Lillow

Thanks for the input...I may have misled you since you're from the states and Canadian designations are different...I don't know how accurate the EMT comparison I made is. I am taking my Occupational First Aid Level 3 Course which is the level required by the BC Camping Association for the camp and the Worker's Compensation Board (a provincial government branch) for workplaces. So I'm pretty sure it will be all good. Insurance issues aren't as harsh in Canada as they are in the US...haha. I don't have to be super worried about getting sued for every little thing. I will be in my scope of practice...if I can't deal with the issue it's probably life threatening anyway and warrants a visit to the ER. Medication administration has been covered in my first semester...It's alllll good. But thank you for your help. I'll keep in mind that I am only a student. Being humble and aware is a good thing.

Hey...just letting you know that there are those less qualified than you considering camp nursing/first aid...namely myself... I'm a first-year nursing student...but I'm also taking my level 3 first aid training, which is what the government (Canada) requires for all camp first aid attendants, including nurses. I'm sure the US is different, but I would recommend taking some form of advanced first aid training beforehand, just to get your mind into the right perspective. Anyways, good luck with it!

Hi! Thanks for your advice. I appreciate it! It is a Canadian camp, and our camp accreditation authority requires the Level 3 first aid course, even for RNs and doctors, which I discovered through some further research. Interesting, no? The nearby town is small, so there is a likelihood of having a good contact with a doctor there. Good idea! The hospital is about 30 minutes away. It's nice to hear that I would be getting a more enriching experience than I would as nursing support staff at a hospital. I'm still living at home, and my parents seem to think I would get better experience as a care aide...their favorite line is "join the real world and stop going to camp". I disagree! Camp is definitely not a holiday. I actually am encouraged about the whole thing right now. I had my nursing lab final exam today and passed with flying colours. We did the basics...injections, sterile dressing changes, medication administration, charting, etc. The instructor was impressed with my knowledge and calm demeanour...even though I was as nervous as anything! At least I can portray confidence and hide my nervousness effectively! It's definitely good to hear "You really couldn't have improved on anything..." What a confidence booster! I figure that if I can make a reasonable amount of money at the camp I will actually enjoy my summer...I should go for it...thanks for the input.

Hey there everyone. I am a first year nursing student in Canada. I have worked at a camp for the past 3 years as a counselor/recreation staff/anything and everything. I am considering returning as the first aid attendant this summer, after I take my Level 3 Occupational First Aid, which is equivalent to an EMT's standing. I am looking for some opinions as to whether I would be suitable for the position. The director is very keen on hiring me, and is acting as though I have already accepted the job, so there is a little bit of pressure in that direction. He is also planning on taking his Level 3 First Aid, and the senior staff are all qualified in first aid and CPR, so I wouldn't be alone if a serious emergency occurred. I know a lot of it comes down to my personal comfort level being in this postition. I feel confident in my basic assessment skills and first aid abilities. I stay calm under pressure and think quickly. Is it ridiculous to think that with some serious studying of first aid, assessment, and pediatrics that I will be prepared? I am willing to do tons of research and preparation for this. As others who have been there and done that, I'd love to know your thoughts. Thanks!