Saturday, May 2, 2009

2 May, 2009. 11:15 AM.

Oh man, finals are evil. Have so much to do.

Got into a nice conversation with Vince yesterday about a variety of things. I thoroughly enjoy talking to him, and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to see him next year, since I think he’ll still be living around here. He’s a genuinely interesting person, and I like interesting people.

Kassie taught me how to take blood pressure yesterday, as well. It was not as difficult as I thought it would be, but it will take some practice before I feel comfortable doing it. I went over to see Matt after, and he had me practice on him, and pointed out the important fact that when you mess up, don’t say anything. The fact that I narrate much of my life out loud, especially when I’m under pressure, does not help with that.

“Oh, so that’s how it goes. Your cuff is different. Where do I put this? I’ll just rest it here. And…damn, missed the last number. Pump it up again and—okay, that seems right. How do I put this away?”

3 comments:

  1. So true. If you mess up, don't tell anybody. ever. =]

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  2. I'll clarify that again: If you mess up, NEVER make up a number! Ever! If you cant get a BP, try it again, if you then cant, there is nothing wrong with asking someone else to try or help you (assuming it isnt a critical patient).

    The only way you get good at BPs is by taking a million of them. Grab a cuff and scope and take them on everyone on your hall. I'm not kidding. Take a piece of lined paper and fill each line with a set of vitals (BP, Pulse, resps, pupils, LS, etc.) Ask Matt to show you the rest...

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  3. was kidding dan. relax.

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