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Nurse offers blood pressure checks at Poland library
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Neighbors | Alisa Manna.Registered nurse, Verna Kness, from Poland, volunteers at Poland library for the Red Cross. Kness makes monthly appearances at the Poland library to offer free blood pressure screenings.
By ALISA MANNA
As a volunteer for the Red Cross, Verna Kness visited the Poland library on Aug. 28 to offer free blood pressure screenings.
Kness became a registered nurse through the American Heart Association with the Ohio Department of Health.
“They held a series of classes and if we attended and passed a functional test, then we were considered certified and read to work at a post,” she said.
Kness graduated from Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and will celebrate her 65th class reunion next year. It was after she graduated that the registered nurse was approached by the Poland Woman’s Club to volunteer. While working at a blood drive she was asked about the lack of blood pressure screenings in the area.
“We needed the equipment to offer those services and the Poland Woman’s Club provided it,” Kness said. “And then I just started working at local areas and have been doing it ever since.”
Kness visits both Poland and Struthers libraries once a month and averages about five to seven people a day. Though she works by herself, Kness becomes well acquainted with the regular visitors.
“Some of the people have been coming for such a long time,” Kness said. “Some even come and stay an hour to discuss living facilities, health and medical care possibilities.”
Those who aren’t regulars often come because of the price at health care providers.
“We had a couple who came because it cost them $17 to get their blood pressure checked at the doctor’s office,” Kness said. “Those people nearly always make a donation.”
Kness doesn’t only provide blood pressure screenings, she offers advice, comfort and suggestions for when visiting the doctor.
“Sometimes if someone’s pressure is high, it’s due to stress, so I usually suggest waiting 10 to 15 minutes to check again or use different equipment.”
Kness uses an older version of the sphygmomanometer because she said it’s more reliable. However, most doctors use electronic systems.
“We’re heading for a time when most of the professionals will be using electronic devices,” she said. “But if I had a family member who needs his or her blood pressure checked, I’d use one of these.”