scared of being in a code

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I was talking with my preceptor about a pt we were caring for who is a full code although in his condition it would be more torture than helpful (that is another story in itself lets just say hes one of those train wreck pt you cant cure you can only manage. cant communicate,or any independant ADLs etc.....) neways she mentioned she would break the poor mans ribs in the first compression. This freaks me out I know it happens but Ive never dont CPR on a real person Ive never been in a code.

What do I expect

Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.
last night during my shift. i almost had to experience a full code. the pt started coding. and since i work in agency, i'm the only LPN at this house. if it wasn't for the mom being there & talking me through, i dont know what i wouldve done. granted, the mom said i did good for it being my first time. but OMG!

WHAT?!!!! I must be missing something here. Are you working home health in the patient's home?? Are you not required to have an up-to-date certification in basic cardiac life support? With only 3 months' experience you're in a situation where the patient "codes" often enough that the MOM knows what to do? Please share what exactly happened when this child coded so that we can understand your situation a little better.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.
I was talking with my preceptor about a pt we were caring for who is a full code although in his condition it would be more torture than helpful (that is another story in itself lets just say hes one of those train wreck pt you cant cure you can only manage. cant communicate,or any independant ADLs etc.....) neways she mentioned she would break the poor mans ribs in the first compression. This freaks me out I know it happens but Ive never dont CPR on a real person Ive never been in a code.

What do I expect

1st expect to be in a code, as you will at sometime and probably sooner than later, 2nd ABC........... review your drugs, doseage, frequency, it will only take a few. Back in gosh 1972, while doing a clinical rotation in CCU, as a diploma student nurse, on eves., I had NO RN with me, only a LVN, and 2 nurse assit........... a guy codes, ER doc an opthal. resident moonlighting, I ran the code by reading the standing protocol, we had on nursing station wall...... I remember feeling better, when the resident, ask, "what does it say to do next?" hang in there, get some experience, review, prepare, and DO IT:yeah:

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