For those of you who are certified in CPR?

CuriousMe · Mar 26, 2011

I was referring to this statement:
"besides, if an emergency situation happens in your clinical setting i'm pretty sure YOU won't be the one doing CPR
just like my professor always told me: "just because you're certified in something doesn't necessarily mean you can do it"
I never even said anything about a situation happening during a clinical setting. And who knows, I might be the one that does end up doing CPR on someone when I know how. Maybe I'll end up saving YOUR life one day

I didn't read that as a "put down" but more as in clinicals, there will be much more qualified folks to handle a code than the nursing student.

Not a put down, just a fact.....one I'm thankful for, especially when I was a 1st year student.

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2011

I have a question....

So when a patient needs CPR do you literally straddle them? This may seem a strange question but I taught CPR for 5 years to lay people but this is completely different. You know...kneel next to them and do compressions. But patients are on beds and I am short -- how would I get a good position for compressions?

I have never seen a code so I have no clue -- the only thing I would be decent at would be compressions.

CuriousMe · Mar 26, 2011

I have a question....
So when a patient needs CPR do you literally straddle them? This may seem a strange question but I taught CPR for 5 years to lay people but this is completely different. You know...kneel next to them and do compressions. But patients are on beds and I am short -- how would I get a good position for compressions?
I have never seen a code so I have no clue -- the only thing I would be decent at would be compressions.

In both the ICU and the ED, there are small step stools in each room just for this purpose. Also, keep in mind that the bed lowers as well.

The only time I've seen someone straddling a patient to do CPR has been when they're moving the patient for some reason.

blackandyellow · Mar 26, 2011

1.) You practice on dummies

2.) I have never brought anything but I do not see why bringing paper and a pencil would hurt.

3.) The classes I have taken you are broken down into small groups but have to demonstrate individually. It depends where you take it. I have taken it and we practice one scenario and at other places you practice every scenario.

4.) I am a CNA so yes I have had to do CPR many times.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 26, 2011

I have a question....
So when a patient needs CPR do you literally straddle them? This may seem a strange question but I taught CPR for 5 years to lay people but this is completely different. You know...kneel next to them and do compressions. But patients are on beds and I am short -- how would I get a good position for compressions?
I have never seen a code so I have no clue -- the only thing I would be decent at would be compressions.

I have seen it done on the side of the bed, a lot of the newer beds at least, have a lever for CPR, you pull it in an emergency and it completely flattens and lowers the beds. Our beds the headrest comes off to in order to act as a back board in an emergency situation.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 26, 2011

I was referring to this statement:
"besides, if an emergency situation happens in your clinical setting i'm pretty sure YOU won't be the one doing CPR
just like my professor always told me: "just because you're certified in something doesn't necessarily mean you can do it"
I never even said anything about a situation happening during a clinical setting. And who knows, I might be the one that does end up doing CPR on someone when I know how. Maybe I'll end up saving YOUR life one day

This is always an excellent topic to raise during clinicals. If you are interested in participating in a code as a student, let your instructor know and ask if it is allowed. We are allowed to if the situation allows it. It is much different to do it on a person, or even the real life sim dolls, than what you are given in CPR class. The CODE I saw would have been a great time I think for a student to try since they were coding the patient for so long and needing to keep trading off.

Anyway, everyone starts somewhere, codes can happen anywhere where the average staff probably only has the same basic CPR training you have, so don't let anyone deter your role as a student, by implying you aren't capable. :)

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 26, 2011

The funny thing about the internet is you can't always tell tone. I never once got from the OP that the poster needed to relax or chill out. It can be seen as a "put down" to tell someone to chill out or relax when they aren't worked up at all.

computer101 · Mar 27, 2011

I didn't read that as a "put down" but more as in clinicals, there will be much more qualified folks to handle a code than the nursing student.
Not a put down, just a fact.....one I'm thankful for, especially when I was a 1st year student.

I have always thought there were plenty of other students who were more qualified than me when it came to nursing school........ If you read my past post (the one about the chances of getting into a nursing program), you'll see exactly what I mean. It's a stupid post but it proves my point . I think when people tell themselves that they aren't good enough then they will eventually believe it :rolleyes: . When others tell me I can't do it, I only try my best to prove them wrong. Lol life is full of unexpected surprises so anything can happen. :lol2:

Btw, my other user-name is prime11214 and I thought I lost the PW to this account but it turned out that I used the SAME password for the new account! I just never tried it until today haha.

CuriousMe · Mar 27, 2011

I have always thought there were plenty of other students who were more qualified than me when it came to nursing school........ If you read my past post (the one about the chances of getting into a nursing program), you'll see exactly what I mean. It's a stupid post but it proves my point . I think when people tell themselves that they aren't good enough then they will eventually believe it . When others tell me I can't do it, I only try my best to prove them wrong. Lol life is full of unexpected surprises so anything can happen.
Btw, my other user-name is prime11214 and I thought I lost the PW to this account but it turned out that I used the SAME password for the new account! I just never tried it until today haha.

It's not a case of "not good enough" but a case that, as a first year student, I wasn't prepared for the responsibility of running a code....that's all.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2011

I have a few questions:
1. I'm sure they have dummies but they won't make you demonstrate CPR on an actual person right?
2. DO I need to bring anything to class such as a notebook or a pencil (The one I'm taking is only 1 section). I don't want to be the only loser carrying a backpack to class when it's only one session.
3. How do they know if you are ready to be certified in CPR. I think there's going to be a lot of people in the room so is everybody going to demonstrate what they learned individually/in groups?
Don't really have to answer number 4 but....
4. Have you ever used CPR during an emergency situation?

1. There are dummies both on the floor and sitting beside you in desks.

2. A writing implement will be necessary.

3. Chances are if this is your first time and none of the instructors know you you'll have to do demonstrate everything. Pass that and the written test and $20 and four hours later you get a card. (Your class may be 8 though. Around here they're doing recert classes for initial cert.)

4. Yes.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 27, 2011

$20, I ours was $55 :| I have to renew this summer.