Is that V-tach? Oh crap-- it is!

[Eirene, ASN, RN]

I need to get this off of my chest before I explode.

We've been having a ton of codes lately. SO many sick people. Very sick-- not cough due to cold sick. STEMI's, Pulmonary edema (in a flash!), all kinds of hectic, sick, sick people.

Today we had two codes on our unit an hour apart. The pharmacy had just brought up a freshly stocked crash cart after the first code and then we had another one!

Is it normal for all of this to be so scary? I don't classify myself as an 'adrenaline junkie', I just like to make sure my patients are well taken care of. When the code(s) are over, my knees are floppy, my hands are all shakey and I want to vomit. Is this normal?

When it's finally time to go home I come home a plop. I am so exhausted. Mentally and physically. Please tell me this gets better.

[Ilithya]

I think its normal to be a little "shaken up" after a patient has a critical event. Its not a bad thing to fully realize what is at stake, as long as you can keep it together while the code is going. The stakes are high and that can be very nerve wracking :wink2:

[TopazLover, BSN, RN]

Sorry you are having a tought time. This too shall pass.

Remember your A&P? Adrenaline breakdown? That may be part of it. Stress is easily transmitted from staff to patient so their anxiety elevates and stresses them as much as the staff feel stressed.

Your feelings are shared by most newer nurses. Some of us never get rid of all of it. I have seen EXTREMELY seasoned nurses who have to have choc. after every code. I always needed maalox first, then choc.

Some things seem to be seasonal. Depending on where you are there may be some environmental causes setting up the initial admit. They may have circling the toilet slowly while you are focused on the ones who are circling faster.

I have faith this is not the norm and soon it will get back to a dull roar. Breathe deeply, just for you.