First patient death, first Code Blue!!!!

i just had my first code last night and i was momentarily torn between how long was he dead and what his code status was - and then boom i was on the loud speaker saying Code Blue 106 and suddenly cna's and nurse's appeared to help - i also immediately started CPR and the last thing i remember about the whole event is giving the paramedic the pt face sheet at the nurse's station - and then it was back to work...

when i looked back on it at home - i am sure i looked like a deer in the headlights cause that is exactly how i felt...

Its natural for people to freeze up their first time.

I have been an RN for almost 5 months, and I had my first code this morning. Luckily the patient made it and was transferred to ICU, we had some awesome help between the charge nurse and other nurses on the floor who responded quickly, and the code team who was up in a flash. It sort of was instinctive although I have never taken ACLS, I knew the basics of CPR and just started compressions right away, then once someone took over for me I just stood back, helped where I could, gave the docs info about the patient, and took turns continuing compressions. 23 minutes later the patient had a pulse and an ET and was off to the ICU. I felt like it was a "good code" to have as my first one, seeing as how it was a "good outcome" and I got to see the code team in action. It really is amazing how everyone works so well together, and to see the pt literally come back to life. But...I hope it doesn't happen again for a very long time...actually not ever. :)