Marching Band CampMary Jacobs RN

Ferris State University

Big Rapids Public Schools/ Agency Description

Band Directors are Albie Todd and Brian Balch.

“Our Mission at BRPS is to ensure that each student masters essential objectives and advances to his or her own highest potential."

“All Schools are NCA Accredited.Every school in the Big Rapids district has met rigorous national standards for quality established by the North Central Association.  Big Rapids continues to be one of a select group of school districts state-wide accredited in all schools K-12."

“Our academic program is enhanced with a wide variety of award-winning extra curricular activities which include: instrumental and vocal music, dramatic and visual arts, and an excellent athletic program for grades 7-12."

Volunteer Role DescriptionMy role was to provide access and deliver health services.

The assessment included checking in students medications, checking their heads for head lice, checking

in volunteers medications, and insuring all medications were locked up at all times. Services provided were first

aid, from band aides, ice packs, knee splints, and the dispensing of Tylenol, Motrin, and other over the counter medications. All medications given were given only after permission from legal guardians were obtained, and any

injuries or illness was also communicated to the students legal guardians. Multiple phone calls were made during

my volunteer stay. I was required to be available to students the whole time I was there, if not in the office then a location or number where they could find me.

Regulations and RulesCamp Living Water was the campground used

for the marching band campIt is a State Certified CampThis means it is investigated by the State of

MichiganTo be exact: State of Michigan Department of

Human Service Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing

I was investigated after being at camp for three hours, the interview lasted about an hour

Rules for State Certified CampsR 400.11117 Roster of campers; records. Rule 117. (1) A camp shall maintain a current roster of all campers. (2) A camp shall keep records for each camper at the camp when in session.The records shall include all of the following information: (a) The camper's name, age, and home address. (b) The authorized person's name, address, and telephone number and where the authorized person may be reached in case of emergency. (c) The dates of arrival and departure. (d) For each camper, identification of any special needs, limitations, and adaptations to assist in camper participation in all aspects of camp life and activities. (3) A camp shall develop and follow a written plan to assure that a camper is not released into the custody of another person without a written statement of permission from the authorized person. The plan shall include all of the following information: (a) When the camper is to be released. (b) Where the camper release is to occur. (c) How the release will occur. (d) To whom the camper is to be released. (LARA, 2011)

Oh just for the fun of it More Procedures (3) A camp's health service policy shall cover all of the following subjects: (a) Procedures for camper health screening. (b) Arrangements for on-call health care consultation services. (c) Arrangements for emergency health care services and emergency transportation to an emergency health care facility. (d) First aid and health care supplies. (e) The storage and administration of prescription and nonprescription drugs and medications. (f) Medical procedures for camper trips away from a campsite. (g) Procedures for daily observation of each camper's physical state. (h) Procedures for prompt and responsive notification of the camper's authorized person. (i) Health officer staffing. (j) Procedures for preventing disease transmission/universal precautions equivalent to the procedures in the American Red Cross manual number 655107, which is adopted by reference in R 400.11103. (LARA,2011)

Critical ReflectionMy initial thought was this will be easy and I can spend some

time with my kid. I assumed I had everything I needed by buying an emergency kit from Wal-Mart, a 24 pack of water,

and a writing tablet to keep student information on. I learned upon arrival that my medical director was thankfully much

more prepared, she had an actual three ring binder and baggies for meds. The camp itself had a whole nurses station

including an epi pen and more meds than I can list. The camp medical director also had books and updated guides

provided by the State of Michigan regarding safe handling of children in multiple situations. What I learned the most was I needed to be more prepared when I volunteer, to inspect the

agency, to quiz my co-volunteers, and to make sure I fully understand what the volunteer job requirements are. I was

fully un-prepared.

Volunteerism ResearchPreparation Prior to Camp

Education After CampPhone calls were made but

no contacts other than a couple of voice messages.

I brought a pad of paper with me to the check in.

Bought small box of emergency supplies to take, and case of water

Did not clarify exact needs and role of camp medical director

Assumed it was an easy job

Preparation is everythingEducation is required in

Camp regulation and expectations from the State of Michigan

Camp inspection of medical staff should be done prior to arrival day

Expectations given to not only students but also parent volunteers

Not just anyone can VolunteerSet by the State of Michigan

Sick call? (3) A health officer shall be 1

of the following: (a) A licensed physician. (b) A licensed physician's

assistant. (c) A licensed nurse

practitioner. (d) A registered nurse. (e) A licensed practical nurse. (f) A licensed emergency

medical technician. (g) A licensed medical first

responder.

My replacement did not show up

My replacement was not going to show up

I needed to go I was scheduled to work a 12 hour weekend shift in the ER

I now became a scheduler and was very lucky

SynthesisOne process the camp had was in its

dispensing of medication procedure. The camp had boxes from each cabin (moose, elk, snake) with medication for each student in them. At each meal the boxes would be brought into the cafeteria and medications dispensed

This did not work so well, for many reasons

Making life better and safer: the GoalAfter the first meal and a 100% non-compliance of the high

school students not coming and getting their medications in front of all their peers in the cafeteria, I made a policy/campground change.

To ensure the confidentiality of all the campers, they would come to the office for their medications, and not be dispensed in front of everyone. This improved compliance by about 75%.

The rest of the campers whom needed medication and did not come to the office were discretely reminded by an adult chaperone or myself to come to the office for their medications.

If they then did not come; for example for their scheduled antibiotics then their parents would be contacted.

Only two parents had to be contacted once, then their was 100% compliance with medications.

Don’t be AfraidThis service learning experience mimics my life

well. Too often I jump into things with out thinking it through. For this volunteer service my license was on the line, I was using it to dispense medications. I should have spent more time evaluating what was required of me. It turned out just fine, but I was not satisfied with myself and how unprepared I was. What I did learn was, what to be ready for next year. Yes I would love to volunteer again for this organization, and would recommend working with these young and smart students and teachers at any time.

RecommendationsBeing a nurse volunteer is a rewarding

experience.Always know the job requirements ahead of

time.Prepare ahead of time for scheduling changes,

have that disaster plan.Enjoy the service you are volunteering for, I

certainly did.Keep a journal while volunteering it is just nice

to go back and read, and also helps with this assignment.

Final Performance

References

Big Rapids Public Schools. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.brps.k12.mi.us/community.asp

Camp Living Water. (2011). Licensing. Retrieved from Retrieved from http://www.camplivingwaters.org/#

LARA. (2011). Department of Human Services Division of Child Welfare Licensing Children’s and Adults Foster Care Camps. LARA Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Retrieved from http://www.state.mi.us/orr/emi/admincode.asp?AdminCode=Single&Admin_Num=40011101&Dpt=HS&RngHigh=