This past weekend I volunteered for the 9HealthFair at Regis University. Having been my first experience with this particular health fair I felt pretty confident about what to expect but was surprised to see how well attended this event was.
3/30/11 -1 hr Two weeks before the event I went to an orientation meeting that discussed all of the expectations, how to do things, and what not to do. The directions were very specific which was a good thing given the number of people who usually attend this well received event. I noted as we were listening to the orientation that a couple of different leadership styles were being used. Some of the people present in the meeting have volunteered in the past and some were newcomers like myself. The leader was very organized and used a directive approach when lining out the rules, stations, and best practices. But then he switched roles and asked for participation from the volunteers to share stories from previous 9Healthfairs and allowed everyone to ask questions, particularly about the role they would be assigned for the upcoming health fair. From a management perspective working with volunteers is very different from working with employees, either as peers or those you manage. In some instances "you get what you get" but in other instances coaching and specific directions are needed to help ensure order prevails over chaos. Given that a power point presentation was already up when we arrived it was very evident this event manger really knew what he was doing and was equally prepared for the unknown. He wasn't sure how many people would show up for the first orientation and went to the trouble or ordering a lot of food so no one would go hungry.
4/9/11
I was assigned to the room for BPs, pulse oximetry, and waist measurements for metabolic screening. My scheduled time was to start at 9:30 AM but given the fact that I awoke early Saturday morning I went in early as I figured if I wasn't needed right away I could wander around. Such was not the case and I immediately started taking waist measurements and providing explanations about the meaning of metabolic syndrome and interpreting the results.
As I began the screenings I quickly noticed a very positive attitude among the volunteers who consisted of pharmacy and nursing students and faculty. This year Regis was trying something new in having an interdisciplinary approach in each station. We all worked well together despite having different programs. Additionally all of the people attending the fair were very appreciative of volunteers and repeatedly thanked us for our time. Not only was it very gratifying to be thanked for volunteering for this important event but I felt a deeper connection with both Regis as a sponsoring organization and with the community at large. Being new to the Denver area I haven't had much time to meet with people. Many of those attending the screenings came from the surrounding area around Regis. A number of people attend this event annually as a means of their primary care. They seemed genuinely interested in the results. Regis is surrounded by a large Hispanic population and approximately 40% of the people I screened were from this culture. I quickly adapted my teaching about the importance of diet to make sure I was talking about specific foods people eat that might contribute to their increasing waist lines. When talking about exercise I would modify the types of exercise recommendations based on the person's ability to exercise or existing problems exercising. For example, I had a number of older clients who expressed difficulty walking so I suggested they perform a free chair exercise program that is broadcasted daily on public television.
Its difficult to know how many of the people counseled will follow the recommendations for a healthier lifestyle. But given the fact that people return year after year, maybe I will have a chance to know that Regis University not only provided a much needed service for the community but in fact was having a very positive impact on their health as well. Particularly since I plan on volunteering again year after year.
From a philosophical standpoint it's easy to forget who people are as individuals and why becoming involved as a partner in their health care is so important. The 9HealthFair at Regis reminded me why I went into nursing and how much I enjoy creating a partnership between people that focuses on health care and prevention. As a nurse leader I know the importance of walking the talk. Having an advanced education isn't enough to help make the world a better place to live if I don't do my part to teach those how to better manage their own care. Giving them the skills and knowledge they need to improve their health and quality of life. Together we can create a better quality of life for years to come.
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