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We've never done a code blue drill. Not as far as I know. With all these new younger post op admissions with extensive health issues who are full codes, it wouldn't be a bad idea for them do one either.
To be honest .. knock on wood.. I've never had one. I'm trying to go through the steps in my head. I know I wouldn't be second guessing the people trying to help me though.
The last official code blue drill I've been to was over a decade ago - I've been pushing for them ever since then, but nobody seems to be at all interested. I think it's even more important now than it was then - I stopped counting CPR after my 200th code, but now we have MET calls my last code blue was 12 months ago and I work with nurses who've been registered three years and never attended a full code.
At the drill last century it took almost 7 minutes before anyone put on leads - I was so embarrassed about that feedback it's almsot the first thing I do in every MET call or code now.
We always have them at annoying times like the beginning of our shift because the nurse educator doesn't want to stay later than they have to. Then you get attitude for not showing up because your patient had new onset afib with RVR with doctor at the bedside demanding you to push this and that now.
Please don't do that. I think code drills are great for non-critical care or ED settings but man when they do it to us, it's such a waste of time because you can tell all the nurses are just going through it half-heartedly while thinking about all the things they need to do for their real patients.
Edit:
Oh and I know a real code would be just as inconvenient but that's the thing, it's a real code so of course we would drop everything to attend within the realm of safety. All ranting aside, I think there needs to be a better way to time it. I know there needs to be an element of surprise to see how people react but at the same time, nurses in all specialties are busy as all hell and taking time away from real patients is annoying.
CapeCodMermaid, RN
6,092 Posts
How often do all y'all have code blue drills? We had one today because the end of the year was fast approaching. I have to say I'm so proud of the nurses. 9 of them showed up with their AEDs less than 2 minutes after the code was called and my building is huge. They told me they ran because they thought I was really in distress. They like me! They really like me!PS. Where are the smilies??