story time.

I happily responded to a code on the pcu, namely a PEA situation. After giving epi we were able to get a pulse with the heart rate in the 30,s so it seemed like a good idea to pace the pt. I handed the wire to pcu nurse so that she can attach the wire to the pacer pads whilst I set up the pacer. After playing with the pacer for approx 30 seconds I was wandering why the H--- I could not get any capture. Something told me to look at the pt, when I realized that the pcu nurse had no idea what to do with the wire and left it on the bed. Being the calm person that I am I explained to her very kindly the purpose of the wire. I was able to laugh at the situation back at the unit.

allen...that sucks.......sorry to hear you worked so hard and still lost the pt...............what are rhino rockets?,,,,,LR

What a timely post, Now do not think that waht follows is a typical week. I think that some greater deity is punishing me for leaving my current position and starting school. BTW the count is 18 days to start. Yahoooo.

In the last four days we have had, (being charge, I am in on all codes.)

Pedestrian VS. auto, head lac, fracture, pelvic fracture, and tib, fib gentleman who, in one hour on the unit brady's we code him, recovers if you could call it that, goes into VT, we code him. His pupils dilate and he dies. Helped with a pericardial tap, and shocked him with paddles.

Two nights later, 70 year old with Hep C and 80% of her liver surgically removed, goes into PEA and we code her three times. Much blood, and other things later she rushes off to OR to die.

Last night, 28 yo IUFD (intra uteran fetal demise) patient with HELP, DIC (death is comming), and Sepsis from amniotic bolus goes into SVT and we get to push more adenocard than should be allowed, and synchronised cardiovert her three times. BTW I was running CVVH at the time and the patient is on epi, levo, and vasopressin. What fun. I just want to walk away, there is only so much that should happen in one week.

I am now in dread of working my last six shifts.

Craig

Nileoc, my last few shifts were the same way. Coding the whole world, Swan's, procedures, lines, you name it. It was great to say, after one of those hellacious days, I don't have to come back... Not I'm off for 3 days. You will get there. Just take it in stride. You are headed for Glory Land (well maybe that's a stretch )

Did you mean you got to provide the big thump for VT or did you all actually have to tap the chest?

I had rhino rockets when I was a kid, for nose bleeds. They made me gag and throw up. Just thought I would share that with you all.

This is actually a very interesting thread. I enjoy hearing about other people's pts. Let's keep this one going.
I am working Sunday and Mon- lets see if I will have anything to contribute....

I like hearing stories too. Unfortunately, I am not working right now and don't start clinicals until October. When I do, I will be sharing stories.

I understand that all codes are stressful, but which type of code for a CRNA is the one that you dread?