Facility handles codes???

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Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.

I am curious as to how other psych facilities handle codes....Do you have a rapid response team on q. shift or does everyone seem to stand around and wait for someone to take charge, as in my facility??? We were asked this question at CPI training and no one knew the answer...I suggested the charge nurse to take control and no kidding, people laughed at me !!! They said the charge was usually hiding behind the desk....but I said "that is after they have designated everyone on what to do...not one person agreed with me !!! I am a new charge so am somewhat confused on this issue....

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Specializes in Psych, Vascular/MedSurg.

By code are you talking medical or behavioral code?

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Specializes in behavioral health.

My facility is just outside of the main hospital; we don't even have a code cart. In the case of a code, we call 9-1-1 =P. We do have an ambu bag and an AED.

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Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.

I am sorry....I am referring to a "behavior" code....Just last week a pt. threw a chair through the glass door leading outside.....code was called...

several people standing around...I called Doc for order to medicate, no restraints needed as pt. was calm and cool after his fit...but it seemed to take awhile and no one had specific ideas of what to do...and who was in charge to delegate duties....I would think that someone needs to be in charge of such codes.....

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

IMO either the patient's nurse or the charge nurse should be the first to take charge of the situation. Sounds like something that could be addressed in a staff meeting.

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Specializes in Psych, Vascular/MedSurg.

There was a code on our unit and two tiny female security guards responded, i explain what we were going to do (hold pt and given injections) and how and on what cue. When i said the cue the guards jump back from the pt and I was holding one arm as he started swing, meanwhile my partner was locked in the breakroom...thanks to a nurse on the other unit who came to my aid By the way I could care less if they were female or not...I just needed help!

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Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.

In the facility I work at, behavioral codes are called "code greens" or staff calls. A code is called and a pager goes off on each of the units calling and asking for more help. The charge delegates jobs to the staff members on the unit and to those who respond to the code. Hope this helps.

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Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.

dolce---yes, thank you, that is how I would assume it should unfold....I will handle it that way, as I have in the past, but that first one was a learning experience for me that's for sure !!!

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Hi, the situation you describe places everyone, including the patient at risk. The facilities I have worked have had "behavioral code teams" staff are assigned to the team at the beginning of each shift so that lunch and breaks are covered. The RN on the unit where the code occurs is the lead and give directions, someone is assigned to manage the other patients, security responds and is available for restraint assistance. Once the situation is under control we hold a debriefing of staff both code respondees and unit staff to evaluate what could have been done differently or what cues were missed that may have prevented or mitigated the incident. Having a written and trained protocol prevent injuries and helps to maintain a safe environment for everyone. nanacarol:bowingpur

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