Witnessed my first code the other night at work... Mind went blank.

hopefulwhoop · Aug 19, 2011

I'll speak for where I work and the codes I've seen. The MD is required to be at all codes, so that's why he's there. When a code is called, RTs, ICU nurses, EKG, lab techs show up. The nurses run the codes and depending on the pt's response, the MD makes orders.

As for the tech's role: be supportive. If the code team needs any equipment you have access to, you can get it for them. You can take vital signs, bedside blood sugar. Just be supportive :) Just follow the code team's lead and do what you can, within your scope of practice.

RxOnly · Aug 19, 2011

Congrats on surviving your first code (and for your whole team on saving the patient!) ...It sounds like you did fine and it's totally normal to have the reaction you did! As for keeping your composure, I think that comes with time... it was your first code after all! I'd be more concerned about somebody who DIDN'T get nervous with someone else's life at stake! Hopefully you won't have to witness very many, but the more codes you attend the more comfortable you'll get.

I agree with the first comment about just being supportive. Grab some gloves and let everyone know you're ready and willing to do whatever you can to help :) If you aren't sure what you're technically "supposed" to do during a situation like that, there is probably a policy in your facility's handbook... other than that I would just ask the nurses who were at that code- ask them how you did and if there's anything else you can do if there's a 'next time' ...good luck :)

blackbird singing · Aug 19, 2011

This is great advice! It seems like you are allowed to be more involved than at the place where I work. I have been told that in the case of a code, run to get the crash cart and get out of the way quick. But this is helpful to read!

mamaxmaria · Aug 19, 2011

I was the same way when I had my first code! terrified! It was when I had JUST started as a PCT on Med/Surg unit. I was told my role in the code was to get the code cart then stand by incase anything is needed... so I brought in the code cart and I stood nearby, not in the room, in the hallway.... an a nurse at the nurse just sitting station says "what is wrong with you? don't just stand there and watch go wash somebody!".... the nurses on that unit were pure EVIL....

Now I work ICU, where codes happen more often then med/surg. Once a code is called I do a blood sugar, get the EKG machine and stand by... more often then not I'm off running for something... usually a doppler!

There will always be that adrenaline rush when dealing with emergencies... thats part of why I love my job and going to nursing school :-) It will get easier with time.... just know your role and it will become second nature

danegerous, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2011

As an ICU nurse, I can definitely attest to what you are saying with everything you mentioned. I can even support your slow-mo feeling during the code.

First, What can you, as an aide, do during a code. Some of the most important things done during a code situation are not ACLS related tasks at all. Things such as making sure the bed is in the lowest position and flat, lowering the side rails, getting a step stool if necessary, grabbing a nearby Doppler, grabbing the backboard, getting more IV pumps, etc. There are ALWAYS things that will be needed during a code. As a supportive member of the team, you are a priceless resource. The nurses and sometimes docs have a very different role, and their area of expertise may require that they be involved in the actual coding process. With you to grab those things, or just be there "in case" the code would be a much more futile effort.

2) Doctors, in my experience, often are not as valuable in a code situation as the nurses. This is simply because of time spent with the patient. The Dr. cannot possibly know every single thing about a patient, but that is our job as nurses, especially in a unit such as this. You'll find that more experienced nurses will often tell the doctor "no", or correct him during the code, simply because he can be wrong, too. Either way, as I said above, pay attention to the frantic ramblings of both the doctors and nurses and get whatever they need (we always wun out of code paper and gloves!).

3) The only way to keep yourself composed is to do it again and again. It's scary when it comes in the middle of a quiet night. You need to familiarize yourself with the sights and sounds of the code process and then it will become more natural. Most of the things we're afraid of are less known to us. So, by becoming well versed in the entire process, you can alleviate those fears. Now, the only way to do that is to have more and be scared in the process. It just takes time.

To be honest, my number one fear as a new ICU nurse was codes, even as a "manly man". I decided early on that I would respond to as many codes as I could (being in ICU, that's our job). I quickly turned my fear into a very valuable skill, one that many lacked, even in the ICU. I developed quick thinking, excellent knowledge of the ACLS process, the ever elusive critical thinking, and a stomach of steel, even when blood is squirting everywhere. But you need to make that decision, and you need to make it before the s**t hits the fan. Then you're in control.

Spikey9001, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2011

As an ICU nurse, I can definitely attest to what you are saying with everything you mentioned. I can even support your slow-mo feeling during the code.
First, What can you, as an aide, do during a code. Some of the most important things done during a code situation are not ACLS related tasks at all. Things such as making sure the bed is in the lowest position and flat, lowering the side rails, getting a step stool if necessary, grabbing a nearby Doppler, grabbing the backboard, getting more IV pumps, etc. There are ALWAYS things that will be needed during a code. As a supportive member of the team, you are a priceless resource. The nurses and sometimes docs have a very different role, and their area of expertise may require that they be involved in the actual coding process. With you to grab those things, or just be there "in case" the code would be a much more futile effort.
2) Doctors, in my experience, often are not as valuable in a code situation as the nurses. This is simply because of time spent with the patient. The Dr. cannot possibly know every single thing about a patient, but that is our job as nurses, especially in a unit such as this. You'll find that more experienced nurses will often tell the doctor "no", or correct him during the code, simply because he can be wrong, too. Either way, as I said above, pay attention to the frantic ramblings of both the doctors and nurses and get whatever they need (we always wun out of code paper and gloves!).
3) The only way to keep yourself composed is to do it again and again. It's scary when it comes in the middle of a quiet night. You need to familiarize yourself with the sights and sounds of the code process and then it will become more natural. Most of the things we're afraid of are less known to us. So, by becoming well versed in the entire process, you can alleviate those fears. Now, the only way to do that is to have more and be scared in the process. It just takes time.
To be honest, my number one fear as a new ICU nurse was codes, even as a "manly man". I decided early on that I would respond to as many codes as I could (being in ICU, that's our job). I quickly turned my fear into a very valuable skill, one that many lacked, even in the ICU. I developed quick thinking, excellent knowledge of the ACLS process, the ever elusive critical thinking, and a stomach of steel, even when blood is squirting everywhere. But you need to make that decision, and you need to make it before the s**t hits the fan. Then you're in control.

This is good advice and now that I remember, I did flatten the bed remove the headboard, got the BP cuff and the patients round report. I guess this one of those things that you have get acquainted to.

And not to sound sadistic but that made work exciting and the feeling that you helped save someone's life is priceless and that outweighs all the negative aspects of the job.

danegerous, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2011

Don't be silly! That isn't sadistic at all! The feeling of altruism that comes with all of our super difficult jobs is a bonus that no one else can understand outside of our profession! You are being 100% selfless, which is so uncharacteristic of human beings. So, when you're done, and you get a chance to reflect, good for you to feel awesome! That's what you've earned! You DID help save someone's life!!! That's someone's mom, or daughter. Don't let anyone ever tell you you're not a hero for the work you do, you most certainly are.