Can a new, inexperienced grad get a job as a camp nurse?

[lillypad274]

Would a New Grad RN qualify for a camp nurse job? How do you get insurance for this type of volunteer job? Who would pay and would there be any support in case of emergencies?

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

I would not advise a new grad to take a camp nurse position unless you would be working with other seasoned nurses. A lot of camps are in rural areas so emergency care may take a while to get there. You would need to check with the camp you want to work at to have your other questions answered.

[elkpark]

There's probably some camp out there that would be willing to hire a new grad, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea. I agree with bsyrn -- if you would be working with another, experienced RN, it might be do-able. But, without a lot of support/back-up, you would be taking the risk of getting into something 'way over your head.

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Lots of different camps have different thoughts on new grads. My camp will generally take only one or two a year. We have a staff of 7 full time nurses so we can keep an eye on them until they get up to speed. Also the way my camp is set up we have the doctor and nurse who live in the health center as well as five nurses right next door so there is always someone around on an emergency. My advice is you should be as careful about the job you take as the employer should be of hiring you. Make sure your not going to be in over your head. Camp nursing is not what a lot of people expect it to be. It's a lot of really different skills than most mirsong environments. It's often as much about personality as skill. I have scene veterin emergency room and L&D nurses wash out, and new grads realy hit their stride, over the years.

[tining, BSN, RN]

The camp I am at x 6 years will take one a year. It can be an amazing experience for a new grad - lots of different things to see and do. Choose a camp with other nurses there to mentor you. We are like big All above - new doc each week and 4 - 6 nurses, and 2 student nurses. Camp Towanda - A Coed Sleepaway Camp in Pennsylvania's Poconos Mountains

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

The camp I am at x 6 years will take one a year. It can be an amazing experience for a new grad - lots of different things to see and do. Choose a camp with other nurses there to mentor you. We are like big All above - new doc each week and 4 - 6 nurses, and 2 student nurses. Camp Towanda - A Coed Sleepaway Camp in Pennsylvania's Poconos Mountains

Well we are directly up the road from each other this summer. When do you start I arrive 6/10