How common does patient code in outpatient Endoscopy center?

[nursetobeat33]

Hi, I am interviewing outpatient endoscopy center soon and they are requiring all the nurses to be ACLS certified. This center does all the usual procedures, EGD, colonoscopy, etc. I just got ACLS certification few weeks ago and I have never participated in code before. How common does patient code? I am literally terrified about this.. This location did say they do hire new grads and I applied because I am very burnt out at ICU. I have 6 months of ICU experience.

My questions in summary

- How common does patient code in this setting?

- If patient codes, how does it usually run? Please share your experiences.

- What are some emergencies that are commonly arise in this setting?

Thank you!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Depends on the patient population. However, it's standard to require ACLS for procedural nurses because they may be providing conscious sedation and monitoring patients after the procedure. If you're in an outpatient setting, it's probably the healthier patients as opposed to patients who are at higher risk.

[offlabel]

Pt. selection for any outpatient setting is important, but the envelope is definitely being pushed for financial considerations. More sicker people are coming to outpatient settings than say, 10 years ago. That said, an arrest in endoscopy is most often related to a loss of the airway and/or aspiration and not patient co-morbidities to the extent that they do not affect airway/aspiration. Some centers utilize anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, some do not. As resuscitation specialists, they provide a different level of expertise in the prevention and management of those kinds of events, so if one is not present, staff can expect a more active role in the care of these patients.