Lucretia M. Brown
Published: October 12, 2005
Students who are feeling ill or have been injured can go to the PJC health clinic at the Ross Health and Sports Center weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to Registered Nurse Judy Harrington.
At the beginning of the semester Harrington sees all the new incoming athletes and any faculty members. There are certain times during the term she is busier than others. For the most part, “It is going to be routine,” Harrington said.
When a student comes into the health clinic Harrington will do an initial examination. If the problem is minor, she will give him or her some kind of over the counter medication. However, if it is serious, she will send the student to the hospital. In most cases Harrington gives the student the choice of hospitals, but if he or she is unable to make that decision, “I usually send them to Sacred Heart because it is closer,” Harrington said.
When a student becomes ill or injured, he or she should call the PJC police department, (Public Safety). The officer will come to the scene, evaluate the problem, and, if necessary, take the student to the clinic. In most cases public safety will bring the nurse to the scene while another officer stays with the student, according to Sgt. Alfred Alston.
In addition to having over-the-counter medicine, Harrington has just about everything that is needed in a first aid kit.
There are also pamphlets on most health problems. These pamphlets cover everything from heart disease to sexually transmitted diseases.
“What we don’t have, we can always look up,” Harrington said.
In the evenings Public Safety goes into emergency mode. When called on the scene, the officer assesses the situation and then calls the emergency medial service if necessary. If the individual is unconscious, the officer will look for a medical identification bracelet to see if the person has a serious health condition. He or she will also check to see if the student or faculty or staff member’s heart is beating and if he or she is still breathing. Otherwise, the officer will just make sure the person is comfortable until the emergency medical technicians arrive.
Harrington has been a registered nurse for 26 years. She has been with PJC since 1992.
“I suggest new students go and see the nurse to let her know about any health conditions they have and if they have any allergic reactions to certain medications,” Alston said.
