May 11, 2021

Sedation Collaboration

Central, Clinical Partners

As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. So when there was a need in the O.R. to serve more patients in a timely manner, the surgery leadership team and Anesthesia Services saw an opportunity. The solution: utilize nurses to administer sedation in specific cases, rather than Anesthesia Services.

Utilizing RNs

The teams worked together to create the Nurse Administered Sedation program, which launched in March 2020. It was no small effort and many people made it happen. Kayla Dingmann, Core Charge Nurse, Surgery, collaborated with the team of anesthesiologists, including Dr. Mike Tan, Dr. Lindy Watanaskul, Dr. Chad Kissela and Dr. Kevin Jenner to develop the program. Dr. Jake Eiler, anesthesiologist, ultimately led efforts to get the program approved.

It was no small effort and many people made it happen.

Scott Donabauer, RN, is the Sedation Nurse Supervisor for the team. “The great thing about it from a nursing perspective is it allows our team to practice at the top of our profession and license,” said Donabauer. “From a patient standpoint it provides cost-effective care, and in some cases improves their access because we’re not limited by anesthesiology space. It allows patients to get in a bit sooner and receive high-quality care close to home.”

How it started

The opportunity to leverage nurses in this role was first identified in 2018. An analysis discovered that approximately 500 procedures typically performed under conscious sedation utilizing anesthesia services could have used nurse-administered sedation instead. To capitalize on this opportunity, a small, but mighty team was hired in 2019. In addition to Donabauer, the team includes three sedation registered nurses: Hilary Gracik, RN, Marie Klasen, RN, and Rachael Niesen, RN. “This group has been exceptional,” said Donabauer. “They’ve taken on a lot of work, helped build the program and they just continue to go above and beyond what they’re asked to do.”

“This group has been exceptional. They’ve taken on a lot of work, helped build the program and they just continue to go above and beyond what they’re asked to do.”

Scott Donabauer, RN, Sedation Nurse Supervisor

Off to a great start

While launching the program during the pandemic had its challenges, things are off to a great start. “A few weeks after we started, the pandemic put everything on hold as surgery cases were paused,” said Donabauer. However, as surgery volumes increase, the team is back to their routine, which includes meeting with patients before surgery, educating them about what they’ll be doing and what will happen, and then following up with them to answer their questions. “The hope is to expand the program throughout the hospital and throughout CentraCare,” said Donabauer.

A matter of trust

As this new way of serving patients becomes routine, the partnership continues to be the foundation for success. Anesthesia Services remains closely involved with oversight of patient criteria to be eligible for nurse-administered sedation and they continue to consult with the team. “This work is really rewarding because we’re taking care of someone during one of the most vulnerable times in their life,” said Donabauer. “Patients put all their trust in the nurses and the care team so it’s our job to be the voice for them.”