What do you want your CNAs to do in a code?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm curious to hear from nurses what is the best way for a CNA to be helpful in a code and not in the way. Grabbing supplies? Vitals? Thanks.

Grab supplies, grab a vitals machine, grab a blood sugar machine. Just grab everything and anything that's needed.

You could offer to do compressions if you're nearby and the scene is pretty clear(not too many people around or people are busy setting up equipment).

I'm a PCT and initiated a code. The only thing I would have done different was recording the vitals of the patient that was taken after he was resuscitated.

Specializes in Emergency.

Compressions. Nobody does it better than an ER tech.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

Our hospital has a code team and there are 2 CNAs on the code team each day. They act as runners: bring the code cart, vitals machine, glucometer and anything else that's needed. They could also be a first responder and start CPR.

Turn on the overhead lights, and be prepared to run for supplies. If you know where the stepstool is, bring it in. CPR is easier when you have a stepstool to stand on.

Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Compressions and runners for stuff that is needed.

Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Compressions. And runners. I find the CNAs tend to know where things are better than the RNs on our unit.

Thanks so much for all of your responses!

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Ideally, the CNA will be assigned a role at the beginning of a shift--at least, that's how it's done in one of my facilities. At the start of the shift we are all given assigned roles for any and all types of codes that may come up.

Otherwise, the best way a CNA can be helpful in a code is to do WHATEVER the code leader asks of him/her. Vitals, compressions, crowd control, finding supplies, calling for additional help, staying with another patient that can't be left alone during this, whatever is needed. A code is not the time for a CNA (or anyone for that matter) to stamp their foot and pout "but that's not my job/patient!"

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