How's the Summer going?

Specialties Camp

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I'm curious to hear how everyone is doing?

As you saw from my diabetic thread, I had that issue to contend with. No major (knock on wood) issues. Had a counselor pass out; toe nail ripped off that then became infected and have since learned that is fractured; strep throat; horrible virus (cold sx's) outbreak; and the other usuals. Overall I enjoyed and was able handle my first camp experience but man do I have long days! Up @ 7am and going all day and shut down @10pm and tell everyone 'don't come unless you are dying!' Lol. I was woken in the middle if the night several times until I snapped and told everyone 'no' (silly reasons) I'm exhausted but luckily leave Saturday. Two weeks is plenty for me...or if there is another camp where I get more breaks??

Anyhow, So much more to say but I must go as I have visitors (shocker)...oh and TONS of home sickness from older girls!

Cheryl, RN (passed my boards..new initials)

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

My summer is pretty crazy. We had a pharmacy debacle that is now starting round two and about 10 or so fractures. Its hectic but I/m working with some really great nurses and we are making it all happen. Currently slogging through an impentago outbreak... It's quite an adventure. Although very little nurse drama this year, which is nice but boring.

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Impetigo! :( Sounds like a heck of a summer, Al lol. Luckily, if I'm not mistaken, it is only contagious for 48 hours, and can easily be treated with a topical antibiotic. I remember having that as a child. Sounds like your summer isn't going to terribly bad, my friend. Hope all is well, and see you on the flip.

Josh

My summer is pretty crazy. We had a pharmacy debacle that is now starting round two and about 10 or so fractures. Its hectic but I/m working with some really great nurses and we are making it all happen. Currently slogging through an impentago outbreak... It's quite an adventure. Although very little nurse drama this year, which is nice but boring.
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Specializes in Pediatrics, School Nursing, VNA, Camp.

We've had a ton of colds/sore throats - URI issues. In a camp of approx 210 staff and campers, I have anywhere from 80-100 visits a day. Multiple visits from the same kid/staff member stack things up. Currently we are fighting fevers that are reluctant to respond to medication. Its been a long summer - 3 more weeks to go!!! Thank goodness that the staff has been so wonderful otherwise and the kids are having a blast or it would be a miserable one.

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Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

It's been "q-word" at my camp this summer, the worst was a sprained ankle that required having to drive the girl around to her classes for several days, and one case of impetigo. We also had some cases of head lice which were contained, although the one girl has had it return over and over. One night the entire cabin of little ones all had a tummy ache, requiring tums. Good thing it happened AFTER the evening activity! :D Been having the "waiting for the other shoe to drop" feeling all summer. 6 more days. Fingers crossed.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Camp.

When do you guys find time to write, lol? Busy here. I guess the worst thing was bringing in a Lifeflight for a malfunctioning shunt with ICP problems (had surgery the next day). It took me a couple of years, but the camp culture here is now a strong wellness culture. This means that accidents and illness are getting rare, down to one or two per day. My day, as Head Nurse, is full, with administrative work, calling parents (a must!), getting ready for the next session, meetings, arranging care outside of camp, wrangling my nurses, etc.

I am strongly aware, from my experience at other camps, how exhausting this job can be. I craft my nurses' days accordingly. Each has a four hour health center shift, and it takes them about four more hours to do their other duties, mostly pulling and passing meds, or doing treatments. That's it. I find myself shooing off-duty nurses out of the infirmary. "Go shooting! Go swimming! Go ride a horse! Go read a trashy novel!" My summer staff is full of passion and heart, and I am proud of them. Passion and heart run out when you are worn out. I do my best to take care of my nurses. Luckily, no nurse drama this year.

The adventures listed in your posts remind me of why I chose camp nursing as a full time career. I got tired of working with volunteer and temporary staff, having to re-invent the wheel every summer. About the time I really got good at it, it was time to leave! I am blessed to work with a team of professional staff year round. We plan, and plan, then plan some more.

All in all, a great summer. I am looking forward to some down time, like the rest of you. All my best!

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