I would like to try camp nursing

staidansrn · Nov 6, 2007

As I replied to another nurse thinking about Camp nursing,I would highly recommend going to the Association of Camp Nurses, ACN, www.campnurse.org. There are " Tips for Camp Nurses," a subsection of the Camp Nurse Job area. The information will help you in making a plans. I have belonged to ACN for over 10 years. The Association has been of great help providing educational information, first hand feedback of camp experiences and product information review. For me, ACN sets the "gold standard" for setting up and providing health care in a camp setting. The September 2007, "Compass Point," the publication of the ACN, is the meatiest newsletter I have read. It has so many articles of interest. With your school nurse background, you should have a comfortable time. It is very important that you read and agree with the policies, proedures and standing orders for the camp. Consider also signing up with CampRN . It has been providing a " '...forum for resource and information sharing' by nurses pacticing in camp settings,' " for the past ten years. Susan Morse, Vista, CA

helgej03 · Nov 26, 2007

Hey there! I've been a "camp nurse" at a Christian camp in southeast Wisconsin for the past two summers while I was a nursing student. This past summer I was bumped up to "lead nurse." The ages ranged from kindergarten through high school. My advice to you, is to just do it. They were honestly the two best summers. Working with kids is so much fun. The main illnesses/injuries you see at camp are: homesickness, stomach aches (mostly DUE TO homesickness), many scrapes and cuts, homesickness,twisted ankles, allergies/asthma exacerbations, and did I mention homesickness? While there tends to be a lot of down time as a camp nurse, there also tends to be a general rush of kids that come to your office in the evening, usually during chapel if you work at a Christian camp, where you're swamped with tons of kids. It's best to have two people working in the office in the evening because of that. Also, the person below's advice on visiting the ACN website is an excellent one. There's books you can go over on the basics of camp nursing, which I would highly recommend buying. Depending on the camp, you will also be required to create work schedules for the camp nurses and volunteers, be the first responder of an accident/emergency on camp grounds, call 911, take kids and staff members to the clinic, as well as take care of staff members - whose major complaints are usually colds and lack of sleep. If you have any questions, ask some more! I absolutely love camp nursing and it was a great experience. Although, I probably won't return this summer because I graduate and will get a job in a hospital, I do plan on returning.

Hi! I have never been a camp nurse, I have been asked to be one for the past 2 years at a church camp. Had to decline, it interferred with my families summer vacation. I would be interested in doing this, does anyone have any pointers for me? The age groups will range fron 2nd grade through 18 years old, but on different weeks

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Nov 27, 2007

I volunteer at our local church camp for a couple weeks each summer. I'm the only nurse there because there are only about 60 campers/week. I wouldn't miss it!!! They are the best weeks of my summer. I take my kids with me and they are either campers, helpers or just hang out depending on the age group. Been doing this since they were about 6 & 8, now they are 14 & 16. Hubby stays home and visits us around mid week-he's NOT a happy camper :lol2: I have been fortunate to have no real emergencies, but if I did, really all I could do was call 911 and manage things till they got there-we have no physician or medical facilities except a first aid type room. Mostly rashes, bug bites, bruises and sprains and with the little ones, homesickness. If you get the opportunity, by all means-go for it.

Alex'sDad · Jan 11, 2008

If it's your first camp, do it as long as there's another RN with you that "knows the ropes." Once you've had a week or two with a mentor, go for it!

If you like being outdoors and like being around kids, how can you lose?

nurseinct1000 · Jan 15, 2008

Hello mamunsey,

I am interested in camp nursing this summer also. There are a number of sites with information, like campnurse.org and I came across this one site that I like. It had some useful links and and even an epi pen slide show. They have a couple jobs listed already for the New York and PA area. I am thinking of responding to the NY listing. Here is the link to the site. http://www.campnurse.info/camp_jobs.html Good luck

lveroflife · Apr 3, 2008

just be careful!!!!

I am not trying to be discouraging. It just was not a good experience for me. I would never do it again. All the staff were overworked with like no personal time, on-call tons of emergencies.. etc..

so stressful, not much relaxing in the outdoors at all!! at least at my camp.

what they told me in thephone interview was a lie and when i got there everyone found out we were in for a real workload. I think it is great if you have kids and go with them, etc... but to go alone, not so fun.

at least no my experience.

good luck, hope it works out for you though

nurseinct1000 · Apr 18, 2008

Your are right, most people that work at a camp do so to give their kids the camp experience. Usally, camp counslers are single, but I have worked with single nurses and other professionals at camp. Don't get scared away from tring camp nursing, it really is a team effort. If your looking for some good jobs, try this site, they have 16 camp jobs listed.

http://www.campnurse.info/camp_jobs.html

Good luck. :nurse:

ernbabjr, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2008

I think its nice to belong here. I do really enjoy camp since my elementary days till now. hmmmm this is a good idea. I never thought campRn exist.

travel225 · Oct 25, 2008

Sev yrs ago when our youngest son wanted to go to church camp at age 9 I vol. and they put me as asst to an emt. I had to get used to the whole "camp scene" but being asst took the pressure off and allowed me to learn as the week went by. The next two years I was the nurse and we had some emergencies, thankfully with a good outcome. I enjoyed the children and the schedule, sleeping in unairconditioned cabins was a challenge, but that's not so bad. It was fun to do something so different for a week at a time and be out of my comfort zone. My son doesn't go to camp anymore and although the camp called me for sev. years afterwared, returning to school prevented my saying yes. It was a good experience and I have lots of good memories,:typing but I also agree with the one who suggested being careful and not getting in over your head, in our line of work that can be really dangerous for the campers and us.

chuckecat · Oct 29, 2008

Hi!

I've been a camp nurse for 14 seasons. It is exhausting and rewarding. I am the only nurse at my camp and I am part of the administrative group. I am involved in training of staff. If you are new to camp nursing, you need to be comfortable with being on your own. We have no camp doctor on property. We work with a local physician. I have built up my medical contacts over the years to get my campers the appropriate care as needed. Questions to ask: What is the medical support? What training does the staff have? What are your "other" duties? Many camps have multiple nurses, but there are many like mine that you are the one and only. The suggestion about the ACN is excellant. We are in the middle of the ACA accredidation process! I am one of the critical members of this team. While my actual "nursing work" takes place in the summer, my administrative duties is mostly a year round experience. Now, I hope I haven't scared you off! My best friends are my camp friends. We live together all summer and miss each other dearly during the school year. Of course, at this point there are previous staffers who are now sending their children to camp. I run into campers year round! I can't imagine my life without camp. My family visits on the weekend and are often involved with camp projects. We volunteer for work weekends and donate money when we can. I know my experience is not unique. Long time camps have great histories and active alumni. It is truly community nursing at its best. Good Luck!