Disappointed by my first vital sign check-off.

[Java Mama]

So we had our first vital sign check-off today and I didn't pass by 2 points, so that means I have a 1 hour mandatory practice scheduled, then I retake it. I thought I had it down pat and then when it came down to it, I was getting confused with rate, rhythm, strength, depth. I've put in quite a bit of practice time, but my presentation did not have a good flow at all! I was all over the place. I spent hours after school today double checking all of my errors and am going to go to the lab and practice more tomorrow. I just don't want to get behind. Next check-off is wound care in 2 weeks and that will also be difficult. Any advice on how to make my vital check-off run smooth? Thanks.

[RonCA84]

I break it down into smaller segments; first of all to drop the nerves (especially in front of a clinical instructor) and secondly to focus on the vital sign. So I start with temperature, Assess: what does my reading show from my thermometer? how the patient feel? (subjectively) how does the patient feel? (objectively)

I look at this like writing an english paper. Make an outline and write down your own flow. Half the battle is performing the assessment, the other is practicing your presentation in front of your clinical instructor. Good luck, study your VS, and let us know how you do. =)

[Java Mama]

Thanks, I will.

[elliemae121]

You don't have to go to the lab and practice. If you already know how to take blood pressure and check pulse then don't get hung up on that. Go home and just practice the sequence over and over on a stuffed animal or anything. So there is no stopping to think if this is what I'm doing next. It really helps with the flow. The second you mess up start the whole thing completely over.

[NCRNMDM, ASN, RN]

Practice the steps over and over again until you have a system that works for you. During clinical, I do the same steps in the same order no matter who I'm getting vital signs on. I enter the room, introduce myself to the patient, and inform them that I will be taking their vitals. I sit my clipboard down, power on the machine, and attach the blood pressure cuff. Once I hit start, I take the thermometer, attach a probe, and begin taking the temperature. While I'm taking the temperature, I count the respiration rate, and I note respiratory effort, depth, pattern, etc. After I have the RR, BP, PR, and temperature, I attach the oxygen saturation probe, and get a sat. After I have a sat, I check to see if the patient is on oxygen, and record the amount and the modality by which it is being delivered. Finally, I ask the patient if they are having pain, and ask if I can get them anything before I leave the room.