Published Apr 28, 2014
MissClarity
4 Posts
I have been offered a job at a new "wellness institute" near my home where an RN is wanted to provide laser therapy (hair reduction, tattoo removal) and also hang IVs of vitamin infusions. There is no MD present at the facility, but an MD is on-call.
In the state of California, is it okay for an RN to provide laser therapy with no order? I am unsure about the laser regulations. What about the vitamin infusion IVs? Could the MD who is on-call provide a sufficient "order" over the phone or by fax for that? The vision of the place is to have a thriving clinic where people can walk in off of the street and pay for vitamin infusions, receive laser treatment, etc. I am not sure if it is in my scope of practice as an RN to be available that way and start sticking people with an IV infusion when there is no other licensed personnel on location. The woman who is usually there all day provides hydro-colon therapy. She used to be an RN but has not renewed her license in many years.
One other issue is that I am wanted there as a "contract worker" rather than an employee. I am not very attracted to that option, and am planning to negotiate it with the person who wants to hire me.
I have been trying to call the Board of Registered Nursing all day to ask them these questions and the line is busy. I would like for this all to work out as I love the idea of working as a laser nurse and providing people with nutraceuticals. First I want to be sure that what I would be doing is legal and within my scope of practice.