My First Code....

[blinks14]

I had my first Code on one of my patients this evening. Unfortunately the patient did not make it. I know I did everything I could, there was no indication that the patient was going to code until it happened, the Doc thought it was a PE.

I cried when it was over, I knew I would as soon as I got out of the room. The patient was in isolation and I was so flustered that I couldn't even get the stupid gown off.

I know I did everything I could and there was nothing that could be done that wasn't, I just felt like I was stupid. When the code first started I was functioning but couldn't answer simple questions. But then after a few minutes I was able to function better and answer questions about the patient's condition.

I guess all that is normal, I just needed to vent a little to people who will actually understand. My coworkers were very understanding and supportive. And the attending was wonderful, he reassured me as well that I did a good job. It's just very overwhelming. I know it'll get easier but I don't think you could ever be fully prepared for your first code.

Thanks for listening!

[mama_d, BSN, RN]

Codes and rapid response situations can be very tough to deal with. I always end up all shaky afterwards, like I've mainlined caffiene, I think from the adrenaline shock. It's hard to keep all those ABC's and ACLS things in mind while simultaneously basically giving report on the patient.

Keep in mind that even when a patient codes in an optimal situation (ie, enough properly trained staff right there, code cart right there, cardiologist/intensivist on the floor, it was caught right away) the outcome is likely to be poor. One of our more experienced nurses explained it this way: There was something very wrong with them if they died in the first place, the miracle is if we can do anything to bring them back at all.

[Wishinonastar, BSN]

Codes are the worst. It is one of the reasons that I left the hospital setting. Too much yelling and blaming and confusion. I will say that it gets a little easier with time and more codes, but the way that codes are managed in a particular hospital makes a big difference in how you feel afterword. Hopefully you have a sound code team and management support. And remember, they are already dead so nothing you did or could/should have done can make it worse. It is very stressful though. Hang in there.

[futurenicunurse2008]

I also had my first code a couple of weeks ago, same thing with her no indication until she brady'd to 38 on the tele. She stopped breathing when we got into the room I didnt even end up doing the compressions (another nurse beat me to it.) and I was still shaking afterwards and cried when I got home. (it happened at shift change. I think its hard on everyone I mean someone died.....thats a hard thing to see.

[BrayaRN]

I too had my first code on Sunday evening. The patient was admitted from an outlying hospital at the beginning of my shift. I asked the admitting NP to place him on either Stepdown or ICU because I felt he was too sick for our unit. Three and a half hours later I was able to secure him a bed in ICU because I could not hang the certain drip on my unit. I was trying to tie up lose ends, such as noting his orders, placing the NG, and placing the TED hose ordered. I went in the room and hung IV fluids and Abx and then left to the clean supply to gather the TEDs and NG. I heard my name overhead to go to that patients room. Before I made it to his room I heard the code called. Apparently he had gone straight from Sinus Tach to agonal and the other nurses had noticed it on the monitor. They were already performing CPR when I got to the room. Although I am ACLS certified, I was not code nurse that night, and was just responsible for providing information about the patient. I was nearly in tears the entire time. We were able to get a perfusing rhythm and quickly transported him to ICU where his was coded two more times and died. When I returned to my floor I was in tears. I realize that on a Cardiac floor that it was bound to happen. However, I am still very saddened by it. So I certainly know how you feel. :icon_hug: