It's sort of a bummer with some of these aids

PeepnBiscuitsRN · Jun 21, 2012

Um, well...maybe if you have a spare minute or two near the end of shift, you could blow their mind and fill the pitchers. Then that's one less thing to worry about for both of you. :hrnsmlys:

frankie,RN · Jun 21, 2012

most facilities that ive worked at have a policy that vitals have to be in within two hours. i dont care about what the next nurse thinks, but i would be terrified to think of a patient/resident going 6-7hours of my shift with abnormal vitals. could you imagine a temp of 103 or 94.8, a resp rate of 8 or 50,or a bp of 86/32 or a pulse of 40 or 150, but you arent aware until 30minutes prior to the end of your shift. how do you expain that. bottom line... you are the one responsible to ensure these vitals are done on time. at some facilites, you might as well get them yourself. good luck to you.

loriangel14, RN · Jun 21, 2012

In the end knowing the vitals are the nurse's responsibility and taking vitals are within our scope.You could take them yourself.You should have the vitals done at the beginning of shift anyways so you can deal with any issues.The final resposibility rests with the nurse.If you miss something critical you can't blame it on the aids.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2012

Wow, you see them? Mine are way too busy finding an uninhabited corner to hide out in :lol2:

I wonder if telling them they need to make sure the VS are charted right away and then following up will help. We still have paper charting and I always have to make sure to follow up because I'm rarely told of critical things like a persons weight is up 12 pounds since the am, a temp of 102, etc.... Now I just ask them right out if they had a chance to do them. Sometimes it works and other times.....well I'm a work in progress...

Simply Complicated · Jun 21, 2012

I've always had them just photocopy the sheet they write them on, and give me a copy as soon as they are done taking them. That way I have a copy on me to reference, and if they are late getting them in, doesn't effect me. I have them, and can chart them in my notes if need be to cover myself. That way I also know for sure if there are any abnormals.

stelon · Jun 21, 2012

We make photocopies for the nurses at my hospital. Then chart them when we get a few minutes. And on really crazy days, our nurses have been known to chart them for us if they have more time than we do. What a concept. Love my nurses.

JDZ344 · Jun 21, 2012

Ask your aides for a copy of the vitals sheet within x amount of time so you are aware of the figures. It is imperative you can review the vital signs in a timely manner so you can act on any information. Leaving them till the end of the shift is dangerous. Your aide might not report things that you need to be aware of.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Jun 21, 2012

In the end knowing the vitals are the nurse's responsibility and taking vitals are within our scope.You could take them yourself.You should have the vitals done at the beginning of shift anyways so you can deal with any issues.The final resposibility rests with the nurse.If you miss something critical you can't blame it on the aids.

I agree with this. Where I work getting vitals is a licensed nurse duty. I keep a thermometer, pulse ox and bp cuff in my med cart and get the vitals during my med pass. I like it this way. It cuts out the middle man.

canigraduate · Jun 21, 2012

When I worked as an aide, I always gave a copy of my vitals to my nurse as soon as I was finished taking them. I knew I wouldn't have a chance to chart them anytime soon. As a nurse, I ask the aides at the beginning of the shift to give me a copy whenever they take vitals. So far, it has worked out quite well.

Still Standing · Jun 21, 2012

I'm sorry but this post gave me a much needed laugh after these rough few days I just had.LOL

Still Standing · Jun 21, 2012

But on a serious note something has to be done about that just let them know what is at the atmost importance.