How to Become a Camp Nurse
Camp nurses treat pediatric and adult patients in a summer camp setting. The steps to become a camp nurse include education, testing, and licensing, after which camp nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a camp nurse, and where to start.
Become a Camp Nurse in 6 Steps
To become a camp nurse, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue certification in a specialty after a few years of bedside experience.
4
Work as a Registered Nurse
Before an RN can begin work as a camp nurse, they must first gain a few years of bedside clinical experience. Any field can provide helpful experience for a future career in camp nursing.
5
Apply for Camp Nurse Nursing Jobs
After spending some time at the bedside, nurses can apply for camp nurse positions.
6
Earn Camp Nurse Certification
After some bedside experience, aspiring camp nurses may pursue specialty certification in their field through the American Nurses Credentialing Association and the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Camp Nurses
Camp nurses must be registered nurses, a title earned by graduating with an ADN or a BSN degree.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a camp nurse with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a nursing degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Camp nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to those with a BSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future camp nurses a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares aspiring camp nurses to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Camp Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Camp nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want to see proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Some camp nurse positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS). In addition, camp nurses may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the American Nurses Credentialing Association, which offers a Pediatric Nursing Certification (PED-BC). Additionally, the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) offers:
Where Do Camp Nurses Work?
Camp nurses can find employment in a wide range of organizations. These may include:
- Academic and technology camps
- Arts and performance camps
- Chronic medical illness camps
- Faith-based camps
- Gender-specific camps
- Scouting camps
- Special-needs camps
- Sports camps
- Travel and expedition camps
FAQs: How to Become a Camp Nurse
1. What education is needed to become a camp nurse?
Camp nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. How many years does it take to become a camp nurse?
The time it takes to become a camp nurse depends on which degree one pursues, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree, plus one to two years or more of bedside experience.
3. What are the steps to become a camp nurse?
To become a camp nurse, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply for camp nurse positions and pursue specialty certification.
4. How much do camp nurses make an hour?
According to ZipRecruiter, camp nurses earn an average of $38.62 per hour, which equals about $80,321 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
