What was the hardest skill for you to learn?

FutureNurse23 · Jul 20, 2008

As far as the state exam skills I agree BP was the hardest. And when I took my state exam I had BP for a skill,lol. I thought I had failed it but I passed it. I would say its always important to know that your stethescope ear pieces are facing the right way so you can hear correctly. Also make sure to focus and listen to the 1st and last sound. Nevertheless be aware that your stethescope dial is on the the brachial artery located at the elbow.

rancelumsden · Jul 20, 2008

For me it was Range of Motions- Am I the only one???

No, not the only one. I forgot that almost kept me from certification during clinicals. :cry: We had to name the ROM area we were working and of course, properly do the motion. Yeah, I was really poor at that -- don't know why....

Goldie_Ferragamo · Jul 21, 2008

For me it was bed making. some days I just wanted to give up everything else was breeze and I ended up getting occupied bed on my state board exam and deal well! Been certified since april still in the job search mode

2bELNurse1 · Jul 21, 2008

BP is hard especially on patient or residents with bigger biceps and arm.

rancelumsden · Jul 21, 2008

BP is hard especially on patient or residents with bigger biceps and arm.

I don't get that one:confused:

Most difficult are the elderly, as a generalization, where everything is so faint. The only issue with the 'big people' is that you need a larger cuff. You will get too high a reading if cuff is to small. Otherwise, I've not had any issue hearing them.

NottaSpringChik, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2008

Manual BP is because don't want to look all clumsy at it, but I'm not any good at making beds. Never have been. I try, but they're just not the best. :bugeyes:

ecmb · Jul 21, 2008

I'm most confused by the bedpan/output because I can't decide if you need one pair of gloves or two. I would think you'd start out with a pair of gloves to position the patient. Then, wearing the same gloves you'd remove the bedpan and pour the contents into the graduate to measure. But we were told not to write the amount with the pen until you remove your gloves. So if I remove the gloves to record the output, don't I need another pair of gloves to empty and rinse out the bedpan and graduate?

So, two pairs of gloves?

2bELNurse1 · Jul 21, 2008

I think the procedure will go like this, first use one pair of gloves to position the person and maintain safety precaution. Provide privacy prior to leaving the room remove your glove,then wash your hands, then when you come back to the room when the patient is done, get another glove on to assist with cleaning and emptying the bedpan and pour specimen on graduate with the same glove and mark your measure then remove glove, wash your hands and record it. This is my idea of how things to keep things as safe as possible, let me know or comment back here to see if anyone have better answer.

thanks

SierraMoon, ADN, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2008

I found taking a pulse difficult. BP was easy for me.

I wish I took vitals at my job to get in some practice. :clown:

I'm trying to do my own right now but I guess I'm dead :rolleyes: . Again.

imafostermom · Jul 23, 2008

it is amazing how simple these skills become once you are on the job doing them over and over

ecmb · Jul 23, 2008

it is amazing how simple these skills become once you are on the job doing them over and over

You know, this is true of just about everything in life. You do something often enough, it becomes second nature. The situation with most people who go into the healthcare field, is that the majority of them are extremely conscientious. And this is a good thing. But conscientious people want to do everything right all the time. And when anyone is learning something new, there will be fumbling until a routine is developed.

When I was in my nursing assistant class, I noticed that some of the younger people had difficulty making a bed, occupied or not. And to me, having had six children, I could do this skill blindfolded with no problem.

I guess everyone should not be so hard on themselves. Putting forth some extra effort while learning something new will pay off.

imafostermom · Jul 24, 2008

thanks for all the replies!