The role of the nurse sedationist

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a quality improvement review to identify the benefits and level of satisfaction for the role of the nurse sedationists. Traditionally procedural sedation was only administered by an anaesthetist or dentist and it was not until the early 1990s that nurses in America commenced administering procedural sedation. A literature review on the role of the nurse sedationist undertaken identified no documented evidence of such a role in Australia. The role of the nurse sedationist was pursued as a strategy to meet the increased demand for anaesthetic services, manage the shortage of anaesthetists and address concerns associated with the administration of procedural sedation by healthcare workers untrained in this area. Evaluation of the role of the nurse sedationist was essential to ensure that the role met both the needs of the organisation, patients and key stakeholders. Due to the variety of stakeholders and associated expectations a variety of evaluation methods were used. Results indicate that the introduction of the nurse sedationist role has been recognised as value adding through increases in patient safety, a more collaborative approach to patient care, improved work environments for all staff groups and strengthened multi disciplinary relationships. Patients also indicate a very high level of patient satisfaction with the service. The role of nurse sedationist has been successfully introduced in an Australian acute public hospital. The introduction of the role has assisted to address an increased demand for anaesthetic services and to address patient safety concerns. Recent years have seen an expansion of advanced practice nursing roles throughout Australia. This expansion of roles has resulted in an increase in nursing expertise, high quality patient outcomes and an improved multidisciplinary approach to healthcare. The role of the nurse sedationist has been a result of expansion in this area.