I didn't return to my old camp because...

Specialties Camp

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

I recently worked at a different camp than usual. I have decided not to return next year. I felt no support from management, in fact the site director wouldn't be seen in the health office unless there was a full blown issue. Staffing was poor for half the season, not an unplanned issue they simply didn't staff enough. There were a few other little things, but ultimately the head staff did not value or support the health service.

Why did you choose not to return to a camp you worked at?

Also what brings you back to your camp?

I love my boss. Also my camp is just amazingly beautiful, with a culture that builds the kids up emotionally.

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Sorry to hear that you did not return to the camp you enjoyed so much!!

Maybe you can think about asking them for more responsibility as far as hiring and standards of care?

I would hate to see you not return to a place that is so tranquil and wonderful for the kids.

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

Oh no I'm returning to my original camp. I will avoid the new one I tried this year. I'm mostly wondering what makes nurses leave and what makes them stay and one camp over another.

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Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

I didn't return to my first camp for a number of reasons, but the big one was that I was expected to pretty much ignore my girls at camp. I wasn't permitted to speak to them more than just a greeting in passing, not allowed to hug them in front of other campers, (in case the other kids get jealous/sad/whatever) and if they came in for medical attention, I was expected to let another nurse treat them. I felt like a non-custodial parent. Since I was told at hire that I'd be able to see and visit w them a lot, and that was not the case, I complained about it, so eventually I was begrudgingly allowed "planned visitation" with them. What I had to do what take them to my cabin during the evening free time and hang out w them there, because they didn't want any of the other campers to see us together.

The camp I work at now (for three summers so far) there are no official restrictions between my children and me. We don't abuse the privilege but it's so nice to be in an environment that doesn't micromanage our every move. I see and talk to my kids at least once a day and I get to treat them if they come into the HC. The directors have no issues w it. When I get the occasional hug from my own kids, their friends sometimes simply come up to me for their own hugs or pile on as a group hug. I can be everybody's camp mom.

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I worked for the 2nd summer in a row at a camp I have worked at (in a non-nurse capacity) since 2003. I only do 1 week a summer to fill in, but it allows my daughter to attend a horse back riding (expensive!) camp and I get a little break from my routine.

I will be going back next year. It is my 2nd home after all these years. I know the staff (they were my campers!) and I have a lot of say in how things are run as I have been doing this for so long. I am THE only nurse, only 45 kids, but with horses I sometimes feel like a trauma nurse! I get zero time off in my week, technically speaking. I must be available 24/7 from the minute I get there until the minute I leave. BUT it is 75% down time. I get paid accordingly (Ie poorly). And they deduct everything from that- all the extra stuff my daughter buys at the camp store, the deposit on the horse we take home. I walked away with $5 after that doozy of a week! haha!

A lot of the nurses that come for a few weeks in the summer never return. Partly because they are bored. With only 45 kids, you do a lot of waiting for something to happen. I combat that by getting involved. They also sometimes don't return because the directors are a little difficult to handle. I know them, very well. So I kind of know how to deal with them mentally. I just do a lot of smiling and nodding. They are micromanagers to the extreme. BUT they know that inside the infirmary is 100% not their territory and they accept that.

Can I just say a big congrats to everyone who survived the summer???? Ha! Camp can be tough at times, but the fresh air and sunshine make it worth it!!

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