Being on the Code team freaks me out

Specialties MICU

Published

Hi everyone,

I have been an RN for 6 years --Oncology 5 yrs and ICU 1. Every time i see i am on the code team/rapid response team i freak out:uhoh3:

Just the thought of going to another floor and having to walk into a situation and not know what is happening due to the chaos causes my anxiety to shoot through the roof.:madface:

In my year in ICU i have responded to 2 events off the floor. I am grateful to have assistance of the docs and the other nurses.

i hate it when i hear people say you need to know how to run a code by yourself. I feel that no one can neccessarily "Run a code" on their own. We can initiate the steps but we need assistance. The ICU were i started was small and was a good place to get my feet wet in critical care.

Any thoughts on how to alleviate these fears???:idea: Has anyone experienced this??

Thanks:lol2:

Don't Be Afraid To Clear The Room. Tell Everyone In A Clear Respectfull Voice: Anyone Not Directly Involved In This Code Please Clear The Room So We Can Work. Then Do What You Need To Do. The Patients Nurse Should Be There To Fill In Any Questions You Might Have. Don't Be Afraid To Give A Young Intern Advice Most Of The Time They Welcome Your Input.

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Specializes in critical care.

This will pass. I love responding to codes, or doing the Rapid Response Team (when patients are crumping). Pretty soon codes are the best part of nursing (how sick is that!). Now my stomach gets in knots, when I have to coordinate staffing for a 40 bed Level 1 and Level 2 ICU.

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in my work settings... we will initiate the code and while waiting for the team to arrive (Team consist of consultant - anyone who is around... too bad if happen during night shift... have to wait for the in-charge consultant..., medical officer, administrator or unit manager, pharmacist, anaest, ICU/CCU nurse)we have to do our level best.... Eventhough I've handled many many code blue.... but the thrilled feeling will always be there...

especially when the doctor is not arrived yet... i had one experience whereby the pt was in VT-VF... the family was in the room.. but waiting for the crash cart to be pushed in was like taking an ages... i've no choice except to give a precordial thump which was being misunderstood by the family member.... dealing with the family who refused to wait outside is nerve-recking during this situation... as we have to keep calm (eventhough we're not.... most of the times)...

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Specializes in 11 years oncology, 8 years ICU.

Chica,

Going from Oncology focus being on comfort most of the time, to ICU life saving no matter what mentality is very anxiety producing. I know because I took the same route that you did (Oncology for 12 years, ICU for almost 8). I remember the feeling when I started doing resource and went to all of the codes and traumas. Very scarey at first but it is as easy as ABC...seriously make this your mantra and follow it and you will do well. Also remember you will not save everyone, it is not possible. More experience will make you more confident. Hope this helps.

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