What disciplines make up the Rapid Response Team?

[Jo Dirt]

The hospital where I am supposed to start orientation next week on the telemetry unit (which I think I'd rather wax my entire body every week for the rest of my life than do this) utilizes what they call a Rapid Response Team.

I looked this up on a search engine out of curiosity but I can't really find anything specific.

How many people are on the RRT and who are they?

[Jo Dirt]

I used to think that too... that I was getting all worried over nothing. =) But you are right, it's better to be safe than sorry.

That is what worries me. I'm afraid they might say I call them too much, or they will say, you called us up here for this???

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

I've been on a RRT and Code Team, and have never gotten on someone for calling us. Our team consisted of the Med/Surg, TCU, and ICU charge nurses, the House Supervisor, and a RT. RRTs work extremely well, and I would much rather have someone call me for a rapid response than a code any day. Don't worry about calling them- they'll be more upset if you think something is wrong, and you don't call.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Congrats on the new job!

My instructors sing the praises of Rapid response. Fixing the roof before it rains makes sense.

[All_Smiles_RN]

RRT's are great. An ICU nurse (does not have pts), an RT, and the Nsg Supervisor respond at my hospital. The more heads, the more likely you'll figure out what's going on and how what to do! You might call might call them for sudden tachy or brady rhythms, sudden changes in respiratory status, symptoms of stroke, sudden drop in BP etc. I can't stress enough how wonderful a resource RRTs are.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

At our place we have algorithms that give us parameters for calling the RRT - which consists of an RT, an ICU/CCU nurse, lab, pharmacy, and I think an ICU resident. The algorithm chart is posted in all the break rooms and at the nurses' stations. Fortunately, we don't have to do it much, but it is a really great thing when you do need it.

We also have a peds RRT and a neonatal RRT. They are wonderful resources. Best of luck to you in your new job.

[Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

That is what worries me. I'm afraid they might say I call them too much, or they will say, you called us up here for this???

At my hospital if any member of the RRT treats a nurse who calls for their assistance unprofessionally then they are immediately off the team. Their sole purpose is to help your patient and be a second set of eyes when you think something is askew with your patient. You can't ding someone for putting a patient first.

[BELCJ]

My hospital has a critical care nurse, who has no patients and a resp. therapist (supervisor) who carry the beeper. Both show up. If the patient is really sick, the lead charges from the ICU may show as well to lend the team a hand.

The nurse may not have patients, but she is called for IV starts and helps the ICU's when they have crashing patients.

If you need to call rapid response have the chart in the room and have the latest labs if you can. They need your input so don't be intimidated by a bunch of questions. Our code rate has supposidly dropped quite a bit on the floors with the early intervention of rapid response. So don't hesitate to call them.

What is your average census? The RT (supervisor) that responds, I assume that they are the one to respond due to no patient load?

[BELCJ]

RRT's are great. An ICU nurse (does not have pts), an RT, and the Nsg Supervisor respond at my hospital. The more heads, the more likely you'll figure out what's going on and how what to do! You might call might call them for sudden tachy or brady rhythms, sudden changes in respiratory status, symptoms of stroke, sudden drop in BP etc. I can't stress enough how wonderful a resource RRTs are.

What is your average census? How many RRT calls do you average? When not responding to a call, what other job duties does the ICU nurse do?