Can a registered nurse administer Fentanyl or Versed for sedation?
The administration of Fentanyl and Versed (midazolam) are not prohibited by the RN provided: • The registered nurse is educated and competent in the procedure. This education and competence must be documented initially and on an ongoing basis; • There is a medical order for the procedure; • The patient retains control of reflexes and can be aroused; • The registered nurse practices according to accepted standards of practice; • The drugs and dosages must be clearly intended for maintaining the patient in a conscious state; • The physician or CRNA ordering the sedation should be present and immediately available to respond in the case of an emergency; • The patient is monitored according to currently recognized standards of practice; • All necessary resources are available; and • The facility has policies and procedures in place addressing all aspects of the issue. The Board does not maintain a listing of each medication/anesthetic agent which a nurse can administer. The nurse/facility
