The role of the nurse during intravenous conscious sedation

Intravenous conscious sedation is being administered more frequently in both inpatient and outpatient settings for a wide variety of procedures. The registered nurse and physician have distinct yet collaborative roles in the management and care of the patient receiving conscious sedation. It is imperative that the nurse be aware of her/his role in caring for the patient before, during, and after the administration of intravenous conscious sedation. Nurses need to be familiar with policies on intravenous conscious sedation held by their state board of nursing and their institute or agency. They need to know what is covered in their scope of practice and the necessary training or validations required to care for a patient receiving conscious sedation.