Because of the population we serve, camp nursing is a tremendous part of the ministry of Special Session. Since 1998, volunteer nurses have kept us safe and cared for at camp. We will still rely on volunteer nurses, but this year for the first time we are hiring a head nurse to keep us safe as camp grows.

​We'll accept applications for this position until Feb 29, 2020. Please email resumes to lmullen@dioala.org with subject "Head Nurse Position."

Special Session Head Nurse: Job Description

Contract Position
$3500
 
Special Session is a summer camp for people of all abilities hosted at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama. For two weeks in the summer (June 5-12 and June 14-21), we serve 70 adult campers with disabilities; 40 volunteer counselors at each session (ages 16-24); and a support staff of about 40 people at each session. We also have a fall retreat (Nov 13-15), which serves 25 adults with disabilities with a staff of 50 adults. For all sessions, we aim to maintain a ratio of one nurse (volunteer or staff) for every 20 campers.
 
The Head Nurse is the leader of the volunteer health staff. They are expected to review applications prior to camp and to be present for the entire summer sessions and the fall retreat. This is a contracted position.
 
Essential Job Functions:

• Review camper and counselor health forms prior to camp
• Provide basic health care information to staff during staff training
• Identify health problems serious enough to require a physician’s attention or emergency medical care.
• Coordinate and supervise volunteer nurses to carry out the following tasks
  • Distribute and document distribution of camper and counselor medications
  • Communicate with camp directors about camper health issues
  • Communicate specific camper health needs (allergies, special diets) to staff
  • Provide first aid to campers and counselors during the camp sessions.

 
Qualifications

• RN degree (licensed to practice in the State of Alabama)
• Flexible – able to adapt to different environments and schedules.
• Good bedside manner, friendly and personable. •
• Strong assessment abilities.
• Prior experience with people with disabilities
• Prior summer camp experience preferred

 
Physical Aspects of the Job:

• Ability to verbally communicate and work with youth and adults
• Ability to visually and auditorially observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce relevant safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Ability to visually and auditorially observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring First Aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers. •
• Endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs
• Willingness to live in a camp setting for two weeks and work irregular hours with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun and heat.