Moderate Sedation Education for Nurses in Interventional Radiology to Promote Patient Safety: Results of a National Survey

Moderate sedation in interventional radiology (IR) relies on registered nurses (RNs) with specific education to ensure the best patient outcomes. Research conducted during the previous decades has improved the understanding of nursing labor quality and the relationship to outcomes; yet, there is limited description related to specialty practice areas. Defining parameters for IR nursing allows the study of nurse-driven outcomes for patients receiving sedation. A 26-question survey was sent to a national sample of radiologic administrators (n=510). Statistics included frequency distributions, means, standard deviations, medians, interquartile ranges, chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests; statistical significance p<.05. The response rate was 16% (n = 82). Annual moderate sedation training for RNs was required at most institutions (94.9% 75 of 79) with variation in methods of delivery. Basic life saving (100%, 77 of 77) and advanced cardiac life saving (97.4%, 75 of 77) were primarily required; less than a fifth (17.9%, 10 of 56) noted critical care nursing, or certified radiology nurse certification (7.4%, 4 of 54). A BSN was the most commonly reported degree (median 60% of RNs, IQR = 45.8, 86.1). There is variation in how moderate sedation training is accomplished, its complexity, and the required degree attainment of nurses who participate in the administration of moderate sedation. These findings reflect the limited consensus statements available regarding competencies for moderate sedation nursing practice. Continued studies of moderate sedation and the workforce in IR is essential to understand the RN role in achieving high-quality, safe patient care.