Frightened OR Nurse Needs Help

[elainebennas]

I've been working in the Operating Room for a little more than one year now. It's a small catholic hospital in Maine with 6 operating rooms. We have orderlies that assist in cleaning the rooms between cases and some have been trained "on the job" to be Anesthesia Technicians (they come right off the sidewalk into the job of Anesthesia Tech). Does anyone have experience with these tech's? Is it legal for them to start IV's?

Also, during an emergency one day, one of the seasoned Scrub Tech's (he used to be an anesthesia tech) was not scrubbed in and began drawing up anesthesia meds at the direction of the anesthesiologist I was stunned and didn't know what to do.....everyone else just seemed like it was a normal occurence.

Thanks for any information or suggestions you might have

[Aaron C.]

sounds pretty crazy to me.

[technurse]

Hi. I am new to this forum, but read your post and wanted to reply. We have anesthesia techs in Texas. They are trained to refill anesthesia supplies on carts and with machines, lines, etc., and assist in any way the anesthesiologist needs. They absolutely are not trained in medication and have no liscense in this area. Scrub techs are not allowed to draw up meds either! This is very scary, and I cannot imagine a Dr. who would give a med that was drawn up by a nonliscensed person. At my previous hospital, the anesthesiologist in our heart room liked to be catered to and have all of their drugs, drips, and syringes, ready for them. I don't mind doing drips and local etc. but I refuse to draw up anyones induction syringe. Meds are risky business and it is our liscense. Best of luck.

[Marie_LPN]

Originally Posted by elainebennas

We have orderlies that assist in cleaning the rooms between cases and some have been trained "on the job" to be Anesthesia Technicians (they come right off the sidewalk into the job of Anesthesia Tech). Does anyone have experience with these tech's? Is it legal for them to start IV's?

We only hire anesthesia techs who are also licensed LPNs. And in my state, LPNs can start IVs. Coming right off the sidewalk and into a AT job, not good.

Also, during an emergency one day, one of the seasoned Scrub Tech's (he used to be an anesthesia tech) was not scrubbed in and began drawing up anesthesia meds at the direction of the anesthesiologist I was stunned and didn't know what to do.....everyone else just seemed like it was a normal occurence.

Might want to check on your facility's P and P and also the state board regulations to see who for sure is permitted to draw these meds up.