Tell me about the shifts you work

bsyrn, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2014

4 residential nurses for each 10 day session. 2 nurses work 7-230 2 work 230-1030 one day shift nurse comes back to the infirmary from 9p-11p the is on call till 7a. That nurse would then work afternoons the next day. All the nurses are expected to help out if needed even on off time if they are around camp. A schedule is written by the charge nurse at the beginning of each session.

RN4STUDENTS · Dec 17, 2014

At my camp we are in charge of our own schedule. Two years we tried doing a schedule but it didn't really work. We work together and if one of us feels like leaving for lunch we do. I do write on the calendar the days I know I can not work so everyone knows that they can't take off at that time. We had a nurse who would go out every night we didn't mind because we certainly weren't going out.

CloudySue · Jan 1, 2015

Last year I was the night nurse 6 days/week. My room was in the health center and the other nurses had other housing away from the HC. I was on from 7p-7a. I did the evening meds, any sick calls and then I took all the overnight drop-ins that might show up. It's a small camp so I could usually get a full night's sleep. I may have been awakened on average about every three nights for something that only took an hour or less to attend to. Then at 7a, other nurses was there to take over, and I was free to either sleep in a bit longer if I needed it (I usually stayed up until about midnight for walk-ins) or else get up and enjoy some free time. Then I was back on duty at 10a, but I went wherever I was needed- if there was a nurse off for the day I filled in for her. If the office needed somebody I was there. A few times I filled in for activities in classes, if there was no counselor to fill in. I was off again at 5p until 7p when I was back on for another night. I really enjoyed this assignment because I got out of the HC and enjoyed other aspects of camp. All the other nurses liked it too because nobody wanted to do overnights. They all rotated the overnight shift once a week on my night off.

guest83140 · Feb 25, 2015

My first camp, Summer of 2014, I was unpleasantly surprised to learn that it was 2 nurses for 150 with 24 hour duty for 7 days a week with a random time off after breakfast and after dinner for approx one hour. I am now asking questions before I accept something like that. I felt punished with no TV or Internet Connection and was required to participate in Jewish celebrations/traditions/events on my off-time. I feel 3 nurses really should be used to allow proper 8 hour sleep.

tining, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2015

We have a rotating schedule. Four days you pass meds and have the evening off after sick call. Four nights of night nurse, and four days of 'other' nurse. 'Other' means that you break during the day and are available if bedtime meds turns into a third sick call. We also schedule days off. Breaks were difficult - nurses simply would sit in the HC and visit, not physically rest. Ultimately, to me this is not a break. I love someone that takes the night shift duty for the summer - I think that is the best nurse position at camp. Like someone previously stated - you rarely get awakened (full night sleep) - and you get the day off. If I wasn't the lead nurse that is the spot I would want!

guest83140 · Mar 30, 2015

May I chime in that I am currently looking to work for any traditional camp for a 2-3 week stint. I live in the south but prefer the Midwest or Northeast. Thanks.

tining, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2015

Most camps will accept a 2 - 3 week stint. You may have to weigh the cost vs. pay. Look for a camp that will cover all costs.