Code blue/RRT response

[ICUNurseG]

I work in MICU and currently we have an out of staffing role to respond to code blues & RRTs throughout the hospital. When not attending an emergency this RN helps out around the critical care units with anything from turns to assisting with procedures. The problem with this role is that its not well defined. We only have one of staffing allows (if not someone w pts responds) and often this person is pulled into staffing for new admits. We are going to revamp the role and I'm looking for suggestions. Does anyone currently do this and not get pulled into staffing? The problem is there could be RNs with three ICU pts and the emergency RN responder out of staffing. Of course, they would first help those with three pts, but I'm not sure how it would work out. Also, do you guys have emergency RN responders that do other roles too? Like debriefing afterwards, being a resource, etc. any input is appreciated. Thanks!

[Vana21, ADN, BSN, RN]

We have one nurse we call our SWAT nurse who works with the OA and helps out anywhere needed. She does anything from transporting patients to discharges, sitting for the monitor tech for lunch, assisting in Cath Lab, anywhere she is trained to help.

[Greenclip]

We have a role just like the one you describe. Yes this nurse might take a patient if she had to. In that case we would call in another nurse, or a float pool RN if we couldn't get a regular staffer to come in. I don't think our code nurse has ever taken a patient for more than 2-3 hours max. Backup for that role is our ICU charge nurse. If the RRT nurse had to take a patient, then charge would respond to codes/calls, AND would be on the phone nonstop trying to call in another nurse.

I think the keys for this role to work are not so much definition of what the resource person does, but more about:

1) a solidly staffed unit, plenty of staff to call if we are slammed or have a lot of one on one patients

2) an excellent pay incentive (if I am asked to come in extra, I don't have to, but I make more than double my base pay if I do)

3) a large float pool who can cover ICU. Our float pool nurses are fantastic.

[lassenlake]

In my experience the reasons this role fails is due to being "everything". If you create the role have these nurses have critical care experience and:

1) be aware of the "unstable" pts. where they are who there doctors are.

2) be involved in transports for tests for only these patients.

3) mentor the primary nurse taking care of the patient.

2 nurses one days one nights 24/7 with their own rounding, No getting pulled to do admissions. No getting pulled for the next ICU patient.

Forget incentives. Nurses who love challenge will do it.