Walk with a Nurse (Program idea.)

[Tryptophan]

I am a new RN and have been playing with the idea of leading a program in my community. The program would be titled "Walk (or Hike) with a Nurse" and it would be a free event for members of the community to participate in. It would be somewhat similar to what some hospitals lead, i.e "Walk with a Doc."

Each walk/event would have a set topic and the event would begin with talking about said topic and answering any questions related to the topic, along with a walk or hike and perhaps further discussion during the mid-point of the event or at the wrap-up.

My question is in regards to liability and whether others think this is a good or plausible idea to implement in my community. (There is only one "Walk with a Doc" program in my state and it is only held once a month and is about 15-20miles away from where I live.)

I have led hikes before and I understand what goes into it. When I led hikes under the umbrella of a local hiking organization I would use a registration form that also doubled as a liability waiver. I plan on implementing this for these events as well.

What are any obstacles or liability issues that I am missing? What can I be held accountable for? Is this too "high risk" liability-wise as I am advertising myself as an RN?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. :)

[DSkelton711]

This is a cool idea. How new are you to nursing? I ask this because you learn so much more from experience in a lot of things, but also up and coming nurses have a lot of new things to bring to the table, too. Maybe contact the people who do the doc walk to see if they know of any programs anywhere that you might can get some feed back. Also the board in the state where you live may be able to help you in knowing what capacity you can do things and how to protect yourself.

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

That sounds like a very good idea! My suggestion is to talk to someone in administration. I can only speak for my facility of course, we have a community outreach educator and that to me would be the person to talk to. Especially working in a hospital setting you don't want to step on anyone's toes plus alot of times when you do events like this people will ask you where do you work? You have to make sure the facility where you work wants you to represent them. Its their name on the line as well....

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I think it is a good idea. Logistically, here's a few of my thoughts:

1. What happens if someone on the walk is injured, has an exacerbation of a condition, or needs medical care? Are the nurses expected to give aid? You'll need to think about how you would want this handled and probably have the participants sign waiver forms for emergency care.

2. How are you going to educate the nurses about the topic? Are they required to attend an in-service before each hike? Who will do the educating?

3. Will the nurses who attend the walks be compensated in any way? Community service? Continuing education requirements?

4. How will you choose the walk's topics? Issues that are pertinent to your population will draw the most attention and be most useful. What resources will you use to identify these issues?

Community health organizations in your area will be a good resource. They often host community education events and know what goes into planning, liabiliy, etc. You've got a good idea- stick with it!

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I think it's a super idea--very health promotional. Besides what others have mentioned, I'm wondering about the time of walking. What if there are questions asked during this time and the numbers of people involved makes it impossible for everyone to hear the questions and answers? You might get some disappointed participants. You'll need to think of a way to avoid the problem--my mind is blank on what to do about it though.

I used to facilitate "Lunch with the Doctor" and "Coffee with the Nurse" community health things. People loved both. I think you'll have lots of participants. For the doctors, it's a PR thing--specialists can tell potential patients about their services. We always had willing doctors.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I think it's a super idea--very health promotional. Besides what others have mentioned, I'm wondering about the time of walking. What if there are questions asked during this time and the numbers of people involved makes it impossible for everyone to hear the questions and answers? You might get some disappointed participants. You'll need to think of a way to avoid the problem--my mind is blank on what to do about it though.

A solution might be to provide each participant with an index card and a small pencil (like the mini-golf pencils). Ask them to write down any questions and they will be answered during the mid-walk break or at the end. While you are walking, only the nurse speaks about the topic. She will obviously need to speak loudly. Depending on the number of participants and nurses you have available, you might need to have seperate walks with small group of participants.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I think it's a super idea--very health promotional. Besides what others have mentioned, I'm wondering about the time of walking. What if there are questions asked during this time and the numbers of people involved makes it impossible for everyone to hear the questions and answers? You might get some disappointed participants. You'll need to think of a way to avoid the problem--my mind is blank on what to do about it though.

I used to facilitate "Lunch with the Doctor" and "Coffee with the Nurse" community health things. People loved both. I think you'll have lots of participants. For the doctors, it's a PR thing--specialists can tell potential patients about their services. We always had willing doctors.

Perhaps the problem with people not being able to hear could be avoided if the amount of people per group was capped. Say keep it intimate around 10-12

[Guest717236]

Great idea! I would ask the walk with a Doc program how they have set

up the Liability Insurance and waiver forms. You could also consult with

the local Bar Association, there may be an attorney willing to consult

with you for little or no fee. Most program I know are set up as non profit.

Here is the link for Just Walk....ask if they have a program coordinator or manager.

http://www.walkwithadoc.org/

Good luck! Give us some updates, you could turn this into a national program!!

[Tryptophan]

Thank you all for your insight and advice. It was very helpful. Ashley, to begin with, the program would only be led by myself. It would simply be me leading the hike once or twice a month on set dates. However, I appreciate your forward thinking and I believe the questions you presented will be very pertinent if this idea catches fire and draws the attention of other nurses in my community who may wish to participate. :)