Blood Pressure Devices.

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Specializes in Cardiac Stepdown, PCU.

I work in an LTC/Sub-acute Rehab facility. Each unit has 2 vitals machines with a standard automatic bp monitor, and a manual bp cuff on it. The CNA's like to confiscate (even to the point of hiding) the vitals machines, which makes it difficult for me when I need to assess vitals. They get annoyed I took "their machine" and that I am "holding them up" from their work. I tried to explain to one girl why I like to take my own vitals, especially if there are blood pressure parameters I need to check prior to administration, despite that some other nurses will just ask the CNA to get the vitals. I usually just get an eyeroll and attitude. One night I even had a CNA refuse to do any vitals since I "clearly wanted to do my own". It's just causing tension, and I don't want to argue and bicker over a vital's machine with the CNAs. A few other nurses on my unit just carry their own BP cuff. One has a digital wrist monitor, the other has an inflatable wrist monitor, and another just has a manual she carries.

So, I guess what I am looking for is opinions on getting my own BP cuff. My facility has no specific policy on blood pressure taking. At least, not that I found, or was given answer to when I asked my supervisor. I really like the idea of the wrist bp monitors. When on LTC the residents aren't always very cooperative when it comes to having their bp taken, especially with an automated cuff. Unfortunately, I also know very little about these wrist monitors. Does anyone have one? Is it accurate? Can you recommend one? I don't know if it's worth putting forward the effort into researching a really good one for ease and quickness, or, if I should just stick to a manual.

TYIA.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

A real one is cheap and accurate. Just do it old school.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

I could not a

Her with crunch RN more!

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The wrist ones tend to be okay for a layperson to easily track BP's at home, but maybe not the best for a professional who needs to be more accurate.

I agree with a good old fashioned stethoscope and cuff. Besides, you'll want a stethoscope for other assessments anyway.

I always carried my own and, therefore, never had to worry about who had the machine or if the machine was skewed.

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