What are the limitations of an RN (registered nurse)?
Asked by Diane M
Does anyone know what an R.N. can do while working with a midwife? Are there limits to what an RN can do if working with a traditional midwife in a home birth setting? Can the RN start IV's during emergencies (while waiting on paramedics) What are the limitations the RN has? A list of unacceptable practices would be ok, too... Thanks in advance!

Best Answer:
My best advice is to check with your state board of nursing. A nurse's scope of practice varies from state to state, I would think that if the Midwife has prescriptive authority in your state, then yes you would be able to start and IV with fluids. The reason you can start an IV under an MD or NP is because they have been given permission by the state to give that order (be it verbal or written). But every state has its own set of rules. So to get the most accurate answer for you, your state board of nursing would be the best resource.
RN, BSN
Answered by missypedsrn