Failed the BP portion of my vital signs check off

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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I had my first major skills check-off last week and passed everything but the BP portion. I know how to check a BP, what to look for, etc. I was a little nervous, but who wouldn't be? Anyway, I couldn't hear anything, nor could the clinical instructor. She gave me one attempt and flunked me. My partner got 2 attempts, but got flunked. I feel that it was unfair she flunked me even though neither of us could hear anything! The next day, I come to find out that she gave others half a dozen chances and then passed them. I'm just livid. I'm very tempted to go to my course instructor to complain. I am going to do my 2nd attempt this Wednesday and hopefully pass. I will always admit when I haven't done well on something and take ownership. But I feel like this was unfair. What would you do?

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I flunked my assessment not too long ago and had to do it over. I had the same types of thoughts you did but I think it's better to just do it over and move on. I will mention I did cry my eyes out over it....

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

First, practice, practice, practice (OK, I guess that is first, second and third). I'm presuming this was a stethoscope with one diaphragm/bell and two sets of ear pieces--one for you and one for the instructor. (correct?) If so, the fact that neither you nor the instructor hear anything could have meant that you were positioning the diaphragm incorrectly. Now I am not trying to place all the blame on you here, but this could be why the instruction "did not hear anything" yet still "flunked" you.

As for you situation, go to your instruction and see what the policy is for a retest. Don't play the "this is unfair" card, don't play the "you gave other people more chances than me" card. You don't know the entire circumstances of other people's tests, and bringing them into the discussion may just hurt your chances of getting a fair retest. Tell the instructor that you have been practicing (make sure this is true!), that you have a really strong grasp of the skill, and that you are ready to test again. Good luck.

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"I feel that it was unfair she flunked me even though neither of us could hear anything! "

So, are you saying she shouldn't have failed you because she didn't hear anything? Assuming the instructor is a she, anyways. Because that's the whole point of BP, hearing!! If she couldn't hear, and you couldn't hear, chances are high you weren't doing something right. And I had the same problem when I took my state CNA skills exam. You just need more practice, there's nothing wrong with that, it just takes practice to get the hang of it.

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I had some difficulty finding the right place as well. What helps me is finding the brachial pulse and put the bell directly over that. Good luck on your next try.

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I think you're more angry that others got more chances to retake and pass and you didn't. Just practice and you should be fine for the next time. :) I'm not in nursing school yet, but have been a CNA for 10 years. BP's are tricky. But you'll get the hang of it.

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I think I was more upset that others got a chance to retake on the 1st attempt. It's ok. I did my 2nd attempt today and did pass....just barely. I was so nervous and I think that's what got me. BP's are very tricky. Thankfully, I have some wonderful friends who are nurses and they have offered to help. I'm going back to my former work place to help out in the health room this Friday, so I think that'll help me get the hang of it and get my confidence up. Even though I passed today, the clinical instructor made me so upset. I left the lab on the verge of tears (I waited til I got to my car) and just bawled. She kept saying, "The way you are doing things is going to kill someone one day" or "You need to make school a priority" (??) Which was so ridiculous because I do! I have made good grades one all of the exams and the assignments! I guess I just need to ignore comments like that and stop wearing my heart on my sleeve, but it's so hard. I know that the instructors have to tough and I do respect them, but I don't think belittling students is going to help matters. Sigh. I guess tomorrow is a new day and it will get better.

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I'm starting to find that I'm not alone! I decided not to say anything to my instructor. It is better just to do it and move on. I, too, cried my eyes out! I know it'll get better, but today was one of those days where I thought I was doing everything wrong. One day I will look back on this and laugh, right?

; )

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Yeah you'll look back on this and laugh. I know it's super stressful for you right now.

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