Education Topics for Staff Training Week

Specialties Camp

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Hi everyone. I'm a new grad starting my first RN job as a solo nurse at a camp where I'll work for 9 weeks. I worked in outdoor education for about 10 years prior to nursing, so I think this will be a smooth transition (I hope at least!). I am looking for topics that nurses have presented on and/or found helpful for staff training week. Thanks for your help.

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

Hi and welcome to the world of camp nursing. Some issues we cover are poison ivy, homesickness, importance of keeping hydrated and using sunscreen, infirmary rules, no medications allowed in the cabins, and basic first aid. Good luck and have fun :laugh:

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Specializes in Family practice, emergency.

I did a summer camp last year... do not be afraid to address alcohol and condom use. These are usually 18-22 year olds. It's not a bad idea to keep a couple of condoms and pregnancy tests and let them know where you can find them in a discreet spot in the clinic. I treated almost as many hangovers as I did homesick adolescents.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Camp.

Check with the Camp Director on what they would like you to teach. I had one pop a vein once when I brought up STDs and contraception.

Otherwise, teach wellness, wellness, wellness. Teach hand hygiene, good housekeeping practices, salad bar rules, accident prevention, etc. Teach standard precautions. Make friends with dietary so you will be welcome in the kitchen. You can look out for poor practice while you are visiting. Also, if dietary loves you, they will make sure you get good chow. One summer, long ago, I was eating scraps at the end of long meal-time med passes. That was really bad for my morale. Then the kitchen adopted me, and the good hot food and company made a new man out of me.

Round every day, starting during orientation, and do environmental surveys. Rounding is also a great way to make friends. Both new and old nurses need all the friends they can get. Visit during rounds, but don't "hang out." Make suggestions, but only to decision makers.

It won't take long to figure out if the camp has a culture of wellness and safety. If it does not, try to gently lead them there. Good luck!

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