OCR Text |
Show 'LETTERS EDITOR Resignation Coming v v Editor, News: 1 iNhave had so kmany ask me whether the ad in the Garfield County News meant that I was resigning as Community Nurse, that I would like to clarify what is happening as far as I know. James Yardley, who is responsible for the ad, has not personally contacted me. Commissioner Yardley has made several requests to Dr. David Trafton, Southwestern Utah District Health Director to advertise for a full time nurse for Garfield County. I work only 32 hours per week. Apparently he is interested in hiring a nurse to live and work more in Panguitch. When I was hired as Community Nurse, letters were written by Dr. Edward Bird, former director, Dr. Sims Duggins and several others, that the need for nursing care was greater in the Escalante area and my home office was established as Escalante. After I finished the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Utah the decision was made by myself, Dr. Trafton and Dr. Issacson of the State Health Department that I would spend one day available to care for ill people, under direction of Dr. Sims Duggins. No position for an FNP has been established in Public Health. I work a half day office Monday, Tuesday in Panguitch, Wednesday in Escalante, Thursday in Bryce Valley, half a day office Friday. Most weekends I have calls and see people, plus evenings. I am not willing to commit myself to more time or more travel. The Community Nurse is expected to be school nurse to seven schools, hold monthly immunization . clinics, orthopedic clinics, pediatric and guidance clinics. Family planning, VD control, TB control and case followup, communicable disease reporting and control and part of the job. The Fool handlers Program was recently added and I have been asked to begin the groundwork of a Home Health Care program. Needless to say I don't feel one person can run an entire health department. I feel Mr. Yardley is taking his Interest In Panguitch to extremes since the doctors and hospital are located there. Frankly, I have less to do in Panguitch because of the availability of medical care. The hospital nurses are paid a higher salary than the Community Nurse, during the last attempt to find a half time nurse for Panguitch, none were willing to take a cut in salary for more work to do. Commissioner Yardley will be receiving my resignation. Community Nursing needs the interest and cooperation of all in order to make it tolerable. I will also be interested in the nurse hired, to see that she visits all communities of the county rather than stay in Panguitch. Marjorie Griffin, R.N. |