The stress has hit . . .

nursemommyof3 · Sep 20, 2005

ok, I wrote that a while ago, but didn't post it, and after trying to read and study, I just can't do it tomorrow. I'm not prepared at all. I've done BP once, and not even on my partner. I have done/found a femoral or an apical pulse, haven't done anything with pain assesment, and so much more. I am just not ready to do it tomorrow, and no way, no matter how late I stay up will it help. UGH UGH UGH

Imafloat, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2005

Breathe....Smell the flowers, blow out the candles....

You can do it. Your skills checkoff sounds cumbersome but I bet you will do fine. I am not sure what the pain assessment part is. We asked the pt to rate their pain on a scale of 0-10 with 0 being no pain, and 10 being the most pain they have ever felt. Then ask the OLDCART questions. Those dang mannequins in skills lab would never answer my questions though! Even though it seems overwhelming, I bet you will do fine on your checkoff, the skills really aren't that bad.

Keep your chin up and give yourself positive talk, you can do it.

Mandarella · Sep 20, 2005

Think positive...the procedure sounds more cumbersome than the task. I feel your pain though, my assessment check off is tomorrow...I feel like a circus animal performing in front of an audience:uhoh21:

I am staying positive, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

Is there any way to get some practice at home?? I bought a cheapy cuff to use on hubby a few times. Maybe borrow one? Just keep going over the procedure mentally then act as if you are doing it for real...even if no one is there. The repetition will help somewhat, as far as the sounds, just relax and concentrate. You'll do great.:balloons:

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2005

Oh man, I totally feel for you and totally can relate to your pain! I know you feel like doing this: :bluecry1: :no: :barf02: Try to stay calm and just say to yourself over and over "I can do this" "I am competent" "I can do this" "It is no big deal" "I can do this". And remember, breathe...BREATHE...BREATHE

Try not to listen to all that chatter::innerconf :selfbonk:

Best of Luck to you!!!:icon_hug:

Ok, we have to "skill out" on various tasks at the school, before we can actually do them at the hospital on REAL patients. Like last week, we did postion and transfer, this week is vital signs. I was suppose to do mine friday, and had my studying schedule planned (tonight blood pressure, tomorrow pulse, etc). Well, today the skills lab coordinator says that the instructor can't do it friday, so I have (along w/some other students) have to do it TOMORROW!!!! Tuesday at 12:30. Ok, great great. I had my clinicals today, the first day, so we were burdened witha ton of paperwork, scavenger hunt, etc. The paperwork is 18 pages of filling out stuff from our charts (which we have never seen) and interviewing the patient. So I was there from 2pm til almost 9pm. Now, I have to cram and study for the skill out tomorrow. Then tomorrow I have to finish all the clinical crap, including those 18 pages, 11 drug cards and a diagnoses card. Then Wednesday I ahve to cram for a test that I have thursday in medical terminology. JOY!