Code Brown

[johnny depp23]

Do BSN's have to clean up a code brown? I keep hearing that people who have their BSN's don't deal with that kind of stuff. Hopefully, you guys can shed some light on this lil mystery...

BTW- I plan on working in the ICU when I graduate, so, I know I will have to deal with this stuff, but I expect that. I don't want the CNA's doing all that work by their self.

[voraciousj]

Short answer: yes.

[Moogie]

Yes, they do.

IMHO, no nurse is ever too educated to clean up a code brown. Sometimes a nurse simply has to delegate cleaning up the bodily fluids due to responsibilities (like administering medication) that the CNAs cannot do. However, I would never delegate to anyone a job that I was simply unwilling to do myself.

[Creamsoda, ASN, RN]

In tbe 5 years that I have been a RN, i have cleaned up 99% of my patients. I worked mostly ICU, so I do it all.

[sunnycalifRN]

Cleaning up poop is everyone's job, BSN or ADN and even MSN if they choose to work at bedside.

[cecilsgirl]

nursing - deals a lot with input.. AND OUTPUT-( and many colors.. including brown of coorifice. ):)

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

I keep hearing this, especially from new grads, who hit the floor and and are shocked that they are expected to touch pee/poop/vomit/blood. Who on earth is telling these students that? Schools who are trying to sell a 4 year program?

I'm glad you know that code browns are community property, but I see a lot of new grads who don't -- ADNs who think the CNAs will do it, BSNs who think the ADNs will do it, MSNs who think that BSNs will do it. Where are they getting this from?

[ADPIE10]

What are your thoughts on this matter? Certainly experienced nurses can tell you their thoughts, but when you practice the profession... Do you think that BSN nurses should clean up feces when their patients are soiled? At the bedside, what distinguishes a BSN from ADN or an MSN?

[cokristinug]

haha just don't believe everything you hear! that is ridiculous that people actually think that they are exempt from BASIC patient care because of the degree they hold.

[JBudd, MSN]

I cleaned yellow and brown when I was an aide.

I cleaned yellow, brown, green and red when I was BSN, at the least.

I am currently MSN, bedside/ED, and clean everything that comes from every orifice possible. And teach students what to assess for in all of it. Oh, and I mop when I need to, clean the room and bed, change out the suction canisters and clean the bedside commodes and transport patients. Yes we have aides, techs and housekeeping. Doesn't mean they're always available when I need something done.

In short, I am a nurse.

[eerobb]

In the hospital I work at ICU nurses do TOTAL patient care, with no care partners. In no way is any nurse "beyond" doing anything to care of a patient. And yes, as others have said there are times where delegation is necessary but you are still responsible for that to be done. Cleaning the patient gives you a very easy way to multi task- you can see their back and buttox fully for an assessment, turn the patient or reposition, change sheets, as well as make sure that the patient is being cleaned properly.

Best advice I can give is to put coffee grounds in a cup and place in the patients room to freshen up the smell :)

[Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Short answer: YES!! We have some nurses,in my case they are the old "seasoned" nurses who think because of their many yrs of nursing, have put in their time and don't 'clean up" after a pt!! Guess who is last in getting help from the CNA's--them!!! If one wants to make your job easier--and of course better for the pt----be nice (show respect)to the CNA's--and of course everyone else. Sure makes ur job easier, as they are more likely to quickly come and lend a hand when you need one.