Mock codes

Once, about 5 years ago.

I have been at my current hospital for 9 months. I had two mock codes in training and two run by the floor as an annual training thing. One code...followed by a debriefing and then a second for a chance to practice what we got right and to move people into different roles...like primary to support nurse.

We started doing this a few months ago. The first time nobody took it seriously at all so it was somewhat of a disaster. The one positive that came of it was the valid questions and concerns that were raised. I work in LTC, so if/when we find a resident down how can we quickly verify code status to determine if we are staring CPR or not? Not that it would happen, but the possibility of getting in some real trouble for starting CPR on a DNR resident does exist.

The biggest concern raised about the actual CPR process is the accessibility and usefulness of our one and only so called crash cart. The thing is a stand-up Craftsman toolbox, not very mobile and no way is it getting moved down a carpeted hall fast. Unless the code happens in an area close enough to get to the cart it will never get to the person needing it quickly. Not to mention calling it well stocked with items useful in a code situation is a huge overstatement. There are maybe 2 or 3 things on there that might help, quicker to just grab what's useful off the cart and leave the rest behind.

I think they did one drill on each shift, the plan was do drills monthly but if we had any more after that first one I wasn't there for it.

1-2 times a month