[FutureNurse33702]

I'm taking classes to become a CNA in FL, and was wondering what people think were the hardest skills to learn to do properly? Right now, I'm voting for manual BP.

[sbenning5]

Originally Posted by FutureNurse33702

I'm taking classes to become a CNA in FL, and was wondering what people think were the hardest skills to learn to do properly? Right now, I'm voting for manual BP.

I would have to agree!

[Katie89]

I took my CNA course through a technical college in Wisconsin, and we were told that they weren't allowed by the state to teach/practice BP. They said it was just something we'd have to learn on the job. On the 21st I start my first job at a hospital, and learning BP is part of the orientation...now I'm nervous! We only get one day to learn it, how long would you say it took you to get it down?

[jace7m3]

I struggled with BP during classes and had to inflate 3 times on the State exam before I got it right. Haven't found a job yet, so I'm trying to keep up on the skill by practicing at home, and I've definately improved. I recommend you buy a cuff and practice on friends, family, and anyone lese who'll lend you their arm. You can get one @ http://www.allheart.com/aneroidbp.html Good luck

[Esther2007]

Manual b/p is easy if you have a good stethoscope. It used to be hard for me, but since I got my Littmann, I can hear a lot better.

[casi]

I have issues with making an occupied bed. The first 10 times with real patients were just bad.

[Melinurse]

I worked as a CNA for 4 years and as an LPN for 5 years, now a GN and blood pressures are still tricky. It is just something you have do do alot of to get better at it. If you are ever not 100% sure of the reading you got, have someone else check it after you. Be sure to report any abnormals according to your hospital policy!!! ASAP! If you were not 100% sure and nobody else was around to double check, tell the nurse please, that you are not 100% sure. Personally, I like to be told the BP even if it's normal. Always love to hear good news.

[dancer_meggs]

I don't think that b/p is really that bad (when you have a thick stethoscope anyways). The ones I hate are the super long ones that have a million steps and anything to do with gloves. Right now bedpan is the worst! Denture care sucks to...I can't decide...

[littlebitark]

For me it was Range of Motions- Am I the only one???

[hvlqodvhiniyc]

Originally Posted by littlebitark

For me it was Range of Motions- Am I the only one???

ROM was also difficult for me. I solved my difficulty by writing down what I would do from the book and skill checklist. Then I spoke it out loud as I practiced. Like a script. It goes sort of like, "The nurse asked me to do range of motion excercises on the right side of your upper body today. We'll work down from your shoulder to the elbow wrist and fingers. Is this OK? I need to support your arm by holding below the shoulder and below the elbow . Is that OK? All right if anything hurts tell me and we will stop. First is hand over your head and then back to the mattress OK? 1 - 2 - 3... Next is away from your body..." So I pretty much tell the pt and myself what is happening each step. The pt seems to appreciate knowing what's happening and I remember what to do by repeating the routine out loud again and again. HTH.