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BASIC DESCRIPTION
A camp nurse provides full health care to children attending camp. In some situations, camps are specific to children with special needs, for example, children with asthma, or children with diabetes. The working environment for a camp nurse is usually one of low stress. Much of the time is spent working with groups of children in an outdoor setting. The work is normally short term during the summer months. However, if a crisis arises, the nurse must have the critical care and rapid response background to deal with life-threatening situations.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Registered nurse preparation is required.
CORE COMPETENCIES/SKILLS NEEDED
Camp nurses require knowledge of first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bee stings, snakebites, cuts, and other acute traumatic episodes. Other requirements include
■ Understanding separation anxiety
■ Interpersonal skills
■ First aid knowledge
■ Physical and emotional assessment skills
■ Medication management
■ Ability to respond to unexpected situations
RELATED WEB SITES AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
■ Association of Camp Nurses (www.campnurse.org)