Can an RN give succinycholine?

[Katie2u]

I am a RN in an procedure unit. Recently a patient was getting ready to be intubated and the anesthesiologist asked me to administer 5 cc of succinycholine. The CRNA was busy. I told him I was not certain if I was covered to give this drug, to which he replied "You are since you are under the direct supervision of a physician". I think he could be wrong....this applies to CRNA's, but does it to RN's also? I know I need to check my hospital policy, but thought I would post here for feedback.
Thanks..... RN in Pennsylvania

[Ricu]

I am a RN in an procedure unit. Recently a patient was getting ready to be intubated and the anesthesiologist asked me to administer 5 cc of succinycholine. The CRNA was busy. I told him I was not certain if I was covered to give this drug, to which he replied "You are since you are under the direct supervision of a physician". I think he could be wrong....this applies to CRNA's, but does it to RN's also? I know I need to check my hospital policy, but thought I would post here for feedback.
Thanks..... RN in Pennsylvania

Hi Katie,

There is no restriction barring nurses from administering paralytics in THE critical care areas; ICU, ED or OR at my current hospital or in the one where I worked before. This may vary from institution to institution or from state to state. You probably have your answer by now but if not, I'm sure your P & P manual will have that information.

R

[Mom-n-More]

I've given it when I worked in ER. There was also an RT and a doc right there though because the patient was being intubated. Good question, though. It's good that you questioned something you weren't sure of rather than just blindly doing what you were told.

[SoldierNurse]

Can an RN give succinycholine? My answer would be yes... in the ICU w/verbal, or written order. I'd also think under the scenario you provided an RN, being you, can give succinycholine. However, it would be best to contact the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing, as well as your hospital policies for your Procedure Department.

Please, let us know what you find out.

[ToonTown Fan/RN]

Check your hospital policy and procedure. It takes precedence over your licensure in situations where your license allows it but policy forbids it. Consequently it will not cover you for doing something that your license forbids. So check and see what is policy for RNs in the area where you work. Most facilities have a policy regarding IVP meds.

[Neversettle71]

I agree with all above: check P & P followed by State Board. Personally I have administered sux many times in ICU under the direct supervision at bedside with RTs and intubation kit ready.

Good Luck

[gracie1]

Generally speaking, if you have ACLS, you can push succs, or anything else needed in a code situation. You do not even need a Dr present if it is a code situation and it is a med covered in ACLS. It does not appear that this was the case in your situation, but you should have ACLS if you are working in a procedure area where people are being intubated. Because a Dr was present, I don't see a big problem. But I think you should check hospital policy to be sure. I've participated in code situations with anesthesiology present. The nurse usually pushes the succs, etomidate, or whatever.

[HONEY22]

Hey katie i read your message i am not sure if your alllowed i dont even know what it is your talking about, i think you have to check with the doctor or something, but as a RN I am sure your allowed to providing its the right dose, but it could be dangerous,
What do u RN do really, the ones i have seen, keep their eye on things, and just walk around i know they do more but, what is there duties really
Honey22:firedup:

[AmandaWIRN]

Hey katie i read your message i am not sure if your alllowed i dont even know what it is your talking about, i think you have to check with the doctor or something, but as a RN I am sure your allowed to providing its the right dose, but it could be dangerous,
What do u RN do really, the ones i have seen, keep their eye on things, and just walk around i know they do more but, what is there duties really
Honey22:firedup:

First, view the answers nurses have provided for you in your other post where you ask this very same question. Second, perhaps you should spend a day shadowing an RN in a local hospital. If you contact the Human Resources dept. of a local hospital OR the admissions office of a local College of Nursing, they may be able to arrange a day of job-shadowing for you. Then you can see for yourself what nurses REALLY do, because it sure isn't walking around all day doing nothing as you have suggested.

[cassioo]

This topic sure succs LOL ok sorry couldn't resist