Enjoy a Summer Camp Nursing Experience

From 3arf

Enjoy A Summer Camp Nursing Experience


As a registered nurse, you may need to have full time employment for the summer, but you probably want to get away from home, for a while too. Most nurses do. Have you ever considered working at a summer camp, as a registered nurse?


Here are some summer camp job tips, for you to consider.


If you are already licensed as a registered nurse, certified in CPR and First Aid, a person who enjoys being with children, teens or others of various ages who attend summer camps, then this kind of a job might be just perfect for you.


But first of all, you should be a person who loves to be outdoors, during the summer months. It is even better if you have been trained in specialty areas, like pediatrics.


If you are a registered nurse, who has just graduated from a nursing program or are someone who is forever young at heart and full of energy, you may really enjoy having a summer camp nursing experience, so go ahead and start making inquiries about jobs that are available in your area.


While there are many camps for "normal" children, there are a growing number of specialized summer camps, that may be of interest you. Camping is not something that just "normal" children do, for several weeks out of the year. That is only one option that you might consider, but look at some other options as well. Start doing online research.


For example, there are weight loss/weight management camps starting up everywhere, because of the growing numbers of children and teens with weight problems. There are many kinds of summer camps for children and teens with diabetes, as the incidence of diabetes is on the rise. There are highly specialized camps for children or teens, with various kinds of cancer. Numerous camps are being run by groups and organizations, specifically for disabled or handicapped, children and adults.


Do you have an academic background that includes previous experience in counseling, education, health and fitness, psychiatry or social work? Wonderful! You are just the kind of nurse that is needed at these kinds of summer camps.


Specialized camps often provide training for registered nurses, in areas like weight control and diabetes. There may be courses for those interested in working with handicapped or disabled children, teens and adults. This may include training about lifts or transfers, for campers confined to wheelchairs. Everyone loves swimming and water therapy is always beneficial for the disabled or handicapped. You might also learn how to teach water safety.


Your primary responsibilities at camp will include assessing the health needs of both campers and staff members, on a regular basis. You will be keeping medical records for everyone at the camp, as well as following the medical directives from their physicians. You will monitor the health status of some campers on a day-to-day basis, particularly those who have medical problems. You will assume the responsibility for camper's medications, injections, treatments and various nursing procedures like dressings and skin care, etc. You may have to accompany campers to hospital emergency rooms, with respect to injuries or others who have to visit their physicians.


Each camp has its own specific policies, procedures and protocol, as well as daily directives or guidelines that must be adhered to, with regard to the camp, its staff and the campers. This information has to be updated on a regular basis. As a camp nurse, you may be involved with this, in conjunction with the owners of the camp and other staff members, including physicians, other health care professionals and non-professionals.


The monitoring of specific health and safety issues will be part of your responsibility and you may be asked to train staff members and campers.


Counseling is an important part of the role of a camp nurse, as there are always problems like fear, loneliness, homesickness and depression, at summer camps. Other concerns might include those who are coping with handicaps, illness or injury, etc.


As a registered nurse, you may be asked to teach dietary management programs and do daily counseling and weigh-ins, at a weight loss/weight management camp. In a camp for children with cancer, there may be medications or other treatments that must be administered by the camp nurse. Teaching and training for individual campers and their families may be necessary. This may include medical problems like how to live with diabetes, diet and weight management, exercise or physiotherapy.


Active participation in activities with the campers, will be part of your daily schedule. You may be asked to supervise campers at certain times, including when they are dining, swimming, boating or attending campfires. At the same time, you will be able to assess the campers, if necessary.


You may be invited to organize or set up specific day or evening programs for the campers, like wiener roasts, races or talent nights. At times, you will work directly with parents, with respect to education or training for the special needs of campers. As the camp nurse you will become the professional, registered nurse advocate of the campers.


You may need to treat campers with infections, like colds or the flu, mumps or measles, as well as those with ear or throat infections. Sunburn and insect bites of various kinds, may have to be dealt with, as well.


While camping is a seasonal job, it can be highly rewarding experience for you and offer a pleasant change of environment. As a camp nurse, you will come to know campers personally and see how they function, in a different environment.


Considering the possibility? Why not learn how to swim or canoe, at the same time? Let your employment as a camp nurse for the summer, become a professional nursing experience for you! You can add it to your next resume! You will be glad you did and you will probably be invited back to summer camp next year!






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