RETA nurses Melody, Darcy and Kim recently headed to Joplin, MO to learn about implementing new types of STD testing.
The training, put on by the staff at Life Choices Health Network, included medical room procedure, how STD appointments flow, how to create appropriate medical forms for these appointment, and how to integrate a spiritual discussion in the appointment. They learned about the charting process, protocols and policies, OSHA/safety issues, and following HIPAA regulations. They also went over each STD, how to test for it, how to treat it, and how to determine which tests are appropriate for each patient. The training also touched on how to market an STD program to board members, supporters, and the community; including different advertising strategies and budget proposals.
The information learned will allow us to better serve clients in their current life situations, instead of waiting until they become pregnant. We can form relationships with them before they ever have a crisis/unplanned pregnancy, so when/if that does happen, we are their first choice for care. We can provide them with quality medical care through all stages of life. We can also serve more males with these services, reaching more fathers and impacting more families.