Dear Nurses,

Greetings and thank you for volunteering your time to be a Walcamp nurse.  If you’ve been a Walcamp nurse before – Welcome back!  If this is your first time at Walcamp – Welcome – we’re glad you’re here!  Either way, your time at Walcamp will be rewarding, fun-filled and educational.

This letter is to familiarize you with the expected duties of the Walcamp nurse.

1.	Pre-camp prep 
a.	Pray for the camp, staff, and campers!

b.	Read over healthcare policy/procedure book so you are familiar with appropriate responses. 

c.	Feel free to come and visit sometime for a tour, orientation, or to meet the staff you will be serving with.  Just call ahead to arrange a visit.  

2.	During Camp
a.	Arrival – please plan to arrive by 3:00 pm on the Sunday of your volunteer week.  This will allow you to move in, familiarize yourself with the first aid supplies and evaluate your needs for the week.

b.	Registration – camper check-in begins at 5:30 pm.  We ask that you are at your table by 5:00 pm.  You are responsible for reviewing each camper’s health care form as they are checked in.  Especially note any allergies to foods and/or meds (there is a form provided to make note of this for the counseling staff as well).  
i.	Medications – must be checked in to you.  List medications on a health care sheet for each camper with medications.  Make sure medications listed on the health care sheet match meds brought to camp!!!  It is extremely important to note that emergency contact information is recorded and that we have a parent/guardian signature for permission to provide emergency care.  Also, be certain that there is written consent for administering PRN Tylenol/Ibuprofen and Benadryl.  Each camper’s meds are placed in a separate bag with their name and the camp they are attending.  Meds are stored in large plastic boxes in the med cabinet and MUST be kept LOCKED!  The only exception to that would be Epi-pens or inhalers if a camper needs these frequently.  Then the med is given to the counselors who have kids taking meds and the time the med is due so the counselor is aware of medication needs.  Also, any symptoms or side effects the counselor may need to be aware of.  Most meds are administered at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or bedtime but maintain a schedule that parents request.
ii.	Note physical condition of each camper – rashes, open cuts or bruises that are present at the onset of camp.  Note any pertinent findings on the appropriate form.

iii.	If a camper arrives at camp without having a current physical completed, the RN will perform a mini physical and a $10.00 fee is assessed to the parents.  Assess lung sounds, B/P, HR and Rs.  Have camper perform jumping jacks and repeat HR and Rs.

c.	Duties throughout the week include:
i.	Dispensing meds as ordered
ii.	Off-site trip preparation – 
1.	Preparing meds and med sheets for campers who are leaving camp on adventure trips or off-site camps.  Make sure all health care forms, permission consents and all releases are signed and copies made to take on trips are ready the morning an adventure trip departs.  
2.	First-aid kit – a FA kit must accompany all off-site adventure trips
iii.	Daily log – there is a notebook to keep a daily log of all camper or counselor events that occur.  You need to document ANY encounter!
iv.	Availability – be available 24/7 via walkie-talkie for any emergency.  Being available for emotional support and reassurance for campers and staff.  For a lot of these kids this is their first away from home experience.  Keeping the enthusiasm and interest up is important in preventing/circumventing homesickness.  HUGS and a friendly greeting go amazingly far!!!

d.	Please be aware that there is poison ivy about camp.  If there is exposure have campers wash the affected area thoroughly and use Zanafel cream as directed.  We use reusable sponge ‘ice-packs’ which are located in the lodge freezer.

e.	Friday 
i.	Pack up- we ask that you be cleaned up and packed by around 10:00 am so that the facility can be cleaned for the weekend.  At least getting things picked up so the custodian can come in and clean is helpful.
ii.	Check-in and restock all trip camp and village first aid kits.
iii.	Campers are picked up at or during the closing campfire at 11:30 am.  You are responsible for returning meds to the parent/guardian.
iv.	Shopping List – please keep a “shopping list” of any PRN meds or med supplies that need replenishing.  

3.	Post-camp – feel free to let us know any suggestions or comments you have to make things easier for all the RNs who will follow you!

I pray that you enjoy your time at Walcamp!  You are a valuable and necessary part of the ministry here!  Thank you for your time and willingness to serve!

God’s Peace,

Heather Wickstrom
Summer Camp Program Specialist