Automatic Blood Pressure Machines (portable)????

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Just wondering if my facility is the only one around that doesn't have the portable blood pressure machines on the floor? We have to do it manually, understandably the more accurate way. Anything I can say to my DON to convince her to get us some portable ones?

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We don't have them either. And there is probably nothing you can say to get the DON/administrator to shell out the bucks for them.

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Specializes in Cardiac step down unit.

Hmmmm...........not sure what you could say to get them to purchase one, they are pricey. That being said, I work on a very busy oncology floor as a PCT. We have 4-5 scouts, and we are lucky if 2 are working at a time. They are always breaking- won't power up, won't read the pressure, etc. We have alot of people on frequents due to blood running, so we usually end up doing manual vitals anyway. I'm sure new machines are much better than our old ones though!

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Specializes in Mostly geri :).

The first place I worked(2002) didn't have one. They also didn't have a hoyer lift because the owner said they're too bulky.

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Specializes in FNP-BC, RNC-OB.

... started nursing school this summer and just started clinicals - of course we learned how to take manual blood pressure and pulse. But when we got out on the floor, i know my group personally got to use the portable bp machine. we just hooked it up and let it do the work, and while that was going on, I took the temperature at the same time while watching respirations .. I spent about 2-3 mins tops with each patient and had all the information. im sure on occasion i will have to do some manual work, but its very efficient and lets you do your work much quicker..

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
... started nursing school this summer and just started clinicals - of course we learned how to take manual blood pressure and pulse. But when we got out on the floor, i know my group personally got to use the portable bp machine. we just hooked it up and let it do the work, and while that was going on, I took the temperature at the same time while watching respirations .. I spent about 2-3 mins tops with each patient and had all the information. im sure on occasion i will have to do some manual work, but its very efficient and lets you do your work much quicker..

I cannot believe your clinical instructors allow you to use BP machines regularly. If you are not getting lots of practice in school, when you are a nurse and the machine does not work, you will not be able hear a blood pressure correctly. For your own benefit, I would begin taking more manual BPs.

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Specializes in FNP-BC, RNC-OB.

i just started and ive only done it once. so its not "regularly" yet lol .. and believe me im not gonna get in the habit of it for the same reason you mentioned - caz ive also heard of em breaking down and all that. plus there were only 2 of them in that unit, so i just so happen to be able to use one since it was a slow night. I believe it was moreso that the instructor was just showing me how it worked and then to take some vitals on a few patients. i practice outside of school on my blood pressure cuff all the time, so i dont believe ill have a problem there.

and thanks!

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Specializes in Surg/ortho.

We have like 8-10 dynamaps. But I do work the surgical floor in a hospital....lots of post-op and blood vitals.

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.
I cannot believe your clinical instructors allow you to use BP machines regularly. If you are not getting lots of practice in school, when you are a nurse and the machine does not work, you will not be able hear a blood pressure correctly. For your own benefit, I would begin taking more manual BPs.

Good advice!!!

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Specializes in acute, LTC, Consultant.

It sounds like your DON thinks like me. I feel that the most accurate and best way to obtain the patient's BP is by your sense of touch and hearing. I have been a DON and Nurse Consultant for many years and continue to have this belief.

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She not the one who said it's the most accurate reading, I did. Haven't discussed it with her at all.

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Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.

Are Omron machines reasonably accurate, for a less acute setting such as LTC? Time is of the essence.

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