No matter the length of time you`ve been a nurse, you will at one point come across a code. My first code occurred at the end of my shift, as I was giving bedside report. In the moments, it seemed to last forever, when the patient was in ICU, and I was able to go back to my unit it had only been 15-minutes.
#1 Know your patient’s history
In the first moments of chest compression and soon the crash cart along with a swell of nurses and techs. Questions thrown across the room, as the primary nurse, I was stunned and not at all prepared. The three that I can recall was first “what happened?”, second “did he take narcotics or other medications?”, and third “what the patient’s history?” I carry around a sheet with all patient history on it, always prepared.
#2 Running to a code, remember to grab some items
If you are not in the room when the code is called, there will be a stampede of nurses and techs in the direction of the room. A few items to grab when on your way to code would include the crash cart, glucometer, and vital machine. The crash cart, on a more massive floor, there might be multiple grabs the closest, and remember to unplug it first. Medications, equipment, suction, and defibrillator are all included on the cart. The glucometer, along with strips and other supply. A full idea of what could be going wrong with a patient will start with the basics like blood sugar and vitals. Some unit depending on the acuity may have vital machines in the room. My floor, a Medical-Surgical unit vital machines or a nurse on a stick. Even if multiple people grab items, the information found could help immensely.
#3 If you aren’t part of the code leave the room
Once all the essential supplies and people are present. The extra people will be asked to leave the room. Whichever nurse is in charge will call out that unnecessary people need to leave the room. There will be so many people and so much equipment it will be apparent that it’s time to move. By this time any nurse or tech with a job will be actively involved.
#4 Remember to document
At the point that your patient is in another unit, it’s time to report and make notes. If it your first code or you haven’t had in a while ask your supervisor the necessary forms, you, the primary nurse need to fill out. Document. Document. Document.
After my first code I remember going to my car and flooding with emotion, I cried all the way home. I was emotionally exhausted. My nerves were on edge for the long 15 minutes. If the feeling is too much for your talk to another nurse or supervisor. Knowing what to do and what’s going on will also aid in this experience, some hospitals might have a code class to go through the crash and who’s supposed to do what or an ACLS certification class will teach you how to run or react during a code. Knowledge will never hurt in these scenarios.