Matt Vera BSN, R.N.

Vital Signs: Comprehensive Guide

Vital signs are measurable indicators of the body’s most essential physiological functions, including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. They reflect how well the body’s vital organs—especially the heart, lungs, and circulatory system—are working to maintain life.

Vital Signs: Oxygen Saturation (O₂ Sat)

Oxygen saturation, or O₂ Sat, is an important vital sign that shows what percentage of a patient’s hemoglobin is carrying oxygen. Hemoglobin, found in red blood cells, picks up oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to the body’s tissues while carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.

Nursing Fundamentals and Skills

Vital Signs: Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. It is typically measured as two values: systolic (pressure during heart contraction) and diastolic (pressure during heart relaxation). For example, a BP of 120/80 mmHg means a systolic pressure of 120 mmHg and diastolic of 80 mmHg.

Nursing Shortage 2025: Safe Staffing Impact in the U.S. and the World

Nurses keep America’s hospitals running, but today their ranks are thinning faster than they can be replaced.

Become a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in the United States is a rewarding career path with expanded clinical autonomy, leadership opportunities, and high earning

How to Choose a Nursing Speciality

Choosing a nursing specialty is an exciting opportunity to shape your career around your passions and strengths.

Ph.D. in Nursing Career Guide

Imagine advancing from hands-on patient care to shaping the future of healthcare through research and education. Many registered nurses (RNs) are curious about doctoral paths

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Career Guide

An MSN-prepared nurse is a registered nurse who has completed a graduate-level nursing degree, providing advanced clinical training, leadership knowledge, and specialization in areas like primary care or administration.

Flight Nurse Career Guide: How to Start a Career in Flight Nursing

A flight nurse is a registered nurse who delivers critical care to ill or injured patients during air medical transport (typically via helicopter or airplane). They are key team members who stabilize patients en route to higher-level care.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Career Guide

A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed graduate-level education (Master’s or Doctorate) and specialized training in mental health.