University Marching Band Nurse

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Hello, everyone!

As a new graduate of a BSN program with an RN license and EMT-P certification (hopefully) headed my way this summer, I have been invited to serve as my University's Marching Band medical team member for the next season! Believe it or not, this has been a consistent necessity with many band members passing out and/or having medical episodes during the heat of game day.

Does anyone have any experience serving in this capacity, what would a scope of practice look like, and what suggestions do you all have to offer?

Thank you for your time,

Nurse Velasco

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

EMT-P training should be applicable. Do you actually have medical direction and protocols? Or do you assess and call 911?

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@Pixie.RN

Thank you for your reply!

This will be the first year a certified medical professional will be in the role, therefore no protocols are in place and no supervising agency has been established. Previous care has been provided out of a "band mom" backpack with stadium EMS being notified if the "band mom" felt uncomfortable providing further care. This will be a brand new start!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Without medical direction, you will likely be functioning outside of your scope. You are also licensed as an RN, not certified. Paramedics are certified, but you will be held to the level of your license. You need to check your state nurse practice act for guidance.

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@Pixie.RN

With this limitation on nursing practice, would you recommend I work as a paramedic and if so, do you believe I would require a supervising agency?

Thank you for your time!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Paramedics generally do not operate independently; they work under medical control. So yes, you would need a supervising physician.

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@Pixie.RN

Thank you so much!

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I remember being at marching band practice in the late summer in Texas. It was 117 degrees on the field (artificial turf) and a girl standing on the row in front of me began doing this weird circular dance move. Then I realized she wasn't dancing, but was trying not to fall down. I cried out just in time for someone next to her to catch her as she went down. Luckily she couldn't have weighed more than 100 lbs., so he managed it easily. She didn't have heat stroke, but was clearly on her way and actually lost consciousness for several seconds. I remember not feeling so great myself that day. In fact, I think it was borderline abuse to have any of us out there in those conditions, now that I think about it.

Make sure you know how to treat heat related problems! Good luck.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Hey, congratulations! Sounds like fun! It's according to the relationship you are entering into with the college; professional versus volunteer and other stuff mentioned above associated with if your are practicing as a licensed person or first aid provider.

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@Horseshoe

Thank you! Absolutely will do! Heat is a major problem here in Florida.

@OldDude

Thank you so much, it will definitely be fun! I'll be certain to get in touch with the higher ups of the college!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage. Coverage that would cover you in that position rather than just for staffing in some facility.

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On 4/19/2019 at 10:54 PM, Pixie.RN said:

Paramedics generally do not operate independently; they work under medical control. So yes, you would need a supervising physician.

In the case of paramedics, there is a county medical director that is the ultimate person you answer to. Getting that office involved might not be a bad idea.

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