When your patient codes. What is YOUR role as primary RN?

[kaylee.]

Hey nurses, I am curious to get your views/experiences involving a code when it is YOUR assigned patient. What role do you/should you play in the code? This was me the other day, I was not actually part of the initial response, but came running to the scene. Several people were in the room starting the BLS, and I became engulfed in the small circle of people feeling pulses, grabbing pads/wires and starting chest compressions.

Then when things got going I had to be available to report on the pt so the team could get a full picture, so I struggled to make my way back through the crowd to get to the periphery and talk to people. Now I was answering questions from several directions, calling doctors, and my phone was ringing off the hook, so I was needed frequently at the back of the room managing these things.

I am wondering if you as the patient's RN are expected to take a more active role in the code (compressions, meds, IVs) or do you remain available to provide information throughout as questions pop up? Or is it a little bit of both? At certain points I was not sure what I was supposed to be doing as the room was alrady crowded with people, so I would retrieve meds/supplies and whatever else was needed, then I ended up as the recorder for a good portion.

What experience have others had in this position as primary nurse to the coding patient?

Thanks!

[smf0903]

Info. There are always enough people to do compressions, push meds, etc. As the primary RN, I am the person in the room who probably knows the most about the patient therefore I feel best suited to answer questions versus performing roles any of the other 20 people around can fill.

:)

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I work in the ER so it's a bit different. If I could always pick my role I would just do compressions. I loathe being the scribe. But I will usually always have one of 3 roles and that's CPR, Meds or Scribe.

When we run the codes in other unites the primary usually is off to the side giving us the hx on the pt and any events leading up to the event.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

Speaking as a rapid response nurse I want the primary RN in the room to provide history, recent labs, and events leading up to the code blue and/or rapid response situation.

[cleback]

We talk with the responding providers--what happened, what they are in for, etc. Early on, before the providers arrive, we direct the code.

[kaylee.]

Thanks for the input. Its good to know for next time, and I can be right on point with what I should be doing. Hopefully it will be a while before there is a next time í ½í¸‰