What does CNA do during code blue?

[Ybur514]

Hi I just got hired by one of the hospital in our state and about to start my orientation next week, I never had any work experience as a CNA in the hospital so I don't have any idea what the CNA does during Code Blue. Is there anyone who can tell me what to do? Thank U!:)

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Typically CNAs act as gophers to fetch equipment/supplies or help with chest compressions. Or they will help answer call lights because sometimes when there is a code blue, there are lights that go off and are unanswered.

[Seas]

On my floor, CNA's only stay out of the way and keep doing their jobs for everyone except for the coding patient. There are too many RN's to work with the patient and run for things at that time.

[funtimes]

I agree with what other people said about DNRs and calling codes. If you encounter a patient who is unresponsive, definitely not breathing(know what agonal breathing looks like) and doesnt have a pulse, and there isnt an RN or Doctor close by I would call a code and initiate CPR unless you know for a fact they are a DNR or that information isnt immediately available. Code status should be given during report at the beginning of your shift or during admission and should be in your kardex or whatever documentation on the patient you have.

Better to stop resuscitation after its initiated than to withhold or delay it unnecessarily.

You will be told exactly what your duties will be during orientation, and if you have any questions make sure you ask, as its better to know beforehand whats expected than to just wing it or continually ask what you should do during the real thing.

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

At my hospital we usually assist with CPR. We also act as "runners" to get supplies and equipment that may be needed outside of the code room. In the ER we assist the nurses I ensuring all rooms, especially our trauma rooms are well stocked. We also help prepare the room for a EMS call that requests a traumas room or if we hear a report that we feel will lead to a code. After the code it stabilization if the pt we help transport them to the ICU or CT etc... We also help with room cleaning afterward as all staff do.

[funtimes]

Without getting into some bitter CNA vs RN battle, Ive worked many codes as an EMT and train for them all the time and I have seen RNs(and even an RT) do completely ineffective compressions, and do a pretty poor job of bagging a patient. Doing effective compressions can get tiring fairly quickly, so just because an RN or someone else is doing them, dont just assume they got it covered and take off. You may have to rotate in on compressions if the code drags on.

RNs might know way more than CNAs do, but not all hospital Nurses are ACLS certified, and some might not have much, or even any experience in a real code. On the other hand we have some really sharp experienced CNAs where I work who are johnny/jane on the spot with everything needed and really know what theyre doing.

[BrittaLeigh313]

Hi Britta,

Thank u so much that helps me alot,lots of info..lol dats funny ok I will remember that bee-gees ah-ah-ah-ah and just sing it on my mind but hopefully when I encounter my very 1st patient who needs cpr I will do it right and accurate.:) so in the hospital its 30:1? instead of 30:2?,.now how cud I do the rescue breath is there always a cpr mask on the patients bedside table?..thank u so much! And oh dnt wori someday when I bcome nurse I'l always respect cnas:))

Always keep your CPR up to date. While this is something your facility should remind you of, do keep up with it yourself as well. Recently, American Heart Association says it's 30 compressions, breathe, breathe and then another round of 30 compressions. In a properly-stocked hospital room, an Ambu bag should be within reach. It's the plastic balloon with the mask. Always know where your critical supplies is located. Usually in an emergency setting, you just keep doing compressions for 2 minutes while Respiratory Therapy bags the patient until the doctor calls for a pulse check. Glad I could help. You'll never forget Stayin' Alive, that's for sure.

Britta

[PMFB-RN, RN]

Without getting into some bitter CNA vs RN battle, Ive worked many codes as an EMT and train for them all the time and I have seen RNs(and even an RT) do completely ineffective compressions.

*** Back in the day, before effective CPR machines were widely available, it was the job of the medical and surgical intern to do compressions in my hospital. The only reason they were included on the code team was as CPR mules, and of course to give them exposure to codes so they could learn. At first I thought this was a great idea. Two MDs doing compressions while being directed by an RN code team leader. However in realiety their compression were often so ineffective that RNs / RTs / CNAs would end up taking over. We used to tease them about how crappy their compressions were. "Hey come on doc, I know you get a free membership to the Y with your residency. Better start hitting the gym":)

If you haven't had the oppertnity to do compressions on a patient with an art line you are missing out. The art line allows to tell EXACTLY how effective your compressions are or are not.