Am I qualified?

[babyNP., APRN]

I've always wanted to volunteer at a camp (went to girl scout camp many times growing up) but life always seemed too busy. I'm seriously considering doing it for a week or two this next summer (if I can get the time off from work).

My guess is that I would probably be relegated as a camp nurse (which is fine), but wondering if I would be qualified enough. I worked as a NICU nurse for 6 years and will start my new job as a NNP next month. I've floated to the PICU a couple of times, but most of the kids were completely sedated and they gave me mostly babies or toddlers to take care of.

I'm hoping that if I can read a book or two on the camp health aid, it would bring me up to speed on a lot of things, but wanted to get your guys' experienced input on if you think it would be enough, considering that I don't have much clinical experience with older kids. My license as a NP only covers me for ages 0-2, so I wouldn't have to worry about liability- just up to the level of a RN, as I understand it.

Thoughts?

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

I'm guessing at a girl scout camp most of your kids are healthy so passing daily meds and basic first aid is probably all you will need to worry about. Camp Nursing is great, I have done it the last 14 Summers. My kids are a little more medically needy though....

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Your going to be just fine. You have extensive clinical experience in peds, not exactly the age group of camp, but still it benefits you. Your experience in general is really all you need to bring to the table.

My camp and most camps hire new grads and nurses with no pediatric experience.

I would recommend

Camp Nursing - Circles of Care

Mary I. Casey

The Basics of Camp Nursing

Linda Ebner

Also read the article by campnurse1 on selecting a camp. Make sure you set yourself up for success.

https://allnurses.com/camp-nursing/choosing-a-camp-826577.html

Good luck

[babyNP., APRN]

Thanks, everyone.

[tining, BSN, RN]

Most of the issues are basic mom problems. Every once in a while you will have those - "what the heck was that" moments. Never let the camper know you are stumped - you will lose street cred!