Itsaboutyou

I think you will do great as you are so aware of being "terrified". I have been involved in camp nursing for 10 years now and love it. Our local churches here in San Diego bring several hundred kids up to Palomar Christian Conference Center every summer and we have a wonderful time. Remember that most of the kids who come to camp are healthy and you will also have the health forms on hand to help you get to know the kids a bit better. There will always be a handful of kids that you will see every day, but most you won't know them unless you reach out to them. My policy has always been to call 911 1st if I think an injury could require medical attention beyond what I can provide. I know that I can also cancel the ambulance but they are on the way if I need them. We are so far away from any Hospital and it takes time. Most of your kids will come in for medications, stomach aches (mostly home-sick, dehydrated or constipated) We have a box of kids books & gatoraide available for those kids who have not had a BM for days. We say "take this into the bathroom and don't come out until something comes out". This gets a smile on the faces and usually works great. Remember, most of the kids are having so much fun they don't take the time to sit in the bathroom for the time they need too, don't drink enough water and are not getting enough sleep. Plus you are like "mom" to most of the younger kids. We put together most of our guidelines with the help of the "ACN" Association of CAmp Nurses. They have some great books as well. I do use the ER staff when I need them...they are just a phone call away and always very helpful. Have fun!