I hate bugs and am not an outdoors person.

Yet, I just wrapped up my annual camp nursing week (and what a week it was).

There was no power or Wi-Fi from the moment I arrived. Headlamps, power banks, and battery-powered lanterns quickly became my new work bestie. We were surviving and adapting (just like nurses always do). Then, the water line broke so no water either!

Our clinic was a two-person team: an ER physician and myself, an RN. We met for the first time and had our first patient within the hour. From there, we handled everything from burns and fish-hook injuries to sprains, suspected concussions, and the usual bug bites.

We taught a course on emergency bleeding management, shared stories about our lives, and even managed to sneak in a few canoe rides. We supported each other so we could spend time with friends and family and soak in the beauty of camp life.

And yes, we delivered care without power or running water for days. It was a return to the basics, and a reminder of how much is possible with resourcefulness, teamwork, and a calm mindset.

Camp nursing might not be for everyone, but it’s just one of the many directions a nursing career can take you.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful week, wherever nursing takes you next.

You got this,
Sara

Non-Traditional Nursing Spotlight

Camp Nursing

I never once considered camp nursing until someone asked me.

I actually thought she wanted me to post the job for her.

She said she was wondering if I could do the job.

I’d never worked with older kids or teenagers before.

I’d never worked in primary care before.

And of course, never worked in a camp before.

Here’s what I think helped me get the job:

• Talking about my experience volunteering with children in high school and university

• Showing my passion for wanting to help kids have fun and memorable camping experiences

• Describing how I worked with challenging patients and families

• Emphasizing my ability to think quickly and provide first aid

• And of course, a personal recommendation

I have now done this for three summers.

My family has been able to come enjoy camp with me.

My kids see me “in action”.

I can learn new skills and grow as a nurse.

There’s definitely no shortage of nurses who want to do this, opposite to everywhere else I’ve worked!