Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Camp Nurse Crosslake, MN · Maple Lake, MN · Contractor Company website

Apply for Camp Nurse

The Camp Nurse must be a licensed RN, NP, or MD. The Camp Nurse is responsible for safely distributing medication to campers and providing basic first aid to sick or injured campers and staff. The Camp Nurse may determine that an illness or injury requires intervention beyond what is available at the camp, and the nurse ensures that the camper's health form and medical release go with the camp staff or emergency responders who transport the camper to treatment. The Camp Nurse documents all illnesses, injuries, and treatments provided at camp.

Responsibilities and Duties

Before Camp:

• Arrive at camp between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM the evening before staff training. (Staff training is the day before camp starts. Therefore, if camp starts on Sunday, June 18th, the nurse will be expected to arrive on the evening of June 16th).
• Complete staff training.
• Get acquainted with the medical supplies and storage areas. If necessary supplies are missing, report them to the on-site Camp Directors or the Camp Program Coordinator immediately.
• Read all camper health forms, making note of any life-threatening conditions or allergies.

During Camp:

• Meet with parents/guardians during camper drop-off. Confirm that the information on their camper’s health form has not changed since the form was submitted and collect all medications, both OTC and prescription. Special attention should be paid to any medications considered controlled substances.
• Immediately return non-essential and non-prescribed vitamins and OTC medications to parents. The influx of these items consumes time that our medical team needs to devote to distributing prescription medications and caring for campers with diagnosed medical conditions.
• Create a medication administration sheet for each camper who regularly takes medications.
• Attend each meal and distribute any medications as prescribed. 
• Demonstrate a positive, helpful, can-do attitude around all campers and staff.
• Serve as a role model that camper needs always come first.
• Participate in camp activities as possible.

Last Day of Camp:

• Pack any remaining camper medications into individually labeled bags to return to parents. Special attention should be paid to any medications considered controlled substances.
• Be available at camper pick-up to return medications and “delivery devices” (applesauce, juice, syringe, etc.) to parents/guardians.
• Pack all remaining medical supplies into storage bins and return them to the on-site Camp Directors.
• Return the Nurse Log, Medication Log, and all camper health forms to the on-site Camp Directors or the Director of Camp Programs.
• Pack all personal belongings, strip bedding, and clean staff quarters. Leave the room in better shape than it was found.
• Check out of camp with the on-site Directors before leaving.
• Complete and submit any feedback forms.

Qualifications and Skills

AuSM has a strong preference for candidates with experience serving autistic youth and adults in an inclusive school or camp-based setting, including:

• Licensed Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, or Medical Doctor.
• Demonstrated knowledge of autism spectrum disorder and neurodiversity.
• Respect for the dignity of every human being.
• Friendly, enthusiastic, encouraging, compassionate, reflective, patient, and fun-loving.
• A team player with a good sense of humor who engages all campers and staff.

About the Autism Society of Minnesota

The mission of the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. AuSM seeks to enhance the lives of all who are a part of the Minnesota autism community, with a fundamental commitment to advocacy, education, support, collaboration, and community building. 

About Camp Hand in Hand

AuSM Camps serve autistic children and adults of all abilities. Camp Hand in Hand, held at Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN, is an overnight camp with a staff-to-camper ratio of at least 1:1. Camp Hand in Hand can accommodate the support needs of all campers except those who require extensive nursing care. 

About Camp Discovery

AuSM Camps serve autistic children and adults of all abilities. Camp Discovery, held at True Friends Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN, is an overnight camp with a staff-to-camper ratio of at least 4:1.

Compensation

Camp Nurses receive a stipend of $1200 per session.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Autism Society of Minnesota does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices because of race, color, age, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law, or local ordinance.