. Our director says we are allowed because we were taught and work under our EP doctors. We have looked at out Nurse Practice Act and see nothing specific written about suturing.

Any advice?

[shodobe]

I don't know about Pa but in California you are in violation of your Nurse Practice Act, unless you have gone through a recognized RNFA program. If this is a stand alone lab that doesn't have to answer to JACHO or your state DHS then you might be OK. Check it out.

[suzanne4, RN]

As Mike said, check with your Board of Nursing. Many have learned the hard way, just because the Adminsitrators have given their okay, doesn't mean that the state does. And one thing that the Administrators are incorrect about, you are working under your license, not the EP Doctors. That is a big difference.