Role of Registered Nurse (RN) in the Management of Patients Receiving Moderate Sedation/Analgesia for Therapeutic, Diagnostic, or Surgical Procedures (5-2007)

• The non-anesthetist RN is allowed by state laws and institutional policy, procedures, and protocol to administer:
  • Minimal sedation in the form of nitrous oxide/oxygen-inhalation
  • Moderate sedation/analgesia medications

• A licensed nurse who is not a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist may not administer general anesthesia or conscious/moderate sedation, if the drug manufacturer's general warning advises the drug should be administered and monitored by persons experienced in the use of general anesthesia who are not involved in the conduct of the surgical and/or diagnostic procedure.

• The Registered Nurse must demonstrate requisite knowledge, skills, and training to manage the care of patients receiving sedation/analgesia and comply with the requirements of the institution or practice setting.

• Registered nurses who are not qualified anesthesia providers may be authorized to manage and monitor minimum sedation in the form of nitrous oxide or moderate sedation/analgesia during therapeutic, diagnostic or surgical procedures if specified criteria are met.

Read the Board of Nursing Practice Statement on the Management of Patients Receiving Moderate Sedation/Analgesia for Therapeutic, Diagnostic, or Surgical Procedures
 

• It is within the Scope of Practice for the Registered Nurse to administer pharmaceutical drugs classified as anesthetic agents used for the purpose of sedation under the following conditions:
  • The patient in a controlled environment with a secure airway.
  • Specified training and supervision requirements are met.

• A licensed nurse who is not a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist may not administer general anesthesia or conscious/moderate sedation, if the drug manufacturer's general warning advises the drug should be administered and monitored by persons experienced in the use of general anesthesia who are not involved in the conduct of the surgical and/or diagnostic procedure.