Dealing with other staff

[Nurselinz]

How do you handle staff needing care on your campus?

I do not mind checking temps, blood pressures, passing OTC meds for headaches, etc. but when I inform them they need to seek doctor care (or emergency care for high BP and chest pain) or need to discuss symptoms with HR due to COVID protocols, they do not listen to me. I am young but respected on my campus after handling other emergency situations. Do you have a protocol in place for dealing with staff health issues?

Any advice? I am just worried about my license

[AdobeRN]

Covid protocols - I would refer to your admin team; when in doubt or if getting push back from the staff I pull the AP or Principal in.  We have very specific Covid protocols to follow.  

All other stuff - I am with you, don't mind checking temps, taking BP's - but if I start getting questioned I tell them to call their doctor.  These people are adults and I am not responsible for them unless its an emergency first aid type of situation.  Just be firm "call your doctor".  We no longer have stock medication so thankfully I don't deal with that. 

One thing I did a few years ago was set up an Automatic BP cuff in the teachers lounge with instructions on how to operate, some facts from AHA and a reminder to "call your doctor" if they are concerned about BP - this has really cut down on the visits for BP checks. 

[KKEGS, MSN, RN]

I do not provide nursing care for staff.  They can use my thermometer and check their own temperature.  If they are injured they can provide basic first aid for themselves and then call our Workers Comp nurse line for further instructions.  Obviously in an emergency I would provide whatever help was needed (CPR, AED, massive blood loss, etc) but otherwise I don't provide care for them.  

[cowboysandangels, BSN]

On 4/6/2021 at 1:26 PM, AdobeRN said:

Covid protocols - I would refer to your admin team; when in doubt or if getting push back from the staff I pull the AP or Principal in.  We have very specific Covid protocols to follow.  

All other stuff - I am with you, don't mind checking temps, taking BP's - but if I start getting questioned I tell them to call their doctor.  These people are adults and I am not responsible for them unless its an emergency first aid type of situation.  Just be firm "call your doctor".  We no longer have stock medication so thankfully I don't deal with that. 

One thing I did a few years ago was set up an Automatic BP cuff in the teachers lounge with instructions on how to operate, some facts from AHA and a reminder to "call your doctor" if they are concerned about BP - this has really cut down on the visits for BP checks. 

Same here!!  I do not mind caring for the staff because I do believe it is part of my job description but I make myself clear that they need to consult their doctor.  Remember that we are nurses and cannot diagnose anything.  I can look in an ear and say that it is red, swollen and has drainage but I cannot tell them it has an infection.  I say, "yep, you need a doctor".  I then document and move on.  I have been blessed with great co-workers and most feel confident in my assessments and listen when I tell them they should seek help. 

[kidzcare]

I don't mind checking out a (recent) injury or a BP check here and there. As always, there are some that will take advantage. 

When this happens, I want a memo to go out that MOST workplaces do not have a nurse on staff so please handle your health situations as you would if you worked in an office, at a grocery store, in construction, etc.