Re: "Keep Propofol in Trained Hands" (August, page 8). I read your editorial with concern. I am an RN with more than five years experience administering propofol in a hospital GI department in conjunction with both a gastroenterologist group and a pulmologist group. Not just any RN may deliver this medication in our department. But you made it sound as though RNs with a great deal of experience and professional training are unable to do what is safe for patient care. Credentialed MDs (gastroenterologists) and RNs properly trained to assess and monitor each patient can deliver propofol in a safe and responsible manner. Any sedation patient undergoing a procedure with any medication is attended by an MD (properly credentialed), a technician (BLS and experience in assisting with airway management) to provide direct assistance to the procedurist, and an RN whose only function is to assess the patient, provide the propofol and continuously monitor the patient's airway and vital signs. We are in charge of monitoring the patient, not being the physician's gopher or handmaiden. If that's needed, we call for someone else.

Elizabeth A. Russell, RN, BSN, BS
Providence Medford Medical Center
Medford, Ore.
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