Who is responsible to check the emergency cart?

[tony2020]

I work in a short term rehab center as a cna, my DON wants me to check the emergency cart before I start my shift every time. I don't mind to go through the check list and make sure everything is ready and in good condition. However, I have a question - usually who is responsible for checking emergency cart in your facility? Or anyone could do it....

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

It is part of the charge nurse's duties at the beginning of the shift. Although we all know how to do it and it can be delegated to other RN's if needed. There's a log that we have to sign with the date and time it was checked.

However, this is an ICU and part of the responsibility involved turning on and testing the defibrillator. Thats why CNA's do not perform this task. Otherwise, I don't see a reason that they couldn't.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

It is usually a nurses task to check the defibrillator mostly to make the nurses remain familiar with the equipment and the crash cart especially in the scenario that the cart is infrequently used, but legally anyone check the equipment.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

A crash cart and an Emergency cart are not the same things. An emergency cart does not have a defibrillator or drugs, just basic airway and IV supplies, a back board plus a few other basic needs. It is only used until the crash cart comes from the ICU

[VICEDRN, BSN, RN]

An RN in my ER assigned to the area. The charge nurse is responsible for assigning that responsibility to an RN and ensuring it has been done.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

It is the charge nurse's responsibility. On our log sheet, we have 3 different times...0700-1500, 1500-2300 and then 2300-0700. I think it's dumb, really, there should just be a time from 0700-1900 and then 1900-0700. Our charge nurse is our manager on days, but there are certain days where she will not be there, especially on the weekends. When she isn't, we notice that the crash cart doesn't get checked like it should. The crash cart always gets checked on nights. We have 3 on my unit.

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

pharmacy

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

A crash cart and an Emergency cart are not the same things. An emergency cart does not have a defibrillator or drugs, just basic airway and IV supplies, a back board plus a few other basic needs. It is only used until the crash cart comes from the ICU

Really? So only crash carts are in icu?We have one in every dept,plus a Braslow.OP...the CN checks them, but any RN can do it.

[Silverlight2010]

Where I work we have a schedule for when each of the carts get checked. They are "signed off" daily by someone working the night shift (supplies on top checked) and if not used the seal is broken and the contents checked weekly. The cart is then resealed. It is also checked and restocked after use. It is considered everyone's responsibility.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

When I worked in the hospital... the code cart was "checked" every night and then cracked and counted every Friday night. The defibrillator was also tested every night. It was the charge nurse's responsibility.

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

The charge nurse

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I think YOU are responsible, OP. At least, your boss seems to think so.

You should not have to do it BEFORE your shift starts, though. It sounds like you are working for free.

Do you mind doing the check?