Are nurses (RN, LPN and Techs) allowed to assist the doctor with performing colonic biopsies?

Q: Are nurses (RN, LPN and Techs) allowed to assist the doctor with performing colonic biopsies? Our doctor places the forceps via endoscopy to the site and then asks the nurse to close the forceps, thus allowing the nurse to perform the biopsy. We are unsure if this is within our scope of practice. I was unable to find any information pertaining to this issue.

A: Check with your state board of nursing for the scope of practice allowable within that state. Additionally, refer to the Society for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates Inc. (SGNA) “Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice and Role Delineation Statements” (2005), which detail the roles of the RN in a staff position, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, Assistive Personnel and Advance Practice Nurse. All SGNA position statements and guidelines can be located and downloaded at http://www.sgna.org.

Also, be sure to check with your facility for their recommendation and approval of policies and procedures in this matter.

-- Bradley Catalone

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