Camp Nursing!

AirforceRN, RN · Jan 11, 2008

I did a camp a couple of summers ago and had a fantastic time. I would do it again in a heart beat if I could. The few trials that I had were:

1)Momma's boys (and girls) nothing really wrong but were in the office everyday for reassurance

2)Kids not taking their perscribed meds (Ritilan and antipsychotics mostly)

3)First menstrations (okay to handle but a little awkward)

Other than that it was a blast...I hope you have fun

whiskeygirl, LPN · Jan 11, 2008

I did my first session at camp this past summer. My accommodations were terrible!!!!!!!! This is often a complaint of camp nurses, I hear. I was so happy that I had brought a sleeping bag and my pillow with me.

My daughter went with me and we both had amazing experiences. And the food was incredible!!

I did have a few kids in the beginning that were homesick so we drank a little 7up, ate 2 chips ahoy cookies and watched whatever cartoons I could download off the net. We were completely cut off from the rest of the "world", no cell phone, no TV, no cars (we were on an island). Well, except for a really bad net connection.

One older kid tripped playing capture the flag and reinjured his knee, for the 15th time in 2 years, other than that it was inhalers, a post-op ingrown toe nail, allergies, and mosquito bites to beat the band! After reading posts here, I set it up with the kids that I would be available before and after breakfast, lunch and dinner. I will not chase them down to give meds, nor will I 'hound' them about it in front of other campers. I would go to them and ask them if they needed to talk to me about anything.

When every camper showed up, I went through their health forms with the parents, asked for ALL meds, IBP, ASA, even vitamins weren't allowed to be kept by the camper. I did lice checks, this will depend on who accredits the camp.

There was a little good and a little bad but it was worth it for my daughter to be able to go to summer camp. I hope this summer is even better.

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Jan 11, 2008

I've been doing summer camp at our small church camp for years. Wouldn't miss it!! We get 60-70 campers. I do Jr high and also a week of Sr. high. Haven't had any true emergencies and even if I did, I'd just keep them as stable as I could and call 911, because we have no physician and not much emergency supplies. Mostly Caladryl, bandaids, homesickness, the occasional tick and giving the routine meds the kids bring from home. Asthma tends to act up at camp because we're in the woods. I love the kids and the Christian environment. I take my kids and stay out of their way unless they come to me. Works great!! (hubby is not a happy camper-he stays home with the dog:paw:)

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2008

I've been doing summer camp at our small church camp for years. Wouldn't miss it!! We get 60-70 campers. I do Jr high and also a week of Sr. high. Haven't had any true emergencies and even if I did, I'd just keep them as stable as I could and call 911, because we have no physician and not much emergency supplies. Mostly Caladryl, bandaids, homesickness, the occasional tick and giving the routine meds the kids bring from home. Asthma tends to act up at camp because we're in the woods. I love the kids and the Christian environment. I take my kids and stay out of their way unless they come to me. Works great!! (hubby is not a happy camper-he stays home with the dog:paw:)

That's my plan, it sounds like fun! I can't wait. At this camp they had some counselor types do the lice checks. I think the camp nurse was busy at a check in desk collecting the meds as I recall.

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2008

Thanks for the imput everyone! It sounds like I'll have fun! I'm so excited.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jan 11, 2008

Camp nurse for 7 years till working FT....moved your post to camp nurses forum...take a look at the thrads here. Would do it again if I could go part time.