Camp & School Nursing

Camp and school nurses play crucial roles in ensuring the health and safety of students and campers. While their responsibilities share similarities, they also have unique duties specific to their settings.

Camp Nurse Duties:

1. Health Assessments: Conducting initial health screenings and assessments for campers and staff upon arrival.
2. Medication Administration: Managing and dispensing medications to campers as prescribed, ensuring proper dosages and schedules.
3. Emergency Care: Providing first aid and emergency care for injuries and illnesses that occur during camp activities.
4. Health Education: Educating campers and staff on health and safety practices, including hygiene, sun protection, and hydration.
5. Chronic Condition Management: Monitoring and managing chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and allergies.
6. Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate medical records and documentation for all campers and staff.
7. Health Promotion: Encouraging healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices among campers.
8. Collaboration: Working with camp directors and staff to develop and implement health policies and protocols.

School Nurse Duties: 

1. Health Assessments: Conducting routine health screenings for vision, hearing, scoliosis, and other health conditions.
2. Medication Administration: Administering medications to students as prescribed, including managing emergency medications like epinephrine for allergies.
3. First Aid and Emergency Care: Providing first aid and emergency care for injuries and illnesses that occur during school hours.
4. Chronic Condition Management: Managing chronic health conditions, creating care plans, and coordinating with parents and healthcare providers.
5. Health Education: Teaching students about health topics such as nutrition, hygiene, puberty, and substance abuse prevention.
6. Immunization Records: Keeping track of student immunization records and ensuring compliance with state and school requirements.
7. Health Counseling: Providing counseling and support for students dealing with health issues, stress, and other concerns.
8. Public Health Coordination: Collaborating with local health departments on public health issues and managing outbreaks of contagious diseases.
9. Safety Planning: Participating in the development of school safety plans, including emergency response and disaster preparedness.

Both camp and school nurses are essential in promoting health and safety, providing care, and educating their respective populations on health-related matters.