“Don’t forget to take your meds, meds, meds!” Any WriCampian who has set foot in Danbee’s Dining Hall surely recognizes this iconic line written and sung by Middle Camper and singer-songwriter, Wilson R. This helpful song reminds us all to stay healthy and check in at the med center if needed. But why is it that we have to hear this song every day? No, not just because it’s catchy and awesome (which it is), but also because some campers need the reminder, whether they’re exhausted or just need the boost to get up.
Unfortunately, once campers muster the enthusiasm to head to the Health Center for their medication, they are confronted by a long line.
Our awareness of the challenge started on the morning of Aug. 12, when our friend complained to us that she barely had time to eat breakfast because of the long line at the Health Center. As campers and counselors trekked to the Health Center daily, some wondered if the idea of self-administered medications would be a good countermodel. We were curious as well. So, we conducted interviews and a poll to see if this idea lived up to its expectations. On Thurs., Aug. 14, we sent out a poll in The Daily WriCampian. Out of 32 respondents, 20 people said that they typically wait between 0 and 10 minutes for medication. The other 12 respondents experienced a wait time greater than 10 minutes.
Although a whole 28 of the 32 respondents believed that Upper Campers should be allowed to self-administer meds, there are some consequences to consider.
The medical team for WriCampia consists of two extremely kind, patient, and hardworking nurses, Nurse Ruth and Nurse Helen, both of whom care for over 70 patients on the average day.
We asked if they usually feel overwhelmed when serving campers their medications, especially at peak times like breakfast and dinner, which tend to be the busiest. Surprisingly, they shared that because they are very energetic people and love to treat patients, while they do feel tired at times, they cope by trying to get as much done as possible.
Nurse Ruth and Nurse Helen do not suggest that WriCampia change its medication administration policy. And later in the day, Camp Director Rebecca and, surprisingly, some other campers agreed with them. The nurses explained that at the Health Center all the medications are organized in case of emergencies (e.g. extra pills, allergy medicine). They pointed out that campers could lose, confuse, or even accidentally overdose on pills.
In other words, it’s simply unsafe.
“Us nurses are control freaks,” Nurse Ruth so humorously put it. To them, it’s safety first. Nurse Helen noted that “it’s our job to make campers feel comfortable, and we never make them do something they don’t want to do.” In other words, they want everyone to be healthy and happy, and feel safe and comfortable.
And, occasionally, some exceptions to the policy are made when safe. Upper Camper Sebastian G-C. explained how he takes medication a specific way and is allowed to self-administer it at the Health Center. He shared how on the first day, he had to wait about thirty minutes for his meds to be prepared, but now, the nurses use a more efficient technique to prepare them. Another camper also now self-administers her unique treatment regime. Both nurses acknowledge that every year their distribution of meds gets more complex and better organized.
Even though many campers maintain that self-administered medications should be an established option, in the end, the current policy is safest for the great majority of campers. Nurse Helen and Nurse Ruth both agree that “All of the campers have been so wonderful, the things you say, the things you do, we take it to heart. Even saying thank you, it means a lot.”
As Sebastian put it, “Nurse Helen & Nurse Ruth are very responsible and are always looking out for you.” It’s the nurses who are working to keep us safe day and night, so let’s leave it to the professionals to take care of us. And don’t forget to say thank you!
On top of it all, compared to the length of the day, the wait is not that long. ✎
