clinical--dont know how to use automated VS "machine"

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hi Everyone,

Tomorrow is the second day of med-surg (adult health) clinical for me which is my first "real" clinical following fundamentals as a first semester student. I realize this is ridiculous, but on my first day I did not catch how to take automated VS. Sorry, not sure of the properly terminology. My clinical sites uses the automated cuffs and the screen rather than the individual unit that can be wheeled around. The nurse I worked under zipped through the VS quickly, and I didn't get an opportunity to practice myself. During first semester, we took VS by hand and did not practice with automated devices.

What's the best way to let my nurse tomorrow know that I am unable to take VS and need a refresher? Or, should I be asking my clinical instructor?

Also, just overall, I feel as if I was thrown in to do tasks (albeit very basic tasks, e.g., VS, bathing, assessment) without much guidance. I understand the nurses are very busy and we should be self-starters, but there has to be a first time that I learn how to do these things. Any thoughts, tips would be much appreciated. Thank you!

I think you are referring to the dynamap? I would ask your clinical instructor to show you or even a CNA. Don't be ashamed to ask for help, we all had to learn how to use one of those at some point.

Thanks for the feedback. :)

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Honey- the scariest nurse there is is the one who will not ask a question for fear of looking 'dumb'.

Don't EVER be afraid to ask a legitimate question - how else are you supposed to learn?

Thanks for the support... I feel like I have to ask the "dumb" questions in order to learn how to do things properly.

I don't think asking how to properly use a piece of medical equipment is a "dumb" question. I'd grab the first person available to give me a quick tutorial/inservice - my instructor, my RN, or one of the CNAs on the unit.

Specializes in EDUCATION;HOMECARE;MATERNAL-CHILD; PSYCH.

Nurses who ask "Dumb" questions are smart.

Thanks for taking the time to provide your input. :) I am starting to feel Ok about having to ask.

Thanks, Chiandre. This quote will stick with me! Lots of things swirling around in my brain on these first "real" clinical shifts.. so many questions crop up.. and require answers. :)

Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I remember having this exact same problem when I was in my first semester of nursing school. I was really embarrassed. I had to ask my clinical instructor to show me how to use a Dynamap. He did. Problem solved. But I remember the feeling. Ask someone. How about one of your classmates? The people in my clinical group all had different strengths and knowledge and we helped each other out. Maybe that will work for you.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thanks for taking the time to provide your input. :) I am starting to feel Ok about having to ask.

The only dumb question is the one not asked....((HUGS)) They may call it a non-invasive B/P cuff as well.

They are pretty simple. Go in the room intriduce yourself. "Hi, my name is mollysaunt and I am a student nurse from XYZ I need to take your blood pressure." Place the B/P cuff like any other cuff. Ask the patient to be still and remind them that it will get tight. hit start. It will inflate and then deflate and make a noise signaling it is done. write down the number. DONE!

Breathe...it will be ok.

That is not dumb at ALL! You are hit with so much information at once, you can't possibly remember it all. When in doubt, ask for help :) We practiced the dynamaps on each other in orientation, but I swear when I went to use one the first time it was like I had never seen one LOL. At the first opportunity, I asked one of the techs to show it to me again, and then she let me do vitals for every patient on her side of the floor (my patient was off the floor for a procedure). After doing a dozen or so in a row, I never forgot how to use the machine! Always remember you have a group of people there; it's ok to ask them! I have learned a wealth of info from the techs and aides.

Good luck!! :D

+ Add a Comment