I had mentioned in another thread that I wouldn't allow a student nurse to attempt insertion of a foley on me (unless I'd been anesthetized prior).
So that got me thinking....
What would I and what wouldn't I allow a student nurse to do for me?
Here's my personal thoughts
I WOULD allow:
Vitals
Venipuncture
PO meds dispensed and IVPB meds to be hung (and main fluid bag changed/hung)
*SC or IM meds administered
EKG
SLIV/HLIV flush
D/C IV or SL/HL IV
Foley emptying and flushing (if RN with SN for flush)
Unchecked assessments for lung sounds, bowel sounds, DTRs etc (as in, SN can do it, as long as RN there to assess and verify)
I WOULD NOT allow:
Catheterization
IV insertion
*SC or IM meds administered
IVP meds
NG tube insertion
*I listed SC and IM under both categories. If SN had experience giving injections, well, then shoot away. But if not, sorry. I've seen way too many students get scared or try to be nice, etc, and push the needle in so slowly, push the med too fast into the tissue, not feel comfortable with location and hit a bone, etc.
I know I'm leaving lots of stuff out--haven't slept in over 36hrs, so brain ain't what she could be right now, yk?
What about you all? Where are you willing to aid the learning process and where do you draw the line(for you personally-not your kids/family)?
***We're assuming these are not emergency situations. ie, I'd let a student venipuncture me, but not if it were for STAT Mag levels because they think I have MagTox, or T&S because I'm bleeding, etc.
Can't wait to see your answers.