Can a registered nurse administer anesthetic agents in a critical care setting?
The registered nurse who is not a qualified anesthesia provider, who has specialized education and training, in settings where critical care nursing can be provided, may initiate, titrate, and bolus intravenous agents provided the patient’s airway is secured and mechanically assisted. A qualified physician or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) must select and order the agent to be used. Refer to the Administration and Management of Moderate Sedation position statement.