chuckecat

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!