Is it within the scope of practice of the RN to remove a femoral arterial sheath or a femoral venous sheath?
It is within the scope of the appropriately prepared registered nurse to remove a femoral arterial sheath or a femoral venous sheath provided: • The registered nurse is educated and competent in the procedure. This education and competence are documented initially and on an ongoing basis. The documented competencies should include hemodynamic monitoring and skills included in ACLS and basic critical care; • There is a medical order for the procedure; • The procedure is performed and the patient is monitored according to accepted standards of care; and • The facility has policies and procedures in place addressing all aspects of the issue. The registered nurse may not delegate the removal of arterial or venous sheaths to unlicensed personnel.
