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 for 2021 we are hiring a head nurse to keep us safe as camp grows.

We do want to note that our plans for summer of 2021 are not finalized. We will proceed with accepting resumes for this position as we monitor and assess the safety of in-person camp for our population during the pandemic. 

Please send a resume and letter of interest to ssheadnurse@gmail.com by April 30 to apply. 

Special Session Head Nurse: Job Description

Special Session Head Nurse 2021: Job Description
Contract Position
Pay Range $2500-$3000
 
Special Session is a summer camp for people of all abilities hosted at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama. For one week this summer, (July 24-31) we serve 70-100 adult campers with disabilities; 40 volunteer counselors (ages 16-24); and a support staff of about 40 people. We also have a fall retreat (Oct 22-24), 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 and communicate with caregivers prior to camp and to be present for the entire summer sessions and the fall retreat. Children are welcome at camp and childcare is available during the session. This is a contracted position. This position requires a background check and completion of all Episcopal Church training requirements for sexual abuse and misconduct prevention.
 
Essential Job Functions:

• Advise the Special Session director and steering committee on protocols, admission requirements, etc.
• Help recruit volunteer nurses to serve in support role during the session (ratio of 1 nurse: 20 campers)
• Review camper and counselor health forms prior to camp. Make recommendations about camp eligibility based on our ability to provide necessary care.
• Communicate with camper caregivers to organize medication drop off and organization.
• 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.
• Design and give basic health and first aid training to volunteer staff
• Coordinate and supervise volunteer nurses to carry out the following tasks
  • Distribute and document distribution of camper and counselor medications
  • Communicate with camp staff about camper health issues
  • Communicate specific camper health needs (allergies, special diets) to staff, including kitchen staff
  • Provide first aid to campers and counselors during the camp sessions.
  • Respond to emergency medical situations.

 
Qualifications

• Licensed to practice as a nurse in the State of Alabama
• Ability to be present for entire camp sessions
• Flexible – able to adapt to different environments and schedules.
• Good bedside manner, friendly and personable. 
• Strong assessment abilities.
• Prior experience with people with disabilities preferred
• Prior summer camp experience preferred

 
Physical Aspects of the Job:
•Ability to verbally communicate and work with youth and adults
•Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce relevant safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
•Ability to 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 camp community.
•Endurance including prolonged standing, some bending, stooping, walking long distances, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity.
•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.