Alexander Rodriguez, RN submitted 2015-08-29
Mental and physical preparation when providing immediate life support is vital to a positive outcome. Adult and pediatric patients can both have immediate issues that will require sound intervention by the healthcare provider. I have a background as a nurse aide. I have participated in numerous code blues. I always heard the seasoned nurses say “the first thing you do in a code is check your own pulse”. Remaining calm in the situation will allow me to give the patient the best care possible. When providing bedside care we should always be ready to provide life support.
The new trend is to allow family in the room during codes. This shows the family everything healthcare providers are doing to save the person’s life. I feel it can also help with the grieving process is the patient was to expire. Family will be able to say goodbye and know exactly what happened during the last few moments of their loved ones’ life. I make sure to be prepared to support the family and any member of the care team who may be struggling with the situation.
Maturity and experience in a code situation is good to have. However, it does not guarantee a person will feel the same in each situation. We must support the family and each other during tough times. We must also make sure we debrief with a trusted person if needed. Debriefing gives us a chance to relieve stress and bad feelings about situations.
Each code should have assigned tasks for each member of the health care team to allow better flow of the interventions and also to create a better chance for a positive outcome. Teamwork is vital during a code. I have been certified in CPR and emergency medicine since 2000. I have helped out with numerous codes on many different units. Working together during a code with each person doing their job works best.
I have never been on a unit where we practiced a mock code as a team. Usually we clock in and stay so busy, there is not time to set up a practice code. Practicing a mock code on a unit as a team can build strength and flow during a code. I am only BLS certified but will be taking a class this fall for ACLS certification. This means I will know ACLS. However, not everyone on the care team will have the same level of education with ACLS. There will be members who will not understand orders or protocol. This is not good. That is why, as a leader, I would suggest and participate in a mock code that involves everyone who will be helping during a real code.
The last issue I would say that matters during a code situation is the leader. If I was in the leadership role I would make sure everyone remains calm. Remind the healthcare team, that they know what to do, just stay calm and perform the procedure to the best of our abilities. This is where practice and training will help us remain calm and hopefully save a life.
Mental preparation for a code will help me stay calm and perform my best. I always remind myself the person I am helping out needs me at my best. At this time in the patient’s life, they are putting their trust in me. So is the family. When I am part of a care team performing CPR I remind myself we, as a team are the only ones at this moment in time who can help this person. Their life and the life they live is in our hands. Out practice and abilities will help decide if our patient will be able to get back to their lives.
I am currently enrolled in a BSN program at Lubbock Christian University. I will earn my BSN in December 2015. I am applying and hope to start the MSN program at LCU in 2016. I want to be a good leader. I want my team to know I have the knowledge and skills to help out in any situation on the floor. I also know patients and family members of patients will feel safer and more secure knowing I have the formal knowledge and training to save a life if necessary. I pride myself in making patients and family feel very welcome while staying on the unit. In a situation where a code seems emanate family should be made aware as well as the care team and participating doctors. Having all supplies ready and giving team members an early warning can help to make the situation run smoother. Not knowing where supplies are during a code and not knowing your assigned task will make the care team look lost. This is not good for anyone. I feel practicing will be the best way to ensure we give best care.