GatezRN

Leaving on Wednesday 6/22 for my 4th Summer at camp. My camp is in NH. Residential camp with 3 sessions. Any where from 100 - 240 kids per session, around 100 staff. We host international campers and staff... so fun to catch up with friends from around the world. As of last week, we are fully staffed for the Summer. I am working weeks 1-4, and returning for week 7, the final week of the season. Living arrangements are comfortable. We live in the health lodge, private bedrooms, shared bathroom x 2, full kitchen. Although, we eat our meals in the dining hall. We have a golf cart! We triage from the beach every day during general swim and often try activities with the kids. Fishing and high ropes are two of my faves ? We have a gorgeous stable and I love the horses, but I'm not a fan of riding. We are doing antigen testing on days 1,3, and 5. All staff tested weekly on Saturdays. It seems like a lot, but we were so organized last year that it went off without a hitch. Fingers crossed for another successful, healthy Summer!!

I work for a camp in NH. The company who has supplied our O2 tanks is not out of business. Where to you all source your tanks from? Is it a seasonal contract? Looking forward to camp again this year. We had a phenomenal season last year despite all the Covid testing, Covid precautions and supply chain issues.

Hi all, I'm just wondering, are your camps mandating Covid vaccine for campers this year? Our camp is requiring the vaccine for all staff, but a decision has not been made regarding campers.

I started once both my kids were a good age for camp. Knowing my amazing experience at Summer camp as a kid, I wanted to give them the opportunity. I asked around and was referred to a camp in NH. We live in Massachusetts. I was hired, and signed on for two weeks only. I'm a school nurse, so my summers were open. I decided to give up my per diem gig at the hospital. I did have to obtain a NH license, but it was not difficult. When I was casually looking into camp nursing, I put a resume on a camp nurse job site, and within hours had several people reach out with interest. So yes, I think it's fairly easy to get hired as a camp nurse if you have a clean record. We continue to return to the same Summer camp each year. This will be our 4th year, and we (the kids and I) are going for 5 weeks. Camp is my home away from home., and I miss camp throughout the school year. I've made some really special connections with people from all over the world. The health staff at my camp is supported and well respected. The workload is fair. I'm certain I will continue to work as a camp nurse, even when my kids are no longer campers. There are so many camps looking for nurses each Summer. Find an accredited camp in an area that interests you. If your home state is a compact state, it may make licensing in other states a breeze. Ask how staffing is done, how far the nearest hospital is, what physician/ NP/ PA resources are available for consult, type of house for yourself, ect. Every camp is different. Wishing you all the best in your first Summer camp experience!

MA nurse also. I'm searching for the isolation room requirements. Could you provide a link? I've been searching through all my CDC and DESE information, but I can't seem to locate. Thank you!

I'm wondering what the fate of camps will be this Summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I know our Board is having a teleconference next week to discuss. Our camp hosts international campers and staff. I'm sad to think that camp may not happen this year. Too soon to make a decision? Probably. However, I'm not confident that this will be over before our camp season begins.

Had one student show up with a mask in K last week. Called mom. Explained that the mask is not only a distraction to student and classmates, who now think the little one is sick, but it was causing the student to constantly readjust the mask and touch her face. I'm trying my best to teach the kids not to touch their face! Told mom that I would like to have student remove the mask. Mom agreed ?

Official earring replacer. Yup...

Yesssss! 1 more sleep! My students are off the wall today... tons of belly aches, headaches, cough/sneezies. Sympathetic to several who the holidays are difficult for. Teachers are also over it and want every kid with a sniffle to go home. Oy....

I stayed on PRN at the hospital for 4 years. Two years ago, I took a position as a camp nurse during the summers. Best job ever! It's busy, but relatively stress free and so much fun. My kids come with me and have had so many amazing experiences and met people from all across the globe. I've already signed on for a 3rd season for next summer.

Give yourself a bit more time. School nursing is unlike any other area of nursing. It's overwhelming at first and training for a school nurse position is typically sub par. Making decisions without having another nurse to confer with is daunting at first, especially in a new setting. Work on your planning for emergencies so you'll be ready. Find out if there are any CPR/AED trained individuals in your building so you know who your resources are if needed. Once you get to know the kids and staff you'll likely be a lot more comfortable. Eventually you'll come up with your own system of keeping things organized which is huge. I was hired as a second nurse for a building, but days before school started I was assigned to my own school. I walked into a pile of physicals and immunizations that I had no idea what I needed to do with. Health assessments for potential students? I had no idea. EpiPens? Had never laid eyes on one. Everything eventually fell into place and now I never plan on leaving this job. I don't miss the hospital one bit. I even quit my per diem job last year because it gave me too much anxiety. Bonus... awesome hours that work for my family, no weekends or holidays, and summers off! I hope you give it some more time and that things work out for you. Use this forum as a resource. There are so many experienced, highly skilled school nurses here that are more than willing to provide advice.

There is a School Nurse Group on Facebook. I put a quick post up there and had several people respond. We hired a nurse that I think will be a perfect fit for our camp. Good luck!

Happy Nurse's Week! I received lovely flowers, a nice card, and a sweet desk sign that says "I'm a School Nurse, What's your Superpower?" I love my school. Have a great week everyone!

Good luck! Our district has become pretty strict on this as well. No food for birthdays. Parents may send in a non-food item to celebrate if they wish. Halloween, Christmas, and Valentines we do allow food but kids do "party in a box". They decorate a box or bag at home and parent's send in a special treat(s) for their student. On the rare occasion that a teacher requests to have food in the classroom, they ask me to read the label, but they are responsible to notify and request permission from each parent of student's with allergies. Putting the responsibility back on the teacher has really cut down on the amount of lessons/ celebrations that involve food items. It is kind of a bummer for kids and parents, but there is just too much risk involved these days.

I passed certification a few years back. My pay bumped a good bit ?