My first code-feedback appreciated! - Page 3

What an awesome comment!! I had a similar post on "emotions" as a nurse.. though mine was a hospice patient, and it seems as though the nurses that replied weren't as understanding as you. As long as you can get the job done and attend to your patients throughout the rest of your shift, it sounds like you did fine! Great job on helping out!

I have to say that you did an awesome job! As other posters have said, the patient is alive due to your quick thinking. When patients get quiet and just don't look right, watch them closely! Many people take a long time to develop this sixth sense. It is GREAT that you knew how to drop the bed and also how to call for help. A good thing if possible to always have in the patient's room that I check DAILY is suction tubing, a yankauer tonsil tip, and a BVM.

While patients do get DVTs and P.E.s, we can manage them well if they are caught soon enough. Did I say good job for watching this patient closely? Keep those TED hose or SCDs on the patient! Also, that is why they should be getting Lovenox for periods of extended bed rest.

I know many, many people that get overwhelmed sometimes that are a lot stronger than I am that lose it afterwards. Just goes to show you that you are human and that you care! Try not to ever get jaded and cynical!

Once again, good job! You will do great in Nursing school!

P.S. Come back here often when you do get into nursing school. I doubt I would have gotten through school without help from "Daytonite" who was awesome!!

Sunnybabe, you are my heroine, but I do have a bone to pick with you. In your post, you claim that you "panicked." No, you did not panic. You felt very afraid, but that is how you are supposed to feel when facing a dangerous situation, especially the first time. "Panic" means becoming hysterical, irrational, and either freezing motionless, or running away and hiding (both of which really do happen – trust me on this!). You felt very afraid, but, instead of panicking, you stepped in and took intelligent action on your patient's behalf. You get an A+, because how you feel in an emergency does not count; only how you behave, and you behaved superbly! The fact that you acted rather than panicking shows that you have the makings of a true nurse. That is what makes us different, you know. We are just like everyone else, except that when everyone else in the crowd is gasping and backing away, we are stepping forward.

Oh, and one last thing; do not question your career choice or ability because you cried over a patient. The time to question your decision to become a nurse is when you are no longer able to cry over a patient.

Sounds like you did awesome. Wanna come work with me? Haha i kid (sort of)

i am glad you cried, nurses need to be real and human! the fact that you did it for a short time after the event is professional. you did great. it is critical thinking skills to listen to that voice that tells you something is not ok. you thought through the first steps and did well! i like that you are asking for an evaluation of how you preformed. you have the stuff great nurses have!

Good job! I worked a few codes before as a CNA also. Your first one will be the hardest, but it will get easier.

I think you did an amazing job! And don't feel like you are not qualified to be a nurse because you were emotional. I think that will make you an even better nurse. I've cried after codes. They can be extremely emotional, especially if they patient is awake and alert, then crashes. Again, great job in how you handled things!

When I read your post and the comment about "he had PE", my first thought was Pulmonary Edema. Never once thought of Pulmonary Emboli, though both cause severe respiratory effects. Different nurses, different work locales.
I wanted to share with you the fact that P. Edema can come on very quickly too, from that "just-not-right" phase. I had a patient who was fine, talking & joking, and before I reached his door was in full blown, frothing P. Edema!!

With 10-12 yrs in various critical care/specialty units I had more than my share of codes & emergencies. One man I coded 23 times in CCU & ICU before he got out and took his trip from Tampa Bay area to Disney World on a moped! Patients can really surprise you sometimes. Stay close to your patients to cheer and encourage both of you.

The most important thing is to STAY CALM. A few seconds to take a deep breath and assess is monumental in functioning and it sounds like you have that down pat already. (Run for items, move out for pros, etc). Best wishes for a long and fulfilling career.

Number one good job listening to your instinct! Number two there should be very little running in a code if u have an organized well stocked and maintained crash cart. Number three I highly recommend mock codes at least once a month to reduce stress, increase proficiency, increase self confidence, improve team work, and get rid of that initial panic when some one codes. I highly recommend a very tough old school ACLS and TNCC course if you can find one. Always remember, they are dead!! It doesn't get any worse than that. You are at the bottom of the barrel. You can only go up. I also make it a practice to open my crash cart and go over everything in it until you can close your eyes and put your hand on anything you need! Amazing how smooth a critical situation can go. My last recommendation is a good open debriefing afterwards.

Oh! One more thing, the greatest thing you can do for a patient or family is to cry or laugh with or for them!