Table 2 Description of mean and standard deviation of Post-Code Stress Scale

Internal sources of stress

 When my hands shake during a code

3.50

1.20

 When I feel like I didn’t function well during a code

3.29

1.14

 When I lose my confidence during a code

3.58

1.18

 When I am unable to make a properly functioning piece of equipment operate during a code

2.88

1.10

 When we code a patient, I believe we should not code

3.91

1.06

 When I have trouble reading the ECG

3.26

1.16

 When I wonder if I made a mistake

3.30

1.27

 When I am not permitted time to regroup and pick myself up after a code

3.36

1.40

 When I code someone young

2.74

1.28

 When I think I might have missed a sign or symptom that would have helped me predict that the patient would code

2.84

1.30

 When the patient dies

2.83

1.18

Total score Internal sources of stress

35.50

9.21

External sources of stress

 When my peers are quick to notice and point out that I made a mistake

3.55

1.20

 When more than one doctor gives orders during a code

3.41

1.07

 When a patient’s family thinks I can keep him/her alive

3.67

1.04

 When hospital policies/procedures are conflicting

3.85

1.20

 When I code some patients only because hospital policy says I must

3.98

1.31

 When a nurse manager/supervisor criticizes me when I’ve done my best

3.47

1.21

 When a nurse manager doesn’t provide assistance during a code

3.54

1.25

 When people think I can function appropriately immediately after a code

3.50

1.10

 When no one talks about the code after it is over

3.50

1.32

Total score External sources of stress

32.48

8.46

Total score overall stress

67.98

16.39