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.

[casi, ASN, RN]

Heck yes! Especially in the ICU.

[R.NICU]

Seriously, what are these BSN students being taught?...the answer is yes, if you are working in a bedside capacity. You will be expected to clean up after a code brown. Often times you will have a CNA/PCT to take care of it, but it's awesome to help them out when you can...they will be greatful and more willing to help you in the future. Depending on your place of employment or specialty, you might not even have a CNA/PCT. There are a few hospitals around here where the RN does primary care. The DON where I work, answers call lights, cleans up code browns, sets up and strips rooms on occassion. I love that she's not above getting down and dirty. She is a masters prepared nurse.

[j621d]

I cleaned yellow and brown when I was an aide.

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

In short, I am a nurse.

And yet, I could NEVER be a waitress!

[Zaphod, BSN, RN]

hahaha, funny stuff. Well yes in the ICU the master nurse is cleaning poo with the BSN and ADN. Usually there are no CNA's in ICU so I dont know where you are gonna get one unless you hire one to help you:lol2:Think wisely if ICU is what you want you will be up to your neck in poo-just the reality.

[motorsport_mike]

I think many new grads will be in shock that their "BSN" means "ZERO"!! L.M.F.A.O.

A bedside nurse is a bedside nurse, as far as responsibilities go. I work in an ICU where there is usually one tech for 16 patients. You can quickly figure out how much assistance is available. The techs *sometimes* take blood sugars, deliver meals, do EKG's, and help me turn large patients so that I can clean them.

By the way, I do have my Bachelors degree, big deal. Good luck...

[himilayaneyes]

Honey, I am a RN,BSN...and yes I still have to deal with code browns along with all of the other BSNs on my floor. The only BSNs who don't deal with it are the management.

[wound warrier]

Do not let your BSN go to your head - that is the worst thing to do. Cleaning up patients is basic nursing care, and should not be below anyone. Need to remember that you are taking care of people, and they are depending on you.

[tri-rn]

If you work in ICU you will see and clean up every color in the rainbow, no matter what degree you hold

[rnlately]

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?

It's not just the 4yr educated nurses...lol; I've heard this from some of my LPN colleagues--"I didn't go to school to wipe bottoms". You can just about imagine how CNAs in general feel about these types of nurses:lol2:.

Some won't even assist a patient to a bsc or toilet even when they are right there in the room, providing care to the patient, and have time to do it.

[realnursealso/LPN, LPN]

Amazing, first of all that no one seems to want to type incontinent of stool. Where did that silly phraze come from? Must be my old age...lol I can't understand why an educated person in nursing would even ask the question. Did ya think we had designated poop people that came out of the ceiling on demand, then disappeared when the bm was all cleaned up? Sorry, get over yourself, I don't care if it says XYZ, after your name, you have to clean up your patient. Laughing here!!!!!!!!!!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[cwa82]

Yes, as a bedside nurse you will clean up EVERYTHING! The idea is that the PCTs are there to do that, but that is not the reality. If you soiled your bed, would you want to wait for the nurse to run and get someone else? Probably not. Also, the PCTs are running their butts off too and deserve respect - a nurse who spends precious time looking for someone else to clean up a mess won't make too many friends!

[Moogie]

It's not just the 4yr educated nurses...lol; I've heard this from some of my LPN colleagues--"I didn't go to school to wipe bottoms". You can just about imagine how CNAs in general feel about these types of nurses.

Some won't even assist a patient to a bsc or toilet even when they are right there in the room, providing care to the patient, and have time to do it.

:flmngmd:

I don't recall any students articulating such an attitude when I've been a clinical instructor. However, I would not tolerate it and, although I am very laid back most of the time, a student saying he/she "didn't go to school to wipe bottoms" would push my buttons. I'd take that student to my office for a nice, long, private talk about delegation and the things nurses do.