Ask a Nursing Advisor: Camp Nursing
I’ve been asked to be a camp nurse this summer in Saskatchewan, and I have never done this before. I want to ensure I’m practicing safely and working within my scope.
- What does it mean to be a camp nurse?
- Does the CRNS have any resources or guidance that might support me as a Registered Nurse (RN) to do this?
Many RNs may seek an opportunity or be asked to be a camp nurse. The CRNS appreciates and recognizes the value and expertise RNs bring to this role in providing safe, knowledgeable, ethical and comprehensive care. Connecting with the campers, staff and families can be a unique, challenging and rewarding experience.
What is Camp Nursing?
Camp nurses are clinicians, educators, counselors, care coordinators and leaders that may serve in either paid or volunteer roles. RNs can have an incredible impact on the health and well-being of campers and their families, with the assurance that their loved ones will have access to nursing care if needed while away from home.
Camp nurses may need to manage various acute and chronic health conditions and apply their knowledge, skill and judgment, either autonomously or as part of a team. The responsibilities of camp nursing vary from camp to camp, but the camp nurse role follows the nursing process and is typically responsible for:
- Complying with Code of Conduct, 2026; RN Practice Standards, 2026; RN Entry-Level Competencies, 2026; NP Practice Standards, 2026; NP Entry-Level Competencies, 2026
- Following agency protocols and procedures
- Following and implementing evidence-informed infection prevention and control
- Utilizing emergency processes and care escalation
- Coordinating and prioritizing routine and emergent care
- Assessing and implementing interventions to meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health needs of campers and others
- Monitoring health conditions, including allergies, medication management and providing health education
- Providing emotional support, applying knowledge of growth and development and coping strategies
- Communicating with families and the agency as needed
- Maintaining boundaries, privacy, confidentiality
- Ensuring consent for care is obtained and documented
- Complying with agency and professional documentation requirements (Documentation Guideline, 2026)
Resources
RNs can utilize the self-assessment tool to determine if camp nursing is within their scope of practice.
Some foundational resources to review and have available (if applicable) for camp nursing are:
- Code of Conduct, 2026
- RN Entry-Level Competencies, 2026
- NP Practice Standards, 2026
- NP Entry-Level Competencies, 2026
- Medication Management Guideline, 2026
- RNs Recommending & Administering Non-Prescription Drugs Guideline, 2026
- Documentation Guideline, 2026
- Registered Nurse Specialty Practice Guideline, 2026
- Professional Boundary Considerations for Nurse-Client Relationships, 2026
| Common Health Conditions/ Potential Challenges | Common Issues |
| Asthma and other respiratory conditions Allergies Diabetes Sleep disturbances ADHD, autism Trauma, anxiety, depression, other mental illness There may also be an increased risk of illness outbreaks due to the proximity of campers and staff And more | Allergic reactions Headaches Fainting, seizures Heatstroke Insect bites, scrapes and wounds needing cleaning and dressing, splinters, rashes, exposure to poison ivy Sprains, strains, broken or dislocated limbs, head injuries Nosebleeds Homesickness Viral illnesses Burns Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea Needing mental health support Needing to update tetanus shots And more |
Key Considerations
Agency Policy, Supportive Documents and Best Practice
It’s important to follow established agency policy or supportive documents, to incorporate best practices in nursing being delivered in a camp setting and to follow the nursing process (assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation).
Education and Personal Competence
Reviewing these foundational resources, agency policy and best practices listed above can help you determine if you have the competence, knowledge, skill and judgment to safely be a camp nurse and are fit to practice.
Are there any gaps in your competence? You may need to address them through orientation, education, etc., to ensure you can provide safe and ethical care relative to that setting or role.
Legal/Risk
RNs in Saskatchewan have basic professional liability protection as part of their registration through the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS) when working within their scope of practice.
Is there any conflict of interest with your primary area of employment? You can discuss this with your employer and the camp agency.
Does the camp agency have any additional liability protection or insurance?
Who can you talk to about additional legal considerations/liability? To ensure your liability coverage is adequate in your role, it is recommended that you contact the CNPS. Their number is 1-800-267-3390. Remember to have your registration number available before calling; they will ask you for this.
Connect
If you become a camp nurse, we invite you to share your experiences and learning with other nurses on our Facebook page CRNS Connects.
If you have any questions, we’d be happy to connect and provide guidance tailored to your unique context and situation. Contact a CRNS Practice and Education Nursing Advisor by email at practiceadvice@crns.ca or by phone at 1.800.667.9945.