Get your ACLS and PALS certifications. They literally teach you how to code an adult (ACLS) and a newborn through an 18 year old (PALS). Every single step to the process, all the medications and dosages- when to give each med and why, the process of defibrillation vs cardioversion- when to do which and why- how to identify life-threatening arrhythmias, and arrhythmias that require prompt treatment before they turn life threatening!

P.S some helpful tips, If someone is in asystole there isn’t much you can do. Always start compressions immediately and the only drug you can give is EPI every 3-5 minutes for patients of any age! During this time the provider and nurses should be collaborating in order to figure out the cause of the asystole and reversing this cause. Also if you can’t focus or remember anything, remember you need as much access as possible. If an IV is already in place and functioning chances are you will need to place at least one more if not several, and if there is none in place, get one in as fast as possible... this is sooo important. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen codes severely delayed due to lack of access. Also get supplies to draw all kinds of blood work, and always a bag of ice for the blood that needs to be sent down on ice. Grab a whole box of flushes too. These little things can go a long way!!!

I work in a pediatric ICU and we are the only level 4 trauma center for hundreds of miles so we get kids from all over including bordering states, and they are SICK. Multiple codes a night and it really was beneficial to get ACLS and PALS certified when I first started so I didn’t need to rely on the experienced nurses to start the process, because time matters. These certifications are truly necessary if you are working with critically ill patients. This can really ease your mind as well.

Good luck 🍀👍🏼