Techs checking O2 sats

[1TachyRN, RN]

Why can't techs check O2 sats? This is the case at all facilities I've done clinicals in as well as the facility where I currently work. Is it a state BON thing that varies from state to state? I've checked my state's BON website and can't find any reference to it.

Just curious, is all.

Thanks!

[bethin]

I always check sats with vitals. I don't think it's a no no for aides as I was taught it is part of obtaining vital signs.

Have you communicated with the aides that you want this done and do you have oximeters handy that don't need checked out of the pyxis (this is where my facility keeps them)?

[TazziRN, RN]

I always expected my techs to get sats with VS. If it was lower than it had been (or below 95%) they were to let me know right away.

[widi96]

Our techs do get O2 sats. (Missouri)

[JBudd, MSN]

I always expected my techs to get sats with VS. If it was lower than it had been (or below 95%) they were to let me know right away.

sats are automatic part of VS here too.

Tazz, where are you? We're happy with 90% here at 7,000+ feet, most of our elderly live at 88-89%. :heartbeat

[miko014]

Yeah our techs do sats, but they let us know at 90%, not 95%.

The argument we are having now is whether or not they can chart the 02 level or not. If they can't, there is no point at having them do sats, because you need to know if it's an RA sat vs. if it's with O2. I think they SHOULD be able to document O2 level because they are just reading a number (ie the line is at 2L so they can chart "2L). The other side says that since O2 is a drug, the RN must document. I say reading the flow meter is no different from reading a thermometer. The point is they shouldn't TOUCH the flow meter, not that they shouldn't be able to READ it. We're still waiting to hear what the final word will be.

[1TachyRN, RN]

Maybe it's a facility policy and procedure thing...

I've always thought it was kind of odd that only RNs/LPNs could check sats when techs do and chart FSBS, VS, and I & O. Doesn't make any sense to me so I was wondering what the rationale was.

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

At my facility we as CNA's and PCA's check vitals signs along with O2 Sats and chart it into the computer as well. (NJ)

[Peds_Ortho_Neuro_RN]

When I was a tech @ FL Hospital we were expected to check AND chart our sats (and whether I was supposed to or not, I charted Fi02). Apparently, the facility I work in now doesn't want our techs checking or charting sats (in fact, the only pulse ox on my unit is part of the code cart)... there's also a rumour that they aren't supposed to be charting the site used to check temperatures either. (I haven't found anything to prove or disprove this, but I'm REALLY hoping it was just a lazy tech blowing smoke because that seems absolutely ridiculous.)

[annaedRN, RN]

Just another point of view - in home health, only the nurses and PT's carry pulse oximeters. The aides do not. You need a order to even check it.

While I think that an O2 sat is beneficial...I always go back to "treat the patient, not the machine." I have had people in severe resp distress or going into CHF with a sat of 97% as well as people who are fine with sats 87-88%. No matter who checks it...nothing takes the place of a thorough nursing assessment.

[1TachyRN, RN]

Um, yeah.

Rest assured, I do assess each and every one of my patients. I was just wondering what the rationale from above was for techs not being able to check sats.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

well, I'm in a hospital setting, and our techs are expected to get a pulse ox reading with each set of vitals. They don't play with the meters, of course, but I do expect them to tell me what the pulse ox numbers are. They know to bring us anything that's 90% or lower, every time.

My tech doesn't assess my patient, of course, I do. But if I ask him or her to get me a set of numbers they can read off an LED readout, I can go from there!