Can a licensed nurse supervise a cardiac stress test?
Supervising cardiac stress testing is within the scope of practice of the appropriately prepared registered nurse provided: • The registered nurse is educated and competent in the procedure, in EKG interpretation, must be ACLS certified and capable to respond to adverse events. This education and competence must be documented initially and on an ongoing basis; • The physician or advanced practice registered nurse must be immediately available in the facility; • The facility and staff must possess the ability to run a full code; • The patient must be previously evaluated and cleared for testing by the physician or nurse practitioner AND must be re-evaluated by the physician or advanced practice registered nurse prior to leaving the facility; • There must be a medical order for the procedure; and • The facility must have policies and procedures in place to address all aspects of this issue. The registered nurse may not administer agents or medications for the purpose of pharmacologic or
