My first code...WOW!

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Right, so I experienced my very first code today. I'am a nursing student that works at a local hospital part-time as a tech. A gentlemen had reported to me that he was having a hard time catching his breath, but otherwise appeared ok.

I went for the dynamap and found his vitals to be: b/p 221/120, pulse 140, respir 24, and temp 102.2. I immediately told the nurse and when we came back in the room he was talking but seemed VERY anxious, then went unresponsive all of the sudden.

We arm&legged him to the bed, checked for breathing/pulse--nothing--so we called the code and began cpr. I had never done chest compressions before on a *real* person, so it was a little unnearving to hear/feel the ribs crack.

After that it is a huge blur: family screaming, docs shouting orders, nurses starting IV' and pushing meds, respiratory bagging him, family screaming, family screaming...

WHEW!

I have to say--out of no disrespect for the patient and/or family--that I rather enjoyed helping with a code.

Man, I am so tired and pumped at the same time.

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

My first code was when I was a student doing rotation in ICU. A gentlemen went in Torsades de Pointes and before I knew it, the room was filled and I was doing chest compressions. I'll never foget my 1st code.

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

It is a rather great feeling. If you like codes an ICU might be the place for you or ED. There is a rush you get during a code.

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It is a rather great feeling. If you like codes an ICU might be the place for you or ED. There is a rush you get during a code.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I want to work in an ICU. I am eyeballing the Acute Care Nurse Practicioner role (and CRNA of course), but am taking it one step at a time.

I'd be perfectly happy as an RN in a critical care environment.

Although, I am keeping an open mind here, as I have many rotations to complete thus I might just find out that I just love L&D or long term care (but I doubt it). ;)

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Specializes in School Nursing.
my first code was when i was a student doing rotation in icu. a gentlemen went in torsades de pointes and before i knew it, the room was filled and i was doing chest compressions. i'll never foget my 1st code.

please do tell...what is torsades de pointes ?

______

praiser

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Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

Torsades is often a lethal ventricular arrythmia. It's French for 'twisting of the points' where if you can ID it on an EKG, it takes on a twisting appearance around the isoelectic line. I found out that this guy's EKG showed a prolonged QT interval before he want into TdP.

Clear as mud, huh?

Here's an EKG strip that shows it pretty well.

Physician_04.jpg

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Wow! I can't even imagine being in that situation yet. It must be crazy!

So, do tell....what was the outcome?

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Did the guy make it?

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Medicine.

I'm glad you enjoyed your first code! I have been in several codes and still get the case of the nerves! I am a pct in the er and I hope once I start ns I will have a better grip on things.

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Did the guy make it?

So, do tell....what was the outcome?

Just got word...he is doing fine and being well cared for in 'the unit.'

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Specializes in ICU.

Wow, did you feel like you knew what you were doing? I'm always afraid this is going to happen to me and I'll just be like..uhhh, crap,where do my hands go?? or something stupid!!

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Specializes in m/s, icu.

funny thing....

I was in 3 codes before i had A.C.L.S. Since getting certified... not a one!!! ( it's been 3 yrs!!!!)... ironic. Now, I've probably jinxed myself. I better be on guard at work tonight!!!!

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