health fairs

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Another argument that occurred during our insane, idiotic road to magnet is community involvement via health fairs. I have not worked them since becoming a nurse because I feel that protocols should be in order before a licensed person goes out to perform this service. Nurses were arguing about being asked to participate in health fairs. I chose not to at this time because I am still sort of new (been an LPN for one year) and wanted to know what should be done in case of emergencies. At the health fairs, we do blood pressure and glucose screenings. When I did them as an aide, I have seen glucose readings as high as 400+ and we had no nurse with us. Didn't know what to do at that time so, we documented the reading and kept it moving. Now, as a nurse, I wanted to know from the almighty administration what we should do if we are invited by a civic organization or church and see these sort of readings. They had no answer, but stated to call 911. I asked what if the person doesn't want to go by ambulance to the hospital? Especially a person who may be in denial of their symptoms? I asked for forms for follow up, and there were none produced. Many participants give wrong information. How do we track them? Because my facility did not provide basic answers for me, I told them I will not participate in them. I see no reason to particpate in something that may not back me up in case something happens to a client. If they can trace what facility hosted the health fair, then, administration can trace what staff went to participate, and will then ask what did we do for the person with the high b/p or glucose reading. But, they tell us nothing to do to help this client. Disgusting!!!

What have your facilities done about health fairs when they see abnormal readings? How do you track them?