I'm a Public Health Volunteer

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I live, now, in a rural county with fewer residents than my last corporate firm had employees.

I got a letter asking if I'd be willing to volunteer on the county's public health emergency squad and I sent it backs with a, "Sure!"

The NEXT DAY I got an email thanking me and telling me when and where we were meeting.

I told them I'm an LPN/GN. Which is what I am.

:)

I'm really excited, although I hope my services aren't needed.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Private Duty Peds.
:yeah::yeah::yeah:sue, i am sure you will do just fine, if your services were needed!:up:
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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Congrats, Sue...I think (I'm laughing, because you said you hope you are not needed...LOL). What would be expected of you?

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Congrats, Sue...I think (I'm laughing, because you said you hope you are not needed...LOL). What would be expected of you?

Well, if I am needed it would mean there's some sort of crisis, I'm thinking.

Actually, some of it will be volunteering at vaccination clinics, education, things like that.

And in the event of a disaster - that's what I don't want to happen.

:)

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Well, if I am needed it would mean there's some sort of crisis, I'm thinking.

Actually, some of it will be volunteering at vaccination clinics, education, things like that.

And in the event of a disaster - that's what I don't want to happen.

:)

Well, this is a great way to endear yourself to your community. Vaccination clinics are loads of fun, I think you would enjoy that.

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It's interesting, pd, because I feel a commitment to the community. I never realized before what rural means, and what rural poverty is. As a New York City girl I was far more provincial than I ever imagined. I mean, there's nothing up here like the poverty of, say, Soweto, but there are a lot of malnourished yet obese children, bad teeth, no fuel in winter - and a vast socioeconmic divide, with lots of classism. And it transcends race, because everyone here is a white Christian of only several flavors.

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Be sure to keep a "go pack" ready for when you are called. Just a small duffel bag with a weeks worth of prescription meds, Kotex or Tampons,tooth brush/paste, a few H2O bottles, some Ib/Tylenol (for YOU!), a few Crystal Light single use packets, granola bars or snacks, hairbrush, toliet paper (can be used for Kleenex too), a few dollars/change, flashlight, hand lotion, chapstick and a Sudoko book. I keep mine in the car at all times.

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All of the health facilities here are on generator back-ups - as is our house. :)

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