Really, this is the dumbest question ever, but...

allnurses Guide · Mar 31, 2012

I don't think that is a dumb question at all.

Not all facilities do things the same way, so you will need to clarify.

I think your instructor will be pleased you cared enough to ask.

After all, it is kinda a big deal!

Katie71275 · Mar 31, 2012

There is a button on the wall at most of our hospitals so we can call a code. First, if they are on a monitor, don't read the monitor, read your patient and the monitor.. Ive yet to have to call a Code, so I might just run out screaming lol.

loriangel14, RN · Mar 31, 2012

Where I work you push the blue button on the wall and then you pick up the phone and call a special extension so switchboard can call it over the PA system.

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2012

If you are presented with a code situation you either press the button by the bedside that says Code or some form of the phrase or yell at the top of your lungs " Call a Code Blue." If you happen to be by yourself with NO ONE around then you pick up the phone dial the emergency extension and tell them to announce a code blue to room 6029 or whatever it may be. Now you may begin CPR/ACLS.

SarahIN · Apr 1, 2012

Thanks, everyone! Now I don't feel like such an idiot! :)

allnurses Guide · Apr 1, 2012

Most of the rooms in my hospital don't have the code buttons; so, you yell!

The term here is Blue Alert (we have about 20 colors of different alerts :confused: ). Silver is someone shooting. seriously.

A loud "I need help in room ____, bring the crash cart!" is a surefire way of getting attention.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Apr 1, 2012

The term here is Blue Alert (we have about 20 colors of different alerts ). Silver is someone shooting. seriously.
A loud "I need help in room ____, bring the crash cart!" is a surefire way of getting attention.

Silver means "person with weapon" at my old hospital.

Yelling, "HELLLPPP!!!!!!!" at the top of your lungs will suffice if you don't know what else to do.

An RN friend of mine, Ann, was describing how she got her daughter Beth a job as a nurse assistant where Ann worked as an RN. On Beth's first day, she walked into a room and a patient was having seizure.

Beth did the first thing that came to mind, went to the door and screamed, "MOMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!" at the top of her lungs. Ann's coworkers noted, "That's the first time I've heard an employee scream that to get attention...."

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2012

silver alert at my hospital means "adult missing" lol

not a stupid question. glad u asked. they never told us either. pertinent info dont u think haha.

sapphire18 · Apr 1, 2012

Yup, different at every hospital as others have said. I honestly liked my last place with the code button on the wall (except when it got pushed by accident...yowza). Now in the ICU, you just yell; they aren't announced over the loudspeaker.

PghRN30 · Apr 2, 2012

You should discuss this with your instructors. I know we were in second semester when one of my classmates pts did code, and that is when they realized we had no clue. everyone just assumed we knew when and how to call a code. And our hospital there are 2 buttons on the wall near the head of the bed, condition A (arrest) and condition C (pretty much any other medical concern meriting a code).

annietart · Apr 2, 2012

we have condition C for a critical condition, and condition A for arrest. Condition C brings the whole rapid response team but is for situations that could go bad but aren't quite to a full code yet. Normally the pt's nurse goes and gets the charge, they call the doc and decide whether to call a Condition C. I've never seen a condition A called but I'd imagine it would be mostly someone smacking the wall button and yelling for help.