Pediatric Community

  • 1.  Frequency of Vital Signs in the ER (need help)

    Posted 3 days ago

    Hi. 

    Does anyone have a policy about how often you do vital signs on ER patients, specifically pediatric patients?

    For the past 10 years or so we have been doing them every 2 hours, even on stable patients and we feel this is a bit much, so are asking if anyone has a policy about how often they are repeated it would be great if you could share it with me. (Obviously if a patient is very sick they will be much more frequent)

    Thanks in advance!

    Louise McEvoy

    mcevoy16@yahoo.com

    Port Washington NY



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    Louise McEvoy MS;BSN;RN;EMT-I;CPEN
    Registered Nurse
    Port Washington NY
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  • 2.  RE: Frequency of Vital Signs in the ER (need help)

    Posted 2 days ago
    Louise,

    Rather than give you one answer, I would encourage you to go look at the EMS for Children Innovation and Improvement Center, Pediatric Readiness Toolkit.  Here's the link to the Policies Procedures and Protocols tab.  https://emscimprovement.center/domains/pediatric-readiness-project/readiness-toolkit/readiness-toolkit-checklist/policies/
    There are 5 vital signs policies and many more resources associated with the 7 domains of Pediatric Readiness.

    The main website is https://emscimprovement.center

    I hope that helps you find the answer you are looking for.

    Sally Snow 



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Frequency of Vital Signs in the ER (need help)

    Posted 20 hours ago

    HI Louise, 

    I work at a stand-alone pediatric ER in CT.  We use the following guidelines related to VS reassessment for our patients.  It's all based on their ESI acuity initially, but more frequent as needed. 

    ESI 1 - every 15 minutes for at least the first 1 hour, then a discussion with provider about frequency (usually hourly)

    ESI 2 - every 1 to 2 hours

    ESI 3, 4 and 5 - every 4 hours at minimum, but we educate for around every 2-3 hours. 

    Thanks, 

    Jenn K 



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    Jennifer Kemp MSN;RN
    RN
    Burlington CT
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    Original Message