Code in the OR... What is the Nurses Role?

ShariDCST · May 27, 2008

i will be starting as a brand new nurse and landed my dream job and will be starting in the or next week!!
one question i have is what is the nurses role during a code in the or? does it vary per facility?
thanks everyone!

first - congratulations! welcome to a whole new world! :up:

as for your question, from what i've seen in several institutions, yes, it can vary somewhat according to institutional policy, and this information will be available to you in the department policy and procedure manual, or something similar. this will most definitely be part of your orientation program, so make sure you know where it is kept. it's my understanding the assisting the anesthesiologist and/or documentation of the code are going to be your primary roles.

best wishes on your new endeavors! :yeah:

suzanne4, RN · May 27, 2008

Assist the anesthesiologist or anesthetist. Just as you would do on a regular nursing unit by assisting the physician or the provider that responds to the code.

Do be aware, that unless your room is the only one that is open, you will have the support of the others in the OR. The PACU RN will also respond to the call. Many times that are not announced overhead but there is usually a button that is pushed to notify the PACU and the other staff that you need help.

Best of luck to you as you start your new career. And this is something that will be addressed in your institution by your provider.

Annony RN · Jun 4, 2008

In most facilities, if you are the assgned circ, you document. If you're the scrub, you protect your field in case it's needed.

If you respond from the halls, etc- grab the code cart if you are anywhere near it. I've seen time the emergency alarm rings, 12 people show up in the room to "help" and there is no code cart! Ours is kept between the front desk and any room so there is really no excuse for that. The difficult intubation cart may be needed, too.

Know how your facility's cart is set up- where meds, lab tubes, fluids are. Know where to grab an extra ETT if it's needed.

Know how your defib works- mono or biphasic? Does your OR/anesth staff prefer paddles to pads? Are the internals on the cart?

Responding from another room might mean you run, pull meds from the cart, do compressions, set/push defib buttons, push meds depending on staffing. Usually we have enough anesth staff to handle meds and of course airway and venting. An anesth person will be team leader. Know who to listen to if there is a power play. Unfortunately, it can happen.