Published
Hello,
Every unit will have its own times for routine vitals. On my unit routine is 0800, 1600, 2400 unless the pt is post-op and then we do Q 4 hour vitals for 24 hours. On the tele unit they do Q 4 vitals on everyone.
On our long term care unit they do vitals before breakfast and before dinner.
Most nurses like to get vitals at the start of shift during assessment so it would vary according to when your shift starts.
Hope that helps
There are no such things as "routine" vital signs. "Routine" is unit specific and may be regionally specific as well. As a general rule "routine" means every shift. This could be every 8 hours or every 12 hours. However, if the unit acuity is relatively high, "routine" may be more often; such as every four hours. Post operative patients may have a "routine" such as every 15 minutes x 4, every 30 minutes x 2, 1 at the next 60 minute mark, and then every 4 hours x 4, then every shift. There should be a policy and procedure on your unit or in your facility addressing this issue. If there is not, this is the perfect opportunity for you to be a part of performance and quality improvement.
pattchez
37 Posts
I am looking for your advise and learn what time of the day and how often do your medical-surgical unit take vital signs when it is "routine?" We have 3 Med-Surg units and routine vitals are done at different time of the shift/day -- and I am wondering what is considered a standard time for rountine vital signs. It is confusing when I float from one unit to another so I would appreciate your comments on how it is done where you work. Thanks.