Mock code in the OR

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Nov 23, 2015

I encourage you to focus on emergency/crisis issues that are highest risk for your area. Have you had a chat with your clinical Risk Manager yet? If so, that's a great place to start. Also, take a look at AORN recommendations. Although we educators may really enjoy delving into "new and/or different" stuff, it's usually not a good use of resources. There are some important educational principles associated with simulation-based training, so you may want to brush up on these as you're in the development stage. There are a ton of great references on sim teaching.

If at all possible, get your docs involved... that will really improve the feeling of 'reality' you're striving for (one of those essential principles). In my own experience, anesthesiologists are very receptive to helping with mock codes. Make sure your drills include actual manipulation of code equipment and meds. If you can't get pharmacy to give you some expired drugs, you can order faux drugs to use for training

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 23, 2015

We do a mock code, using a simulation dummy. Groups of 4-5 go through the station at a time. Usually focuses on how to use the AED function of our defibrillators as only anesthesia staff and open heart surgery RNs are required to have ACLS. This is part of our yearly competency requirements.

We also have a rapid infuser station- every staff member is expected to be able to set it up, although only RNs or anesthesia provider may actually start an infusion. Also part of yearly competency requirements.

One of the drills we do during orientation is malignant hyperthermia. I really wish we did this more often as it's so infrequent, and mixing dantrolene is quite the eye opening experience- we practice with expired vials.

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 23, 2015

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Thread moved to OR forum.