Codes in a Nursing Home ~ Question

1. i just got hired as 11-7 charge nurse in a ltc facility. as the don was giving me a tour of the building during my interview, she said that if a patient is a full code and codes, and we start cpr and get hold of the doctor and they don't respond to any meds, that i have the authority to stop the code. i need to ask her about this, i know, but right now i am questioning it. i thought, if someone is a code, even if you come upon them stiff and cold you code them. i don't think i would feel comfortable stopping a code. i think i would code them and call the ambulance and let them get to er where there is a doctor and let him make the decision. does this sound hinky to you all?
2. 

   About soundsLikesirens

   Joined: Sep '00; Posts: 104; Likes: 6
   RN

   4 Comments

   Topic Closed
3. 
   Aug 9, '02

   Joined: Dec '01; Posts: 3,165; Likes: 59

   You might tell her there were some things about that you were unclear on, and ask her to show you the NH Policy & Procedure book. The official policy should be in there.
4. 
   Aug 9, '02

   Occupation: Critical Care Joined: Aug '00; Posts: 2,629; Likes: 20

   This sounds odd to me, I agree that I would call an ambulance, I would make sure code status's on all patients are up to date and possible rewrite the policy. Does your facility have a defibrillator and all code drugs?
5. 
   Aug 9, '02

   Occupation: RN Joined: Sep '00; Posts: 104; Likes: 6

   As far as I know they have a crash cart and backboard but no defib.
6. 
   Aug 9, '02

   Occupation: BSCN peds/nicu Joined: Jan '04; Posts: 0

   The facility I work at has a crash cart with no drug or defib. Our job is to start CPR and activate EMS. Our policy is that if a person is a code and we find them stiff and blue, no CPR is started. Get a clearer look at your policy. I might add that EMS is right beside our building so they are there in a flash!!

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