Moderate Sedation for Non-Anesthesia Nurses: A Guide to Safe and Effective Sedation

Moderate Sedation for Non-Anesthesia Nurses Guide is designed for nurses who are involved with managing the care of patients receiving sedative or analgesic medications while undergoing invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Medication administration, patient monitoring, discharge instruction, family teaching and patient safety concerns are all critical care elements of patients undergoing sedation.The Sedation Guide is designed for non-anesthesia Registered Nurses working in any surgical or procedural location where sedation is given. This includes the ER, PACU, Operating Suite, Special Procedures, Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, Radiology, Ophthalmology, Plastic Surgery, and Oral Surgery suites.This guide will provide the necessary information to administer approved drugs for sedation. This guide includes proposed policies for your facility, standards of care, pharmacology, and complications related to the administration of medications, airway management, and age-specific patient assessment considerations.This guide takes the position that registered nurses, trained and experienced in critical care and working in emergency and/or peri-anesthesia specialty areas, may be given the responsibility of administration and maintenance of moderate or conscious sedation in the presence, and by the order, of a physician. The registered nurse has the knowledge and experience to assess, interpret and intervene in the event of complications. The registered nurse is an asset to the physician and enhances the quality of care provided to the patient.