I have a staff member (age 20) who needs to receive allergy shots for seasonal allergies throughout the summer. I imagine this will vary by state, but in general, is this something that can be done by an RN at camp, with a provider’s order? The staff member has had the shots for many years and is at low risk for anaphylaxis. Our camp is located in North Carolina.
Please share any advice or resources you may have!
Thanks,
~Laura
I have given allergy shots at camp before with the physician’s order and guidelines about dosing. I believe I observed the camper for 15 min post injection.
In most cases, nurses can give allergy shots but you are doing the right things to make sure this is not a new allergen series and that the anaphylaxis risk is low. Your state nurse practice act will not identify “specific” medications or treatments but rather that you can do activities that are inline with your education and experience. Part of the experience is your “comfort level” and therefore an assumption of responsibility. Legally, you can most likely provide this service, but always be sure to review your state nurse practice act as well.
We have done allergy injections for both campers & staff when needed. We make sure we have very specific orders from the MD. We have a conversation with the parent & the allergist’s office to verify the serum once we have it at camp. Our camp is fortunate to have an MD on staff & on campus. The MD must be at the HC during administration (the nurses actually administer the injections) and the individual must remain at the HC for 30 minutes (that seems to be the time most of the allergist’s offices recommend). Our procedures require the nurse listen to lungs before administering, checking during the observation period & before they return to activity. We make a note of any skin reaction (or lack of reaction) & lung assessments in camper/staff health record as well as a form that goes home at the end of camp to be given to allergist’s office.