Pulse oximetry in health office? - page 2
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Jan 7 by 100kidsI don't have one in my office but I think I would like to add one next year. This would be helpful for some of my asthmatics. thanks for the responses. - Admin
Jan 10 by NRSKarenRNFound at NASN School Nurse
September 2012 vol. 27 no. 5 256-258
Implementing Pulse Oximetry in the School Health Office
The Time Is Now
Marie C. DeSisto, RN, MSN, NCSN
Director of Nurses, Waltham Public Schools, Waltham, MA
Abstract
Pulse oximetry can be a useful tool for professional school nurses who daily assess students with a variety of health issues and injuries. Pulse oximeters are now smaller and more affordable and, therefore, an option for school districts to purchase. Before implementing this new tool into their practice, school nurses must have an understanding of how pulse oximeters work and how they measure the oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin. A review of the literature will guide a nurse in developing clinical guidelines for practice and facilitating competency in using a pulse oximeter with the ultimate goal of improving student health assessments. -
Jan 12 by mc3I have been wanting to use my pulse oximeter, and I brought it in initially when I got the job. I wanted it mainly to gauge where the asthmatic student were at, and to rule out "faking". The District RN told me I couldn't use it because I needed an MD order for it. I accepted her explanation, but that seems silly to me. It's as much a diagnostic tool as a stethescope and BP cuff. Her comment was "well, what would you do if you found a problem?" Well, I'd call the parent or 911 if the neb treatment didn't help, just like any other abnormal finding!
I kinda forgot about it after that. I'm curious though, do you need a Dr's order, or not? I think I may re-visit the issue with her...
mc3
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Jan 13 by nhnursieQuote from mc3I do not believe you need an order, to keep peace ( and not alienate her) I would re approach and ask if she knows where the rule is, so you can read it to comprehend it more fully. Then if such a rule exists ( Im betting it does not) so be it. If not I would check with your BON for clarification. If it is a rule, might be time to look at getting the rule changed.I have been wanting to use my pulse oximeter, and I brought it in initially when I got the job. I wanted it mainly to gauge where the asthmatic student were at, and to rule out "faking". The District RN told me I couldn't use it because I needed an MD order for it. I accepted her explanation, but that seems silly to me. It's as much a diagnostic tool as a stethescope and BP cuff. Her comment was "well, what would you do if you found a problem?" Well, I'd call the parent or 911 if the neb treatment didn't help, just like any other abnormal finding!I kinda forgot about it after that. I'm curious though, do you need a Dr's order, or not? I think I may re-visit the issue with her...mc3