Best prep to become a camp nurse?

CloudySue · Apr 19, 2012

The man who interviewed me had the philosophy that, for a camp nurse, it didn't much matter what education she had, LPN to CRNP. The skills, he said, get picked up along the way throughout the summer. What really mattered to him was that he recruit nurses that had a fun personality, someone who can relate to kids and be approachable. I am also a girl scout leader, and he was SO excited to get a nurse that had experience leading children, developing quality activities, and dealing with parents. If you are outgoing, funny or silly, empathetic to children's wants, needs, and fears, and don't mind taking the occasional pie in the face or dip in the dunk tank, camp nursing is for you.

I also read "Camp Nurse" by Tilda Shaloff Half.com: Camp Nurse: My Adventures at Summer Camp by Tilda Shalof (2009, Hardcover): My Adventures at Summer Camp(9780771079849): Tilda Shalof: Books She describes three different camps in which she worked. This gave me the insight on what to really expect, much more than anything any clinical book or association website could possibly offer.

Luv2paint2 · Apr 19, 2012

Thanks for replying CloudySue!

Camp Nursing sounds exactly like my cup of tea! I have the type of personality you describe and totally love having fun with the kids. (My GS camp name: Ima Nut) I hope that when the time comes I can find a camp that appreciates these qualities in addition to being able to utilize my nursing skills. The best of both worlds if you ask me!

Thanks for the book recommendation too, I'll definitely check it out!

CloudySue · Apr 20, 2012

Why are you waiting for your kids to be grown? Most camps will let them come along for free! My girls, 6 and 9, are so excited. I never would have been able to pay to send them.

Luv2paint2 · Apr 20, 2012

I am waiting mostly because my sister has become the sole caregiver of our mom, and this summer I promised her that since I'm taking a break from school that our mom could come live with me so she could have a break.

Also because there's a big gap in my kids' ages. My daughter is 17 (not quite ready to leave her home by herself!) and my son, who would loooove to go to camp is 10. I am still toying with the idea, if I could work it out logistically, maybe for a 2 week stint...

On a side note, I ordered that book you recommended and it's on it's already on its way!

kfrancesca09 · Jun 10, 2012

I just got my first job as a camp nurse, and have been here for one week. I only have an associate's degree in biology and am starting nursing school in the fall. Maybe it depends on the state (I'm in North Carolina), but the camp director said that I only needed to be pursuing a medical degree and be well versed in first aid and CPR.

To be honest, I was VERY nervous about the job at first, but took it anyways because I knew it would be an incredible learning experience. Our campers do not arrive until the 17th, but we had a youth retreat here from Dallas, TX this last week and they kept me very busy. I had a nail in the foot, bee stings, vomiting, and fevers (not all from the same person, of course). I just renewed my first aid and CPR so I knew that I knew everything really well but was really afraid that, when it came down to actually administering first aid, I would panic and not be able to remember anything.

That was not the case at all and even just in this past week, I have learned so much and am very eager to start my nursing career. I have gone from anxious to optimistic. Best of luck to you!

bsyrn, ASN, RN · Jun 11, 2012

Kfransesca, I am confused as to why you are called a camp nurse when you have no nursing degree. Not all camps require a nurse however, they should not be calling you a nurse either.

CloudySue · Jun 12, 2012

Good point, bsyrn. You cannot pose as someone who needs a license to hold that particular title if you don't have one. What if you sent your child to a doctor and found out they weren't really a doctor? I'd be angry at any camp who misrepresented their professional staff.

kfrancesca09 · Jun 22, 2012

Bsyrn, the actual title is "healthcare coordinator".

CloudySue, I'm not "posing" because most states do not require a license to hold this particular title. Furthermore, I highly doubt that parents send their children to summer camp based on the healthcare that they provide.

kfrancesca09 · Jun 22, 2012

And CloudySue, you said yourself that when you were interviewed, the man stated that "it didn't much matter what education she had".

smurfynursey · Jul 8, 2012

Kfrancesca09,

My first camp was the same way. My title was "health care manager" and it could be held by anyone with an rn, lpn or emt. It depends on the camp IMO.

In contrast, Im at a disability camp now and we all have to be RNs.

CloudySue · Jul 8, 2012

The man who interviewed me had the philosophy that, for a camp nurse, it didn't much matter what education she had, LPN to CRNP.

Please note that I had said "LPN to CRNP". The person who interviewed me wanted someone with any sort of nursing license. But he did want an actual nurse and they did take a copy of my license and CPR for Medical Professionals certificate.

You called yourself a "camp nurse" in your first note. I only can go by what you said. Had you explained better that your position is "healthcare coordinator" in the beginning of our dialogue, we would not be having this conversation.

I would not send my children to a camp with no nurse at all. I would be very wary of a camp that didn't think it was important to have someone with formal medical training. My children are the most important thing to me in the world and their safety and health are of utmost importance. I would confidently assume most parents feel the same way. Your cavalier attitude indicates to me that you do not understand the gravity of this situation you are in. Hopefully, you also forgot to mention that there are licensed nurses on your team. If not, I hope someone trained you well when you got there, and that you are carrying lots of personal Liability Insurance.