Abstract
Teaching staff members how to manage cardiac arrest situations effectively can be accomplished through a well-executed plan. An interdisciplinary task force researched the situation and identified educational opportunities to resolve the problem. Based on the task force's recommendations, a plan was developed for educational programs and mock code implementation. The educational programs were structured to meet the needs of the nursing staff, but other resuscitation team members were encouraged to attend. These mock codes were in all patient care areas, on a rotational basis, and attended by all resuscitation team members. A point system was created to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. A steady rise in points has been noted since the start of the program. This program has promoted staff comfort, improved patient outcomes, and strengthened the interdisciplinary approach to hospital resuscitations.
Scary, intimidating, and overwhelming were the three common words heard from staff nurses regarding cardiac arrest situations. But surprisingly, all team members, including physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and nursing supervisors, responding to codes felt that way. Until recently, educational programs on cardiac arrest management were focused primarily on the nursing staff. It was decided that an interdisciplinary approach was needed, and the Mock Code Task Force was formed.
Initially, three key people were assigned to investigate and research the situation, identify educational opportunities to correct these problems, and formulate a plan to bring to the Critical Care Committee. The three key people consisted of representatives from nursing administration, nursing education, and a physician from the Family Practice Residency Program.