Nurse's Notes
2002 View
PARISH NURSE'S DUTIES
Several times in the past few weeks I have been asked “Just exactly
what is it you DO at St. Margaret’s?” I have found it is not always
easy to tell folks EXACTLY what I do, but I can give you a general
idea.
The parish nurse is part of the outreach ministry. Some large
congregations actually have a paid parish nurse position, or at
least a part-time position. However, I am strictly a volunteer,
which is why my hours at the church are limited. Like many of you, I
am really “retired” and have all sorts of irons in the fire. I do
have a “helper” during the winter months, Nurse Joan Minnick from
Auburn, Washington—and I would love to have another volunteer during
the summer, especially as a back-up for vacations and holidays. Part
of the joy of volunteering is that there is no pay cut if you miss a
day at work and you set your own hours!
Every Tuesday morning the outreach ministry folks meet to review
problems brought to our attention during the previous week. I
especially want to hear about folks who are having medical
difficulties—who have recently had surgery or been hospitalized, or
who are homebound and may need someone to look in on them
occasionally. I appreciate phone calls and messages with this sort
of information. I call families on my list and make home visits when
this is appropriate.
Some of the things I assist folks with are: finding new doctors or
speaking with MD offices to straighten out misunderstandings,
sorting out medical insurance problems, helping with state and
county and federal agency communications (Medicare and MediCal for
example), explaining medication regimens and medical terminology,
and making referrals for a variety of social ills. I have had
referrals from the FIND volunteers who have recognized home
situations which need some sort of intervention, either by me or
another agency to which I can refer.
I always have my stethoscope and sphygmomanometer with me at the
office and several parishioners stop by for me to take their blood
pressure. I also have a comprehensive drug reference book that often
comes in handy. Nurses do a lot of teaching and much of what I do is
informational. I may not know the answer but I know where to find
it! I also help out occasionally at the school, not as a school
nurse (for which I am not qualified), but as a professional
reference. And of course I write this column for the VIEW—many of
the topics have been suggested by someone who would like a subject
addressed. I love to teach and have enjoyed doing First Aid classes
and helping with CPR training. I also try to keep the first aid
boxes on the campus fully equipped.
The past two years have been very gratifying to me personally—the
staff and parishioners at this church are wonderful people. Please
call me or drop in the office on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings with
any concerns, questions, or suggestions you may have, or just to say
“Hello”. My extension is 102.
Send comments to webmaster George Reeves, email: greeves@stmargarets.org