First Code

[RN always]

I had my first code the other day. I have only been a nurse for 5 months. I had been caring for this patient for 3 days and on the 3rd day I heard her continous pulse ox machine going off so I went to check on her and she was gagging for air, turning blue and fading pulse! YIKES! I didn't panic though. Me and another nurse who happened to be outside the room called the code and started CPR. The code team came and shocked her once (got sinus rhythm back) and intubated her, and shipped her off to ICU. It was my first time seeing something like that. I remained calm thru it all, although afterwards I was really a mess and almost puked! I checked on her today and she is alive and talking and looks good. I believe that pulse ox machine saved her life, I wouldn't have gone in there if I hadn't heard the alarm. Anyways, just wanted to share. I feel so good that she is ok.

[mario_ragucci]

Originally posted by RN always

You will for sure get an "A".

You lied to me because I got an 86%, a "B." I am a disgrace to you, allnurses and myself. It is so great you preserved her life. Would you feel sad if you didn't turn the O2imer on, and discover not breathing? Worst nightmare that probably will never happen because RN's are incredable!!

[RN2B2005]

Congratulations, RN Always!!

I'm not a nurse yet, but have worked in outpatient radiology for 5 years, and we periodically have patients who code due to a reaction to contrast material. Very scary, every single time...it's astonishing how quickly a healthy pink person can turn into a blue, unresponsive code.

[ssssup]

Way to go. This is an experience I hope you will always remember and each time you NEED to remember it when you're feeling down. With that one act YOU made a significant difference in not only one person's life, but her family and friends. Just think how many people you could affect during a 40 year nursing career. I'm so proud of you.

[MQ Edna]

AWESOME JOB! You did much better than I did on my first code. I froze stiff! (Note: now I'm an ACLS instructor and have an ICU background, so you CAN recover!). You're an asset to the profession!

[JedsMom, ASN, RN]

Good job!! The first one is something you'll probably always remember. Your patient was lucky you were her nurse and doing a great job.

[RN always, BSN, RN]

hey everybody, just an update on this patient that coded on me. I went to see her, she was out of the ICU and in PCU. She was alert, talking to me and even had applied her makeup that morning. I was so thrilled. She got an ICD and is doing great. Life is good!

[ssssup]

Life is good.......and YOU are making it even better for your patients. Your patients are very lucky to have you.