Braden Scale
The Braden Scale is an important tool that nurses use to assess a patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers (also known as bed sores). It's like a checklist that helps nurses evaluate six key factors: how well a patient can feel pain, how moist their skin is, how active they are, how well they can move, their nutrition status, and if their skin experiences friction. Nurses give each factor a score, and the total helps them decide how likely a patient is to develop pressure ulcers. This assessment is a standard part of patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted regular patient assessments using Braden Scale to prevent pressure injuries
Trained new nurses on proper use of Braden Scale scoring system
Implemented Braden Scale protocols resulting in 40% reduction in pressure ulcer incidents
Typical job title: "Registered Nurses"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Registered Nurses
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a hospital-wide pressure ulcer prevention program using the Braden Scale?
Expected Answer: A senior nurse should discuss creating protocols, training staff, establishing documentation standards, and measuring outcomes. They should mention frequency of assessments and intervention strategies based on scores.
Q: How do you train new nurses on using the Braden Scale accurately?
Expected Answer: Should describe teaching methods, common scoring mistakes to avoid, how to ensure consistency between different nurses' assessments, and importance of proper documentation.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What interventions would you implement for a patient with a low Braden Scale score?
Expected Answer: Should discuss specific preventive measures like repositioning schedules, specialty mattresses, skin care protocols, and proper documentation of interventions.
Q: How do you modify care plans based on changes in Braden Scale scores?
Expected Answer: Should explain how different scores indicate different risks and require different levels of intervention, including when to escalate care.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain the six components of the Braden Scale?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list and briefly explain sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear, and basic scoring for each.
Q: How often should the Braden Scale be completed for a typical patient?
Expected Answer: Should know standard assessment frequencies for different care settings and understand when more frequent assessments might be needed.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic Braden Scale scoring
- Regular patient assessment
- Basic pressure ulcer prevention measures
- Documentation of findings
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced assessment techniques
- Implementation of prevention protocols
- Staff training on proper scoring
- Care plan modification based on scores
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and implementation
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Staff education and mentoring
- Policy development and revision
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain the basic components of the Braden Scale
- Lack of experience with pressure ulcer prevention
- Poor understanding of documentation requirements
- No knowledge of intervention protocols based on scores
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Automated Scorecards in ATS Systems: Your Secret Weapon for Smarter Hiring Decisions
Unlocking the Competitive Edge: Benchmarking Your Talent Acquisition Metrics
Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
