Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ministry of Health
General Directorate of Health Affairs- Aseer Region
Prince Faisal bin Khalid Cardiac Center

NURSING COMPETENCY CHECKLIST

MONITORING VITAL SIGNS

Competency Statement
The nurse shall demonstrate proper techniques of checking vital signs and exhibit understanding of their clinical
significance.

Mandatory Learning Resources

 Review the Policy on Monitoring Vital Signs.
 Attend In-service Orientation on Monitoring Vital Signs.

Score
No. Performance Criteria/Evidence Methodology
1 2 3
1. Verbalize the importance of vital signs. □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
2. Ensure patient readiness and safety before the procedures through:
2.1. Identifying patient correctly.
2.2. Preparing necessary equipment.
□ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
2.3. Observing Standard Precaution.
2.4. Providing and maintaining patient privacy throughout the
procedure.
3. Demonstrate effective communication through:
3.1. Introducing self to patient/family/caregiver □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
3.2. Provision of culturally-sensitive care □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
3.3. Education patient and family/caregiver (when appropriate) □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
4. Demonstrate knowledge and skills to use Dynamap and or cardiac
monitor through:
4.1. Identifying the meaning of symbols displayed on the monitor
□ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
screen
4.2. Performance of test Calibration (PPM) □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
4.3. Troubleshooting skills □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
5. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to monitor body temperature
5.1. Normal body temperature □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
5.2. Factors affecting body temperature □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
5.3. Sites for checking body temperature and their respective
□ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
indications and contraindications
5.4. Deviations from normal body temperature □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
6. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to monitor pulse rate
6.1. Normal adult pulse rate and its significance □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
6.2. Factors affecting Pulse rate □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
6.3. Pulse sites and their clinical significance □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
6.4. Manual check of pulse rate □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
6.5. Electronic check of pulse rate □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD

Methodology: VE: Verbal Exam DO: Direct Observation WE: Written Exam RD: Return Demonstration
Scoring System:
 Novice (1 point)- when a need to teach the staff nurse of the general rule on how to perform a task is established.
 Competent (2 points)- when a perspective to perform a task with efficiency is exhibited.
 Expert (3 points)- when performances are fluid, flexible, and highly-proficient.
 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Health
General Directorate of Health Affairs- Aseer Region
Prince Faisal bin Khalid Cardiac Center

NURSING COMPETENCY CHECKLIST

MONITORING VITAL SIGNS

6.6. Pulse rhythm and quality □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD

7. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to monitor respiration
7.1. Normal adult respiration rate and pattern, and their
□ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
significance
7.2. Factors affecting respiration □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
7.3. Normal and abnormal breathing patterns and their clinical
□ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
significance.
7.4. Manual check of respiratory rate □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
8. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to monitor blood pressure
8.1. Normal adult blood pressure and its significance □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
8.2. Contraindication for applying BP cuff □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
8.3. Manual measurement of BP □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
8.4. Electronic check of BP □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
9. Demonstrated ability to document the result of the vital signs in the □ VE □ DO □ WE □ RD
patient’s chart.
Total Score /81

REMARKS:

Assessor’s Evaluation: □ Independent □ Supervision Required □ Dependent (for re-evaluation)

Assessor’s Name/Employee No.: ________________________ Signature: __________ Date: ____________

Employee Name/Employee No.: ________________________ Signature: __________ Date: ____________

Legend:
INDEPENDENT : Scores above 90%
SUPERVISION REQUIRED : Scores 80%-89%
DEPENDENT : Scores below 80%

Methodology: VE: Verbal Exam DO: Direct Observation WE: Written Exam RD: Return Demonstration
Scoring System:
 Novice (1 point)- when a need to teach the staff nurse of the general rule on how to perform a task is established.
 Competent (2 points)- when a perspective to perform a task with efficiency is exhibited.
 Expert (3 points)- when performances are fluid, flexible, and highly-proficient.
 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ministry of Health
General Directorate of Health Affairs- Aseer Region
Prince Faisal bin Khalid Cardiac Center

NURSING COMPETENCY CHECKLIST

MONITORING VITAL SIGNS

Methodology: VE: Verbal Exam DO: Direct Observation WE: Written Exam RD: Return Demonstration
Scoring System:
 Novice (1 point)- when a need to teach the staff nurse of the general rule on how to perform a task is established.
 Competent (2 points)- when a perspective to perform a task with efficiency is exhibited.
 Expert (3 points)- when performances are fluid, flexible, and highly-proficient.