Has anyone coded a co-worker? Dealing with the grief...

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

The worst happened, a co-worker arrested at work, taken to the ER, then sent to our ICU. As you might imagine, it was a challenge, as no existing IV or attending doc, the pure shock of treating one of your own... the staff that came from everywhere, and the tough task of reigning it all in.

Has anyone else been through this?

Even though we care greatly for each patient, the element of having to code one of our own, presented much more stress, chaos for the code situation and emotions increased in an unknown situation of lack of medical history.

Although everyone did the best care they could in this tough situation, I'm left pondering how we could have improved, I suggested a post code conference for all involved. However as can be imagined, staff was emotionally exhausted, two hours behind on their patient care and even though it was meant to happen and planned it didn't due to the acuity of multiple admissions and possible avoidance of the situation.

Things did not go smoothly (although best care was attempted) and there are always areas we can improve our practice, and the area the staff member coded was not one that does this routinely. So even if it was an inhouse patient, there are areas to discuss to enhance future care.

So now I don't work for several days, I had attempted for this to be a teachable moment and possibly change some practices, but I am a traveler, and this is a tight knit group that seems to be shutting out my suggestions, while I only want everyone to benefit from hind sight and improve on practices... but as this is not my home, and I am a "stranger", I feel I am not being listened to.... as everyone is obviously in shock and grieving and not seeing the benefit of a post code gathering.

Suggestions? Does gently pushing a request for a group discussion interfer with the existing dynamic and I should let everyone deal on their own, and my suggestions for improvement are inappropriate for the situation?

I just need to know how to support a new work family and not ever, ever make it seem that I find any fault, only a few suggestions but we need a better plan as this could happen to a visitor or staff and i really wish the best outcomes that we can provide.

Feedback is appreciated. Thank you

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

This probably isn't the answer you want to hear, but since this is not your home hospital, I think any plans for debriefing should come from the staff. I know if I were in the position of being a member of that staff, I woukdn't be terribly happy for a traveler pushing for that sort of meeting.I think your feedback would be import ant, but I think you should let the permanent staff, particularly the NM, take the lead in planning the meeting. If they don't have one, then that's their decision, and it should be respected.What a terrible thing for everyone to have hone through.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Sorry for typos; I'm still getting used to the iPad.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

​as a traveler, you're not really part of the staff. i agree that you should let the permanent staff take the lead in planning any debriefing or counseling for the staff.

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​as a traveler, you're not really part of the staff. i agree that you should let the permanent staff take the lead in planning any debriefing or counseling for the staff.

i agree with ruby bee and ocnrn63. however, you have planted the seed. hopefully, when everyone has a chance to regroup, they'll act on your suggestion.

i've been in a similar situation; it's very difficult. i'm sorry this happened to you and your crew.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

Thank you both, going to sleep on it and take your advice. I love my peers and trust them to do what is right by them. I obviously feel a need to push this a bit, but know that I am not the one to know what is best for them. Thanks to all who wish to give advice after, this, I respect you opinion and will read soon.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.

They may just not feel ready to use this experience as a teaching experience. Having a post conference to learn from requires to discuss it in a non-emotional way, and it may be hard for them to seperate that right now. They may also feel as if it's not as appropriate to sit and discuss someone like that, who they work with on a regular basis.

I agree, I wouldn't push the issue any more. If you do have specific suggestions on things that you noticed could use improvement, maybe write them up and give them to your NM on your own, for her/him to use as a reference at a later date.

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Yow - this one'd be a toughie! Haven't been through it myself, but have been a bystander with an RN friend of mine who worked a code on a close friend (friend didn't make it, BTW). Emotionally, it's VERY much like losing a family member, with the added dynamic of "what else could we've done" to make it that much worse. Interjecting ANY criticism at this point would be a bad move, IMO.

My :twocents: recommendation - write up your observations in a report form (so you don't lose anything), give it a few days, then submit it to the NM for review & follow-up. For now, be ready with the hugs & hankies, 'cause it sounds like they need it - and, I suspect you do too. :hug:

Take care,

----- Dave

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

Try to "be there" for those that come to you, but other than that I would leave them be. I have been through this and you have to respect that they may have a different way of dealing with this than you can fathom, especially when you are objective enough to see that there is room for improvement. Now is clearly not the time for them and you should respect their need to process this on their own terms.

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The post-care conference may happen a week or two after the event. Allow some one from the staff, possibly from the education dept., to arrange for all this.

You may be outside the situation and be seen as an interloper, even though that is not how you feel.

Take care of yourself, keep your opinions close to your chest, and offer support when needed.

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Specializes in ..

I was in a somewhat similar situation--I won't share the details but the person who died was close to many of us. Different people had different ways of dealing with grief and although no one discussed having a post-code conference, people did have differing opinions on what may have been done differently, and how to deal with this man's family. So, there was no opportunity to share with the group at once, but individuals processed their thoughts and feelings with colleagues they chose to. In the end, I think most everyone learned from the experience (but hopefully none of us will have to relive anything similar). And, everyone grieved in their own way.

You did the right thing by making a suggestion and hoping others would take your lead. Even if this were your home hospital, there are no guarantees that your request would have been treated any differently.

It seems the staff will find closure in their own way, in their own time, maybe by acting on your suggestion, maybe not. But, each person will work through the issues as they feel most comfortable.

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Specializes in LTC and School Health.

You may not be part of the "staff" but you are put of their team, even as a traveler. Check with your company or the hospital to see if there is a EAP program that can offer you cousueling.

I pray you receive peace, and it is okay to greive. :hug:

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