Being on the Code team freaks me out

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.

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:

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Specializes in SICU, MICU, CICU, NeuroICU.

I think that it's a normal feeling and it will pass with time. Do you become anxious going to codes on other floors, or codes in general. Again, this is normal and I think it'll pass.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.
I think that it's a normal feeling and it will pass with time. Do you become anxious going to codes on other floors, or codes in general. Again, this is normal and I think it'll pass.

I usually just get anxious when I have to respond off the floor. When it's the unit i just react and i know I have ample help. Outside of the unit I am not sure of what i am walking into.

Thanks for the vote of confidence!!;)

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I am still a student..and every time there is a code I try to attend cuz this will help me in the future to overcome the feeling of being in the place with my brain paralyzed...second time I tryed to listen to the medications they used and the entire procedure... after many exposures I hope that I can help cuz all the anxiety we feel comes from watching, but if we get involved in the resuscitating process this feeling and hard emotions will go and the rewarding feeling of saving lifes is what will remain

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.

That's true. When i am involved i dont think about it--its just when i am running to the other department. With more exposure and knowledge my nerves will not get the best of me!!;)

Thanks guys!

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Specializes in Med/Surg ICU.

I've learned a few things...might not help but it might.

One- It's not your emergency. This sound really mean and a little stupid but sometimes that helps to slow you down.

Second- You know what to do. Take a second to yourself and coordinate the resuscitation. I believe the key it to be calm and direct.

Third- If you can clear enough room around the pt so that people can actually do their job w/o wanting to kill the person that is elbowing them in the kidneys.

Fourth- Go over mock codes in your head. Visualize yourself being calm and able to clear tell the team members what to do.

Fifth- If you take the crash cart to the code or are responsible for checking the cart make sure everything is where you want it. I find that some people just throw stuff back on and dont care how the cables are put back.

Take it for what you want. Hope it helps.

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Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.

Awww Chica I think they are normal feelings that you have in regards to codes.

In time you will do what you need to do without thinking about it. It will be after the event that you will do the thinking.

Just get in there and do the best you can with your role.

If this does not get any better for you and you really do not like being on the code team can you look at something else?

Try not to be so hard on yourself *hugs*

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.

Aww thanks everyone for the replies--I will definitely try your suggestions!!;)

God Bless!!

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Specializes in Tele, ED/Pediatrics, CCU/MICU.

For me, when responding to floor codes with my preceptor and an ER doc, I find the CROWD to be anxiety producing!! There's usually way too many bodies in the room, most of which are not doing anything. It's not rude or inappropriate to ask for "some room", or to ask the many bystanders to get you fluids or whatever you may need.

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Specializes in MSICU starting PICU.

My hospital really helps with this as we have a lab where nurses and doctors get together to review code situations with a unique dummy that will breathe and respond to interventions ect through a computerized program that is controlled by someone watching the code team and listening to what we are doing and asking. This really helps me to feel a bit more prepared, but i still get butterflies in my stomach when I get the the code beeper ect

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Specializes in ICU, M/S,Nurse Supervisor, CNS.

I used to be very anxious when responding to codes or RRT calls also, but I actually like them now. I tend to work well under pressure, so I love situations where you have to think quick and act quick...not that I love seeing people become severely ill or come close to death. I just really enjoy ICU nursing and exciting situations. Like someone else said, though, when its not your emergence/patient, it is a lot easier to focus on what needs to be done. When it is my patient, I'm actually thinking too much about documenting everything and getting things done as quick as possible. Oddly enough, I do better in other people's emergencies.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Airway, breathing, circulation. ACLS should prepare you and just make sure you know your algorithms. PRACTICE will reduce your anxiety level and after a few codes you will realize you see the same stuff over and over. Good luck.

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