This project was developed by Nursing staff in the gastrointestinal (GI) department. The project included collaboration with inpatient teams to optimize procedure preparation with education to the inpatient staff for best pre procedural workflow and procedure success.
Standardization procedures for G-tube patients: Standardized Procedures (RNx) are authorized in the Business and Profession Code, Nursing Practice Act (NPA) Section 2725 and further clarified in California Code of Regulation (CCR 1480). Standardized procedures are the legal mechanism for registered nurses, nurse practitioners to perform functions which would otherwise be considered the practice of medicine. Standardized procedures must be developed collaboratively by nursing, medicine, and administration in the organized health care system where they will be utilized.
Because of this interdisciplinary collaboration for the development and approval, there is accountability on several levels for the activities to be performed by the registered nurse. By utilizing this standardized procedure, this project expands scope and provides autonomy for nurses as they work with G-tube patients on optimization of device placement, replacement, handling, and ongoing follow up for G-tube care.