Evaluation of Perceived Importance, Competence, Confidence, and Satisfaction in the Implementation of Moderate Sedation by Interventional Radiology Nurses

In interventional radiology (IR), registered nurses provide moderate sedation under the direction of the provider performing the procedure. The nurses identified a need to have more standardized education and training, inclusive of clinical issues, such as airway management, distress, capnography, and others. As nurse-administered moderate sedation continues to advance in part because of advances in IR procedures, nurses will need thorough continuing education to ensure safe and quality care for their patients. The purpose of this study was to explore educational interventions that will assist IR nurses administering moderate sedation in their perceived importance, knowledge, confidence, competence, and satisfaction. A pre/post survey intervention design was used to assess the change in nurses' perceived importance, confidence, competence, and satisfaction after an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)-approved educational online program and an airway management practicum by the Department of Anesthesia. Statistically significant findings from pre to post ANCC educational program including, specifically, the airway management training with anesthesia personnel had a p value of <.001 before and after educational practicum. Findings support an ANCC-approved online education and airway practicum with anesthesia personnel to become the standardized moderate sedation orientation for all IR nurses within the department.