AHEM. Little surprised to find I will be camp nursing...

Published

Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

I volunteered to help at a youth camp we are having this summer in NH. I said I'd do dishes, clear tables, do prep, anything. "Weellllll.... I understand they are still looking for a nurse..."

Ahem. AHEM.

I have only been back at nursing since October, after 5 yrs away. Much experience prior, but NEVER done peds other than in training in '81, obviously never done camp nursing, and, it starts July 20th!

Fortunately I'll have an assistant who has done this tons of times before. She's a nurse who has let her license lapse so she can't do it officially - but can help me set up and organize and advise me. I feel comfortable with her.

I am doing a little bit of research on this, have to get reciprocity (it is a compact state w/ Maine, NO idea how you do that... gonna find out tho...). Would feel better having malpractice (should have it anyway..) Can't get any details about the camp, medical backup, facilities nearby, etc., til tomorrow.

So. AHEM. Just a warning, never ask God to turn your life around, he may just turn it UPSIDE DOWN ha ha... This is good but pretty scary!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, ER, camp nursing.

I had my NH RN license too while working in Maine for the summer. Great thing is.. you don't have to do a thing to be able to work there under your compact NH license. As long as it's just temporary. I would print out your license verification from the internet and bring it with you. The camp director is supposed to have a copy of it I believe.

As far as being a camp nurse for the first time. I found medication to be the big thing. Read up on the kids psych and ADD meds. Also inquire what kind of MARS they use and how the meds are collected/passed out etc.

Be prepared to check a lot of earaches , sore throats, sprained ankles, abrasions, and belly aches. Splinters are a big one to.

YES, always have . It's only about $100/yr. Well worth it!

Have an open mind and keep your sense of humor and you'll do fine!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
I had my NH RN license too while working in Maine for the summer. Great thing is.. you don't have to do a thing to be able to work there under your compact NH license. As long as it's just temporary. I would print out your license verification from the internet and bring it with you. The camp director is supposed to have a copy of it I believe.

As far as being a camp nurse for the first time. I found medication to be the big thing. Read up on the kids psych and ADD meds. Also inquire what kind of MARS they use and how the meds are collected/passed out etc.

Be prepared to check a lot of earaches , sore throats, sprained ankles, abrasions, and belly aches. Splinters are a big one to.

YES, always have malpractice insurance. It's only about $100/yr. Well worth it!

Have an open mind and keep your sense of humor and you'll do fine!

THANKS Annie! :D You''re a peach!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
THANKS Annie! :D You''re a peach!

Well, tomorrow AM I leave for Bible Camp in NH, everything is all set (except me of course lol). Anxious to see how it goes! If you pray, pray for protecction for the kids and the workers, and that God will guide whatever I do.

ETA:

thanks AN for being a great resource, so scared about doing this I had to ask for directions and do some research (probably not a bad thing!!)

xo

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, ER, camp nursing.

Good Luck! Hope you have a great experience!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am an LPN here in PA... I am a contracted nurse for our school district's 6th grade camp. I have a BLAST.... one of the things that I learned quickly (our kids are only there 2 nights) is that a majority of belly aches/headaches, turn out to be "missing home" (homesick is NOT a term that is used) --- I start with cursory vital signs, then ask when they last had a drink... I hand them a cup of water, and a few soda crackers... and a little TLC... most leave in just a few minutes and are fine the rest of the time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..
Good Luck! Hope you have a great experience!

Thanks, Annie, I sure did!

I am an LPN here in PA... I am a contracted nurse for our school district's 6th grade camp. I have a BLAST.... one of the things that I learned quickly (our kids are only there 2 nights) is that a majority of belly aches/headaches, turn out to be "missing home" (homesick is NOT a term that is used) --- I start with cursory vital signs, then ask when they last had a drink... I hand them a cup of water, and a few soda crackers... and a little TLC... most leave in just a few minutes and are fine the rest of the time.

I was so blessed to be able to start w/ an experienced nurse who was just so cool and calm and organized! She taught me so much! and I enjoyed it tremendously! Can't wait til next year!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion