irish newly grad nurse interested in camp nursing

[rahanhouse]

i am graduating in may 2007 with a general nursing degree. i would lke to work on a summer camp . i am aware that i would need an american liscence but is there any other options that would allow me work on a camp with my present skills and qualifications. even as the role of a student nurse or first aid?

[caliotter3]

First of all welcome to allnurses. Camp nursing more than likely will not be an option because the employer will want to hire an experienced nurse. You have to keep in mind that you will be there by yourself and your responsibilities are many. Suggest you get some experience first. If you really want the camp experience in the summer, then perhaps you could take a different position. You can shadow the camp nurse and get a feel for the job. Good luck with your future in nursing!

[Cymy]

I was reading information about various non-hospital nursing jobs the other day (I don't remember where, sorry!) and noted that camp nurses generally have to have a BSN (4 year degree in nursing).

--Cymy

[BonnieSc]

I wonder where you read that? I mean, sure, it would be GOOD, because camp nurses need many of the same skills as school nurses, but it isn't the actuality at all. Most camps are absolutely thrilled to get RNs of any kind. I can't remember hearing of a camp that specified its nurses should have the BSN, and though there may be some that give preference to BSN in hiring, the job market is... shall we say... unsaturated.

Camps are also thrilled to hire nurses without experience. While of course it helps, it is certainly not a requirement at camps overall. They wouldn't have many nurses.

Rahanhouse, look into CCUSA, CampAmerica, CampLeaders, or BUNAC (in my personal order of preference). These are all organizations that provide international summer camp staff to American camps. It is quite likely that you would be able to get some sort of "assistant" job in a camp health center (note that you might still be working alone). You can't, of course, use the title "nurse" unless you have an American nursing license.

Good luck! I would get started with CCUSA (or whatever you choose) as soon as possible. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Cymy]

If that's the case, I'm thrilled to hear it--I'm a student nurse and would like to work in a camp environment. It's going to be a long time before I can get in all the classes for a BSN!

Thanks for following up to my post, I don't want to spread misinformation!

[edgwow]

There are camps that hire on an assistant to the nurse if they are very large, you would fit that perfectly without having to get a liscence and malpractice insurance. Each state has it's own requirements. If you are the only nurse/ first aid on camp, you need to start checking policy to get your liscence right away, so that you have enough time to get the provisions. Also do not eliminate the possibility of being a counselor at a summer camp. I loved working with international staff when I had the opportunity to do so in the past. Type in the search bar the 4 names of the companies that offer positions to international folks.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

summer camp i worked at had international staff through one of the above organziations.... most enjoyed the summer. our sessions were 9 weeks long and staff bunked with campers so really 24/7 responsibility. they got off every 10 days, maybe one evening/wk. luckly, i lived in the infirmary with my kids. some years i had helper, others another rn. best part of summer camp was meeting/treating international staff.

get that pen out and start writing! here's link to american camping association: http://www.acacamps.org/jobs/

international staff

[msngrad]

I have a friend who is an LPN. She worked at a special needs camp all summer. She loved it!