Had my first code last night

22 I work on a pediatric airway unit, and the charge nurse got sick about two hours into the shift, so I took over as relief charge by seniority. PICU is right across the hall so I felt secure in that. It was only my second time being relief charge nurse. At around 230 in the morning a nurse calls HELP and I was only about two doors down. I ran over and flipped the light on and the kid was in clear respiratory arrest and a color of blue I never want to see on anyone ever again. They were on the monitor and in the 40's O2Sat. I yelled out to call a code (still not believing this was actually happening) and then my PALS training took over and I took appropriate actions as the team leader. I am normally not that assertive but somehow I became so in this situation and was calling out orders. The patient was able to be revived and recovered well.

I am only a 2 year nurse and although I feel I am well trained with the patients on my floor, I never have done a code before. Sometimes when I'm about to fall asleep, I picture different code scenarios on my unit and rehearse how I would react with a patient in a room on my unit, where all the supplies were and so on. I really, really think that's what helped me keep it together and make the right choices. I felt I was just acting out what I had rehearsed. I know skills can get rusty and most people only take PALS or ALS once every two years. I would encourage nurses to try mentally rehearsing scenarios on a regular basis with their PALS or ALS material. It saved a child's life because I was doing this. Last edit by anon456 on Dec 31, '13
Good job. It's good to rehearse and prepare. If not already done your unit should run mock codes. Also ensure someone is checking those code carts for expired and/or missing products.

((HUGS)) I remember the first time I looked around for the charge and realized that was me....you did good! ((HUGS))

Well done! You prepared, trained and performed! Congratulations.

Great Idea!! Good Job!

Good job. Nothing wrong with thinking through scenarios or even talking them out loud with people in your unit. Helps you prepare for the worst.

Wow! You were that child's guardian angel!!! Good job

Wonderful work, Nurse!!! I'm sure the baby's mama will be eternally grateful. Hugs!!

That's awesome! I hope that whenever I encounter my first (and also, unfortunately, inevitable) code that I am able to handle myself with assertion and a clear head. You should be proud of yourself!!

Great job… you should be proud of yourself!

Well done, I hope you got a big thank you from management

Thanks for listening! I actually was assigned that same patient earlier this week (not as charge) and the mom was so thankful and made fudge to give to everyone that was there that night. (We, ahem, did not eat the fudge as the patient was germy but I told her how much everyone enjoyed it anyway. )

Great job!!!Mock codes and emergencies HELP, in my experience.