How Camp Nurses Keep Campers Safe
By Tiffany Aller, contributor
Millions of children attend camp every year — as many as 14 million each year.
Camp nurses bear a lot of responsibility for setting the safety standards that keep kids protected. While this position comes with an important burden, it also comes with the chance to work closely with young people and in a fun environment during summer months. Camp nurses can also enjoy all the activities and amenities the camp has to offer during their off hours.
FIND nursing positions in a variety of settings from clinical to hospital and even larger camps throughout the country.
5 Tips for Camp Nurses to Keep Campers Safe
Camp nurses partner with many other camp professionals to see to the safety of campers. This position is highly influential and integral to overall camp safety practices. Incorporate these five tips into your camp nursing practice this summer so you can adhere to the highest level of safety.
1. Enforce checkups before camp stays
The experts from the Association of Camp Nursing (ACN) recommend that all campers undergo thorough health screenings both to root out issues that need to be addressed, as well as “to minimize risks of other campers falling ill.” At camp, germs spread easily. By ensuring healthy campers attend camp, all campers can be protected.
2. Encourage awareness of weather safety procedures
Storms can roll in very quickly and catch both professionals and campers off guard. Camp professionals, including camp nurses, can work to develop safety plans and procedures. Then, everyone can react as soon as possible to take cover, shelter in place or evacuate as necessary. Camp nurses can develop safety checklists for campers and leaders to run through to ensure physical safety during storms and rapidly check for injuries in case of exposure.
3. Help campers embrace healthy eating habits
While campers are away from their families, they may be tempted to eat unhealthy meals or sneak treats. The experts at the ACN weigh in on this issue, stating that it's "important to eat nourishing foods and not over-consume junk food, fast foods or highly-processed foods to stay healthy and have energy during camp.”
Camp nurses can work with nutritionists and cooks to design healthy menus kids will enjoy and make interactive presentations to encourage healthy eating habits.
4. Develop safe swimming standards
According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death in the world. Camp nurses can work with other personnel to ensure children are adequately tested for swimming readiness before allowed in camp pools or lakes. In addition, nurses can work to develop standards for lifeguarding and water exposure.
5. Teach everyday sun and exposure safety
Sun exposure and bug bites threaten health immediately and can also lead to future wellness issues in the case of burns and bites by certain bugs. The ACN advises camp nurses to teach campers to always use sunscreen and bug spray.
Whether this is your first time as a camp nurse or you are experienced in this type of practice, you can incorporate these tips to ensure a successful outcome for all campers and camp personnel.