How Does One Register As a Camp Nurse Job Seeker?

Specialties Camp

Published

I do know about the American Camping Association. They seem to have oppourtunities in the NE part of the United States (I think I am remembering that right).

Surely, there are many other camps, great ones, across the country (and internationally). Anyone know of mass registry to job seek for camp nursing?

Thank you in advance.

B.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Check out Camp Nursing Association, jobs listed by state:

http://www.campnurse.org/jobs/jobs.html

Also many camps post ads in nursing magazines starting in February--post your own ad re available?

OR Start your own website-match service!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Tips to Help You Experience Success Finding and Applying for a Camp Nurse Job

http://www.campnurse.org/jobs/tips.html

Finding a Camp Nurse Position

Tips to Help You Experience Success

Linda Ebner Erceg, RN, MS, PHN

Executive Director, Association of Camp Nurses

Health & Safety Coordinator, Concordia Language Villages

Are you considering work as a camp nurse during the summer? The opportunity to be outdoors, have a job which compliments a variety of nursing skills, and work in a child-centered environment is attractive. This article provides tips to make the camp nursing experience more rewarding. The most important step is to find a camp which compliments both your style of nursing and your philosophy of health care. Just as there are many types clinics, hospitals, public health and school nursing positions, so too are there many different camps and camp directors. Residential camps have people stay overnight; some are short-term (2-3 days) while others last eight weeks or more. Day camps, like schools, send campers home every evening. Some camps program for a particular age while others provide experiences for a broad age range. Programming varies. Camps may specialize in an area (e.g. horsemanship, trip camping), offer high adventure programs (e.g. white-water canoeing), or provide a broad, general program with waterfront activities, archery, crafts, tenting experiences, and/or various sports. Camps are administered by different groups. Churches, agencies such as Scouting or the YMCA/YWCA, and private individuals are involved. The American Camping Association (ACA), a group which promotes the professional camp experience, says that there is a camp for everyone. Determine if the type of camp you are considering is a good fit for you. Realize that the camp's program, clientele, length of season, staff, and administrative directives all impact health care delivery.

Also consider why you are interested in camp nursing. The most successful camp nurse has a genuine interest in being at camp, enjoys the type of people for whom they provide care, and likes being part of a team. Be a camp nurse because the opportunity intrigues you.

Contact the ACA bookstore at 1-800-428-CAMP to order the current Guide to Accredited Camps for a national listing of ACA accredited camps. Camp directors need nurses and often have difficulty locating people who would be interested. Some directors advertise in nursing publications. Prospective applicants generally discover that their inquiry is genuinely appreciated.

Once contact has been made but before accepting a position, there are several things to consider. First, determine if the camp is ACA accredited. Accreditation is not required in order for a camp to operate, but it is an excellent indicator of the camp administration's commitment to quality camp programming. If a camp is not accredited, be sure to ask why; accreditation could very well be in process. Ask for a copy of the camp's health care plan. This describes the health needs of the camp population and defines the camp's philosophy of health care. Have it and a copy of the job description, camp brochure and health form sent for review. Camp nurse applicants usually speak with the camp director. Ask the director to describe the following:

A typical day in the life of their camp nurse.

Approximate number of people seen daily at the health center and for what reasons.

A description of the type of care the administration wants the nurse to provide.

Who supervises the nurse as well as who the camp nurse supervises.

The relationship of the nurse to other staff members (e.g. head cook, counselors, waterfront manager).

Amount of time spent on paperwork and a description of that work (e.g. insurance forms, health log, worker comp records).

The camp nurse's role in communicable disease control and risk management.

Salary, housing, time-off, additional benefits (e.g. participation in a Camp Nurse Workshop, membership in Association of Camp Nurses).

Additional healthcare supports (e.g. collaborating physician, standing orders, clinic/hospital, pharmacy, crisis response team, dentist, EMS).

Other information which the director feels is important.

Camp nursing practice can be an empowering and wonderful experience. It is also work. Over five million children attended camp last summer and many went without a nurse. Camps need nurses. It is a practice setting where comfort with autonomy is necessary, where the working day may not be defined by eight hours, and where the professional nurse is valued. Camp practice enjoys the zest of young people and the serenity of campfires, a sunrise over the lake, and crickets chirping. Consider joining those of us who are already a part of it. Be a camp nurse.

Looking for a particular type of camp, one in a particular location, or one with a certain type of program? Check ACA's Guide to Accredited Camps by calling 1-800-428-CAMP or check out Peterson's Guide on the Net.

I edited this article to include a copy of the article that is references.

;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Karen:

Thank you for the tips. I suspect you have tons of ideas up your litle scrub sleeves! How about joining us in August (22-24) at the Nurse Entrepeneur Convention? Wanna start a partnership?

B.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

August booked with new computer system project starting.

Will think about your generous offer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Here is a website that includes Associations etc for your search in finding Camp Nurse positions:

http://www.kidscamps.com/camp_associations.html

American Camping Association - Southeastern Section

Association of Camp Nurses

Canadian Camping Association

The Fellowship Of Christian Camps - British Columbia, Canada

The Foundation for Jewish Camping

Long Island Association of Private Schools and Day Camps

New Jersey Association of Private Camps

New York State Camp Directors Association

Wayne County Camp Association

Western Massachusetts Camping Association

Let us know if you find anything tht would be of interest.

;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for PM'ing me.. NG... THE THINGS YOU CAN FIND OUT >>>LOL

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are welcome! There is not one of us... that can think as well as ALL of us..... now where have I seen that before???

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm in! Where?

Karen:

Thank you for the tips. I suspect you have tons of ideas up your litle scrub sleeves! How about joining us in August (22-24) at the Nurse Entrepeneur Convention? Wanna start a partnership?

B.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not currently licensed as an RN (see my first post and you will see why) however I have worked camps for many years and am still in high demand as I am not working and have an open schedule. I take my pick of camps--I trade my 2 kids tuition in exchange for being the camp health aide. We usually do several during the yr--next week I will be going to a science camp for 5 days up in the mtn. To pick a camp, do a google search for what ever interests you (horses, dance, gymnastics) etc then ask if they need a camp nurse. You will get paid or may trade tuition and sometimes get padi and trade tution if you have kids. Some camps want a whole summer commitment but some will take you week to week. If you have kids, do what interests them. And no, you don't need to be an RN or LVN to dispense meds or first aid--alot of camps just hire a mom (pretty scary) and they act as "camp nurse". I do make it perfectly clear I am not licensed and never sign as RN or even refer myself as a former RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a psyc RN in New York City. I was recently offered a job with a city hospital which I accepted. That was over a month ago and I have been waiting in limbo ever since for the red tape to clear. Periodically, I email the person who interviewed me. She states that she wants me on board, but the offer must come from HR. What is taking them so long is beyond me. I'm not sure how long I'm supposed to sit and wait, but have decided to look for something temporary in the meantime. I have always wanted to try camp nursing so I figure now is probably a good time. Anyone have any leads or advice?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Try googling camp nurse New York or go to http://www.campnurse.org/ They have a list of camp nurse jobs.

Here is another link: http://www.campnursejobs.com/

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment