What is my role?

Specialties MICU

Published

What is the role of the nurse taking care of a patient that starts going downhill and codes?

As you might be aware, when the patient codes, Team Lead/Charge Nurse comes in along with attending/resident, some other nurses come and jump, but what is the role from the nurse taking care of this patient apart from answering the basic questions/issues prior to the arrest?

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Specializes in Quality, Cardiac Stepdown, MICU.

You, as the primary nurse, are the expert on your patient. Everyone who walks into the room is going to want to know what happened, what the pertinent history is, etc. That is your job. Any time a patient of mine has coded, I have stayed in the room but peripherally. At the most I've taken over compressions, but there were usually plenty of people around to help. The MD wants me there to answer questions, not go running for stuff or be distracted by administering drugs.

At the most I will leave the room to call the family, if I've met them before and have a relationship with them, or to talk with them if they're already there.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Aside from providing the information re: what happened, pt history, etc. I'll direct the others who come running what I'd like them to do--can you call the chaplain, can you get the drip we're starting, can you call the equipment room and order some more IV pumps? And then I historically have ended up pushing meds or bagging.

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Specializes in ICU.

I agree with both comments. You are the expert on your patient and be available to answer any questions an help plan and carry out the rescucitation. I would say that it is VERY inportant that you deligate taks to the many others in the room. Be available for conversation and small tasks. I usually delegate difficult tasks to others as I want to be on top of everything.

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