"Sanka. . ya dead?"

Who would have thought that as a Dental Hygienist we would be taking vitals on our patients?  Not me. . I have never in my life had my hygienist take my blood pressure and see how many breaths I take in a minute.  However, after learning about why we do this, it really made sense and I think it is a wise idea.  (Especially to find out if our patient is dead or alive....probably a good idea.)  We learned how to take a pulse, determine blood pressure, and determine the respirations of our patient.  It was a learning experience for me, because I've never taken vitals before.  I was a little shaky and not confident in my first attempt, however, after practicing it more and more on different patients I got the feel for it-- I was able to pass off the Patient/Operator positioning PE, and Professor Costley said I was "so well prepared".  YAY--studying does pay off.. hee hee ;)  Things are becoming more and more stressful...more exams, more PE's, more x-rays, and more clinics!  Heaven help me. . .  But-- I continually remind myself how LUCKY I am to be in this program, and all of amazing girls and boys that I have to help me.  Life. Is. Good. and I. Am. Blessed.