I'm trying to find a universal way for our hospital to identify code status on our patients. Currently we put the code sheet in the front cover of the chart and the MD will mark the box that is appropriate per the wishes of the patient (Full Code, No Code, DNR/Comfort Measures, Code With Restrictions, Etc.).
My concern is that our first instinct (collectively) is to initiate CPR and call a code when we find a patient is not breathing. Worse yet, if the patient happens to be in the furthest room from the desk, we are wasting precious time running to the desk, trying to find the chart and by that time, someone might already performing CPR on the patient. Not a good thing if the patient is a No Code. But then again, precious seconds are ticking away by trying to hunt down what their code status is.
What protocol do you guys follow at your hospital? Really interested in your input...and thanks!
The "No Code" order is copied in front of the progress notes and MD orders.
The most effective way is report. The RN responsible for the patient gives report to the team. All LVN's, RT's, CNA's, and the clerk are told the status of the patient. We give report to the RN relieving us for meal and rest breaks and never have more than two patients in critical care. On the telemetry unit the charge nurse gives report to the monitor observer.
Whenever there is a deterioration in a patient the registered nurse responsible for that patient is there. Communication is everytihing.
I never let a patient die alone.
Much better now than in past years of unsafe staffing.
pickledpepperRN
4,491 Posts
The "No Code" order is copied in front of the progress notes and MD orders.
The most effective way is report. The RN responsible for the patient gives report to the team. All LVN's, RT's, CNA's, and the clerk are told the status of the patient. We give report to the RN relieving us for meal and rest breaks and never have more than two patients in critical care. On the telemetry unit the charge nurse gives report to the monitor observer.
Whenever there is a deterioration in a patient the registered nurse responsible for that patient is there. Communication is everytihing.
I never let a patient die alone.
Much better now than in past years of unsafe staffing.