Code rolee

Specialties Critical

Published

As a new nurse sometimes i don't know what to do in a code situation. I find myself just standing there and everyone else participates. What can I do to get more hands on and act like I know what I am doing?

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Not sure you want to " fake it until you make it" in that situation. Have you taken the ACLS class yet?

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No not yet

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Specializes in critical care.

You've taken BLS I'm sure... get in line to do compressions!!! There is also nothing wrong with just observing at this point. And of course, making sure the rest of the patients are safe while everyone is at the code.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Yes, get your hands on the chest if you can. It's very different in real life than it is in those BCLS classes. The other thing you can do which I found to be very educational is to take on the charting. That way you know what has been done, when, why and by whom. It really helps clarify roles as well as the actual process of resuscitation.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I found the best way to learn from a code is to be the recorder. No one will try to push you out of the room, you get to see everything, be involved & just plain observe what's happening.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Record , like the pp said you will never get sent out of the room. Get up there and do compressions. Take your ACLS class, it will help you feel somewhat more comfortable.

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Specializes in critical care.

I don't think you should record before you take ACLS. It's the recorder's job to announce when it has been x minutes since last epi/rhythm check etc.

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Specializes in CICU.

Get on the chest! You are right in the middle of everything, and not in the way.

I also think that recording is not a good role for someone inexperienced with codes... especially not before taking ACLS once, or even twice.

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Specializes in SICU.

Agreed ktliz

Take ACLS. It'll fix this problem you have...

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Specializes in Family practice, emergency.

First- do compressions. Then, get comfortable with meds (after ACLS, of course). I agree with the above posters about recording, you really need to be confident in one to record well, as well as remind everyone to do pulse/rhythm checks and ask for epi, etc... and documentation can save your license someday.

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I don't think I would record until you've been in a few codes, recorder has to be loud, in charge, ok with reminding the docs how long its been since last epi, compressor switch etc.

Get meds together...hmm maybe this is different in adults, in peds we have to draw up our doses so people always get in on that to practice, not sure how it works in adults. Do compressions, today we had a kid we knew wasn't going to make it, it's sad but we gathered the couple of new grads who hadn't done compressions yet in there to do them until the family showed up. If everyone has a role and you can fit in the room without getting in the way then get in there and stand in a corner and observe what people do. Do they need things? Go get them, fluid strung up? Do it. There's usually something needed and always something to watch.

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