Fired from 1st Camp job

Specialties Camp

Published

I contracted to work at a camp for 3+ weeks this summer. I was able to bring my son tuition free. This was my very first camp experience and I was excited for myself but of course more excited for my son. Well after two weeks I was terminated. I was told by the director that I appeared "unhappy," and they found a nurse to replace me. Yes, I was unhappy. I did not realize that other staff would consistently touch the med cart and give kids medications that I SIGNED FOR. The woman running the camp was a teacher, and she routinely would give medications to the children while I was busy assessing kiddies in the examining room. I had head counselors tell me they weren't waking kids up to get their medications because its only "allergy" medication. Unlicensed persons giving medications that I signed for was scary and annoying. I tried to explain my feelings to the teacher, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears. So I was canned. They had no complaint about my work ethic, care of the children, just that I appeared unhappy. I would like to work again at another camp, but now I know to inquire who is allowed to give meds. If its anyone other than a nurse, I will keep looking!! Has anyone found this practice at their camps as well?

I am not understanding why YOU signed for meds that you did not administer?

Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

I, too, was uncomfortable with antiquated procedures of med administration. Fortunately I was in a circumstance where the head nurse wanted to do the meds 9 times out of 10, so I didn't have to worry too much. When I worked overnight, it was my job to call kids down for their HS meds, which were all in labeled cups which I did not pour. I didn't care that much because it was easy to identify what was there and I could easily check if I was unsure. Sometimes you just have to stop worrying about doing everything to the letter. At camp, you have to pick your battles and decide what's a safety issue and what's simply a harmless fudge.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Lawyers love "harmless fudge."

Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

Agreed Sue if your not comfortable letting some things slide, camp is going to be very stressful. I wouldn't feel comfortable with having someone gove meds that I had signed for as a routine, but I have done it, this year even. Camp is not a healthcare enviroment, we have to work around camp sometimes. Picking your battles, and making sure the very important things are done correctly and that the less important thigs get done by any means necessary. All that being said it sounds like OP was not a good fit for the practice enviroment in this camp, and is well off to be out of it.

okay so it sounds as though this is somewhat common in camps.. As a newbie to camp, I didn't realize this. We typically pour the meds and sign as we pour, so its ready when the kiddies come! I realize that camp is not a healthcare environment but since I was hired as the nurse, I expected to fulfill my nurse duties w/out unlicensed interference..

Is it even legal for them to hand out medications like that? It sounds like you were being interfered with.

Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

If I had insisted that everything be as perfect and "to the letter" as would be required in a hospital or SNF, I probably would have been considered a troublemaker and most likely sent packing as well. My kids were enjoying their summer at camp and I had no intention of disappointing them, so I sometimes felt between a rock and a hard place. At camp, one learns quickly not to sweat the small stuff.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

You will sweat the big stuff when a child gets the wrong med or the wrong dose and the lawyer is knocking at your door. Just because this is not the TRADITIONAL healthcare setting doesn't mean the nursing standard is lower.

Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.
You will sweat the big stuff when a child gets the wrong med or the wrong dose and the lawyer is knocking at your door. Just because this is not the TRADITIONAL healthcare setting doesn't mean the nursing standard is lower.

Ok, your imagination is running away with you. I practice safely. I'm not lowering my standards, I'm picking my battles. There's a difference. I understand what you're trying to say, but you don't have to worry about me specifically. Thanks though.

Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

Duplicate post... Mod please delete.

Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

Second to what Sue said. Also a main factor in determining malpractice is that harm must be done. I don't think the best lawyer in the world could argue harm caused by missing a Zyrtec or Claritin, or even more seriously double dosing if the nurse gives the. Med and the other staff repeat it. That's why I focus on the meds that are serious antibiotics, keppra, steroid inhailers arn't administered by anyone else but nurses. Other meds we allow head staff give if the parent requests it, or with permission of the nursing staff. This accounts for about 10% of routine meds, and less than that of PRNs. Is it great or perfect no, but do I loose sleep at night about being sued. No. The only issue I take with OPs situation is that she may not have been being communicated with by the other staff what meds are being given, so she can decide if the med is appropriate or if the camper requires follow up.

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