
155: Rewinding the Clock: Teamwork That Prevents the Code, With Guest Dr. Oscar Mitchell
From Rapid Response RN by Sarah Lorenzini
January 30, 2026 · 44 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the importance of teamwork in rapid response situations to prevent patient deterioration, featuring insights from Dr. Oscar Mitchell.
You know those moments when something just “feels off?” That’s when you should trust your instincts and speak up because timing can completely change a patient’s outcome. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Dr. Oscar Mitchell, Associate Director of the Center for Resuscitation Science and Director of the Medical Rapid Response Team at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They break down one septic shock case across two timelines: first, when rapid response is called early and there's still time to intervene, and later, when the patient is already crashing. You’ll hear what a calm, collaborative rapid response call looks like, which signs of deterioration should never be ignored, and how to effectively share your concerns with a provider. This episode is for anyone who might call a rapid response AND for those who respond to emergencies. Topics discussed in this episode: Introduction to the patient and the 5PM timeline What the ideal provider–nurse collaboration looks like Early signs of deterioration that were missed Why some nurses hesitate to call rapid response The patient’s vitals at 10AM and why rapid response was called Why the documented respiratory rate might…
People in this episode
Host: Sarah Lorenzini
Guest: Dr. Oscar Mitchell
Topics covered
- patient outcomes
- rapid response
- teamwork
- signs of deterioration
- nurse-provider collaboration
- emergency response
Keywords
- septic shock
- rapid response team
- patient vitals
- SBAR
- CUS frameworks
- early warning signs
- nurse hesitation
- emergency care
Sponsors
REVIVE Conference
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Center for Resuscitation Science, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, REVIVE Conference
More episodes of Rapid Response RN
- 163: Nurse Gwenny Takes Over the Podcast · May 29, 2026 · 51 min
- 162: Live From NurseCon at Sea: Burnout, Boundaries, and Finding Your Way Back · May 9, 2026 · 45 min
- 161: We Got ROSC... Now What? Evidence Based Post Resuscitation Care · April 24, 2026 · 31 min
- 160: The 2026 AHA/ACC New PE Guidelines with Dr. Mark Creager · April 10, 2026 · 37 min
- 159: Nurse Led Stroke Alert Process with Kat Siaron RN · March 27, 2026 · 40 min
- 158: What’s Changed in Acute Stroke Care? New AHA Stroke Guidelines with Dr. Prabahkaran · March 13, 2026 · 32 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Rapid Response RN podcast page.