1st Year Camp Nurse Advice

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Rehab, FCN.

Hey all! 
I'm an RN and have been working in LTC/Rehab for 6 years and a clinical educator teaching CNAs for about a year. Before nursing I had been a NREMT-B for 3 years and then worked direct care with developmentally disabled adults for 8 years. 
 

I am volunteering as a Camp Nurse for a Christian camp and most of my campers will be adults with developmental disabilities. My youngest camper is 18 and the oldest is 82, one is WC bound, and I thing my total roster is between 18-22 campers. I'll also be the nurse for regular campers and staff, and my 12 year old is both attending regular camp and volunteering with my special needs campers (don't know what that looks like yet, but all "regular" campers 11-18 can volunteer with the SN campers-it's a question on their registration). 
 

I am super excited about this opportunity, especially as I miss working with this section of the special needs population, and most especially sharing it with my 12 year old daughter! We are both looking forward to this week (three weeks away!). 
 

Does anyone have any tips or advice for us? Stories to share? Suggestions for games or activities (I'm sure the camp is prepared but you never know when you might need a trick up your sleeve or in your pocket!)? How to prepare? Resources to share? Most of my nursing duties will be with adults, but I haven't worked as a nurse with kiddos since Clinicals in nursing school! I'd appreciate any and all words of wisdom or tips to take with us. 
 

Thanks!

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Specializes in n/a.

Hey, I'm not a nurse, but I have been working as a nurse assistant in a pediatric clinic for a month now, and have worked with the special needs population. Based on my experience with children who have developmental disabilities and medical needs, my advice is always to be ten steps ahead of them. If they can have a conversation, try to maintain that while you conduct your procedures. and most of all have fun

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

That sounds like a wonderful experience for you and your daughter. Your background as an EMT is really helpful.

I served as a Summer camp nurse at a large Christian family camp several years in a row. To protect your license, it's important to have treatment protocols. Are you under the supervision of a provider?

I found working in a hospital and being on my own in a rudimentary "nurse's cabin" to be very different.  Know where the nearest hospital is and how you would get there. Check your supply station for equipment and supplies. 

For me, homesickness in youngsters and teenage drama that manifested in fainting and other somatic complaints were common (usually after a breakup), but once a youngster fell and hit his head. It wasn't clear whether he lost consciousness or not, but to be safe I sent him "down the mountain" to the nearest hospital. 

I hope you have a wonderful time-you'll definitely make memories.

 

 

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