First/Second Rapid Response

Nurses New Nurse

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I'm in my 1st year as a new grad - I'm part of a really great nursing residency program and feel as thought I was prepared to transition to independent practice (I mean, as much as you can be prepared!). Like anyone I sometimes feel like I'm barely keeping my nose above water . . . but most days I feel as though I'm at progressing in my knowledge and practice.

That is - until I call a rapid response . . . my instructor used to say that it will all come back to you in a Rapid Response - and I'm sorry to say that she absolutely LIED! LOL I've called two rapid responses the past 2 months and both of the left me feeling like an absolute idiot - doctors and respiratory therapists asking me questions about my own patient and I look at them, blank - I can't remember: was a CBC ordered? What did his last chest x-ray say? Is he on antibiotics? I have no recollection of anything!

I'm posting this cause I'm hoping this is just a normal reaction and I'll get better at this as I go! :o)

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I always have my brain sheet with all patient info/labs/tests on it during the rrt so I can answer all questions.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Do you have computers in the rooms? I always log in right away (no matter whose pt it is) so labs, H&P, eMAR etc is right there & ready to access as needed.

It does get somewhat easier the more you experience it although it will usually still get your blood pumping.

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Specializes in Critical care.

Both suggestions above are solid. Definitely have your EMR open in the pt's room and definitely have a brain sheet on your person. Extra points for randomly grilling yourself in mini mock-rapids..."Ok, if pt in room xxx starts going sideways, I know blank and have blank blank written down right here" Go over this scenario enough times, and the next rapid won't feel as foreign.

Of course, your skill updating Docs, family, Poison Control, etc. will improve as well.

Edited to add: Having been one of the folks responding to rapids since before there was a formal system, you're describing the majority of my experiences with new staff. You put forth the effort, and you'll see improvement.

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They say it takes a year as a nurse to feel comfortable and 5 years to feel competent. Casually talk to the nurses in the unit (starting with your preceptors out of respect) and ask them "it seems so hard to remember everything. What do you do to keep all the information straight?" I can almost guarantee they use some type of form with pertinent information documented. Every nurse develops one that works best for her/his mental organization. Look at several as models for your own. If nursing was easy, there wouldn't be years of school and weeks of orientation and millions of books written on how to be a good nurse, but you will get there.

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Thanks guys - all really solid suggestions! I appreciate the input and encouragement!

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Specializes in Progressive Care.

I also have the patient's info pulled up on the computer. If you don't have a computer in the room, perhaps you can ask someone to bring in one on wheels? Have the paper chart in the room too if there is one. You're not expected to know everything and it's ok to look stuff up. I also try to chart on my less stable patients first so in case anything happens I can be more prepared.

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Specializes in Critical care.

I was in my first code and couldn't remember my patient's code status! No one had ever told me he was a DNR so I was assuming he was a full code, but when the moment came I started second guessing and we had to call the nursing facility from whence he had come to confirm code status DURING the code. Thank god he was indeed a full code.

So... I understand what you mean about freezing!

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