Position 15.8:  The Role of the Nurse in Moderate Sedation (1-2009)

• Role of the RN or non-CRNA Advanced Practice Nurse

As the NPA and rules are not prescriptive to specific tasks a nurse may or may not perform, a RN or non-CRNA advanced practice nurse should consider evidence-based practice guidelines put forth by professional organizations with clinical expertise in the administration of pharmacologic agents used for sedation/anesthesia as well as advanced airway management and cardiovascular support.

• Use of Specific Pharmacologic Agents

The Board advises the RN or non-CRNA advanced practice registered nurse use caution, however, in deciding whether or not s/he has the competency to administer the specific pharmacologic agents ordered by the physician. What is within the scope of practice for one RN is not necessarily within the scope of practice for another RN.

• RNs or non-CRNA Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Administering Propofol, Ketamine, or Other Anesthetic Agents to Non-Intubated Patients

It is the position of the Board that the administration of anesthetic agents (e.g. propofol, methohexital, ketamine, and etomidate) is outside the scope of practice for RNs and non-CRNA advanced practice registered nurses except in intubated patients and supervised situations as specified.

Read the Board of Nursing Position Statement

Texas Board of Nursing
Texas Board of Nursing Laws and Rules / Nurse Practice Act 
Texas Nursing Practice 
Texas Board of Nursing Position Statements  
Texas Nurses Association
Texas Medical Board 
Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists