Nursing Basics Notes

What Makes a Great Nurse?

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Compassion
  • Attention to detail
  • Safety first
  • This journey starts with mastering the basics

Quick Tips for Success

  • Review every skill you practice
  • Ask questions early
  • Study in small, regular sessions
  • Use NCLEX-style practice questions
  • Don't be afraid to make mistakes while learning

Vital Signs Reference

  • Temperature: 97.3−99.1∘F97.3-99.1^\circ\mathrm{F} (oral)
  • Pulse: 60−100 bpm60-100\,\mathrm{bpm}
  • Respirations: 12−20 breaths/min12-20\,\mathrm{breaths/min}
  • Blood Pressure: ≈120/80 mmHg\approx 120/80\,\mathrm{mmHg}
  • O₂ Saturation: 95−100%95-100\%
  • Know how to report abnormal findings

Common Terms to Know

  • PRN: As needed
  • BID/TID/QID: Twice/Three/Four times a day
  • NPO: Nothing by mouth
  • VS: Vital signs
  • ADLs: Activities of Daily Living
  • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

  1. Physiological Needs (Airway, breathing, food, water)
  2. Safety (Fall risk, infection control)
  3. Love/Belonging (Support, relationships)
  4. Esteem (Confidence, independence)
  5. Self-Actualization (Personal growth)
  • Use this to help prioritize patient care

Basic Nursing Labs & Skills to Know

  • Labs: CBC (Complete Blood Count), BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel), Glucose, Urinalysis
  • Basic Skills: Hand hygiene, Taking vital signs, Bed making, Oral care, Mobility/Transfers, Using PPE

The Nursing Process (ADPIE)

  • Assessment: Gather data (vital signs, patient statements, physical exam)
  • Diagnosis: What\'s the nursing problem? (for example, Risk for falls)
  • Planning: Set goals (SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
  • Implementation: What actions will the nurse take?
  • Evaluation: Did it work? If not, revise.
  • Tip: This process is your blueprint for patient care

SBAR Communication

  • S - Situation (What\'s happening now?)
  • B - Background (What\'s the patient\'s history?)
  • A - Assessment (What do you think is going on?)
  • R - Recommendation (What do you need/want?)

Example SBAR

  • Example: This is Nurse Sam on Med-Surg. I\'m calling about Mr. Lee in room 212. He\'s short of breath and O2 is 86%…