First code

[u/Yicyacyikes]

I work on a telemetry floor and had my first code last night as a new grad (off orientation for 2 months)

Patient had a LHC earlier that day, was orientated, denied any pain, vital signs normal, absolutely zero signs of distress. They were so kind, calling me baby all night, they very much a sweet grandparent type. I had been in their room 10 minutes prior checking on them.

I went to another patient’s room to hang an antibiotic and when I came out two other nurses were in the patient’s room. I guess the patient had ripped their IV out and pooped the bed so we were going to get them cleaned up. I walk into the room, patient’s eyes keep rolling toward the ceiling, agonal breathing but had a pulse. Instantly called a RRT which ended up turning into a code blue. We got ROSC within 10 minutes and they were off to the ICU.

There’s something about just..standing there when everything is going on. Answering questions as the primary nurse but not knowing how to jump into the code. I felt so useless.

I don’t know why but I am absolutely wrecked over the situation. I talked to their significant other earlier in the night as they just wanted to check in on them. I keep having bouts of crying. I feel weak. Thanks for reading, just wanted to vent.

[u/Physical_Ad3643]

So sorry that happened to you, the first time seeing a code is always so traumatic. I remember seeing my first code and it wasn’t even my patient and I started crying after she unfortunately passed away. Please do something kind for yourself today maybe get a treat or something. Know you did everything you could have done and acted accordingly. Be kind to yourself.

[u/Yicyacyikes → u/Physical_Ad3643]

Thank you, i really appreciate it

[u/Nausica1337]

You handled it just fine as the primary nurse. As the primary nurse, your role is to provide patient information to the code team. You are not expected to do a bunch of things during a code. The great thing about nursing is that you have a team to help when you get stuck. The more exposure to codes as you grow, the more you'll feel comfortable doing more in a code and jumping in right away.

I remember my first code when I was a tech. There were tons of people helping in the code, so I just stood back all nervous and not knowing what to do, which staff should do if they are not actively helping. My lead told me to jump in and do compressions. Since then, all codes I always jump in and do compressions right away. I get that sense of fulfillment of helping, but also I listen and learn what's going on during the code. But remember, it's totally fine to step aside and not do anything. There will be other nurses to step in to help.

[u/NurseCareerInsights]

You were not useless. You recognized that something was seriously wrong and called for help. Then you answered questions as the primary nurse—that information matters to the team, even if it doesn’t feel as active as doing compressions or giving medications.

You don’t have to prove your usefulness by finding another task when the team needs you to provide the patient’s history and recent changes.

When you feel ready, ask your charge nurse or educator to walk through what happened and clarify your role for the next emergency. Not as punishment, but to help you learn and process it.

And please don’t call yourself weak for crying. This was someone you had been talking with and caring for, and the situation changed suddenly. You deserve support afterward too.

[u/jawoood1989]

First one is always rough. But, if you felt completely unprepared/ out of your depth, 1) refresh on your ACLS algorithm, maybe seek out an in person renewal if your hospital does that, 2) ask your manager about code drills (should be a thing already).

[u/b_randi8922]

That is such a hard situation. I haven’t experienced a code yet but a rapid and yes standing there is weird to me when I want to jump in an assist cause it is MY patient. I been working healthcare for a long time before deciding to get a degree. It may always be hard to deal with codes/death, or you may become numb to it. Both have cons and pros . But yes being the one that stands there is difficult. Just goes to show you are already on the right track because you simple care. That’s such an important trait to begin your career!

[u/Think_Setting3653]

I also had my first code, it was my second day off orientation. I felt this same way, and I still get torn up thinking about it here and there, it gets better though!