The Slow Code: Justified?

[Mommavik, ADN]

I agree with you; I've participated in many codes; and one thing I've learned: it doesn't matter what we do, if it's their time to die they're not going to be successful; I've had one patient that over 45 minutes was spent on coding; the pcp came in at the end and called it. When I was sent back in to prepare the patient to be transported to the funeral home, he suddenly started breathing and woke up on his own! This was about an hour after his code was called! Last I heard this man was still alive but remembers nothing about this hospitalization PS my advance directive states that if my arrest is witnessed to code me but if I am found in arrest to leave me there.

[jen9317]

I'm not sure where you are located, maybe that is common there. I have never heard of a deliberate "slow code" as to not put effort or putting on a show for others when doing cpr. When I have had code blue situations in my LTC, I've always done 100% of compressions, crash cart, you name it. I have worked in SNF/LTC for 9 years now, and no one I know who is a nurse would ever condone that, especially if the resident is a FULL CODE! That is so shocking to me.

[Mommavik, ADN]

I already have my wishes written out; IF my death is witnessed then do everything possible, BUT if someone finds my dead body even if i am still warm LEAVE ME ALONE! My family have also been told exactly this. I've worked as a nurse too many years;used to tell my coworkers "if you see me go down by all means code me. But if you find me on the floor keep walking!

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

I'm not sure where you are located, maybe that is common there. I have never heard of a deliberate "slow code" as to not put effort or putting on a show for others when doing cpr. When I have had code blue situations in my LTC, I've always done 100% of compressions, crash cart, you name it. I have worked in SNF/LTC for 9 years now, and no one I know who is a nurse would ever condone that, especially if the resident is a FULL CODE! That is so shocking to me.[/QUOT

Even if a patient has end stage disease state, you would coke them like a healthy person? How many of your patients survived and returned to pre-code status?