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Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Program Nurse

Ashford, CT

Seasonal Summer Staff

1 position available

Job Summary

The Adolescent Young Adult (AYA) Program Nurses will support the AYA programs, including the Hero’s Journey and Champion’s Journey Programs. The AYA Nurses will be the first point of contact and primary nursing care team for participants in the AYA Program in the daytime and overnight hours. The AYA Nurses work in the wilderness and traditional Camp environment to manage all nursing care needs of program participants, to include dispensing medications, charting in our electronic medical record and triaging needs. The AYA Nurses live alongside the program participants in the wilderness environment (tents, yurts, cooking fireside) for the duration of the Hero’s Journey program. The Champions Journey program provides traditional camp accommodations with temperature-controlled sleeping quarters and meals provided in Camp’s Dining Hall. The AYA Nurses ensure safe and appropriate engagement for all program participants through closely collaborating with Camp’s Program Team and Medical Leadership Team. The AYA Nurse provides onboarding and support for new medical volunteers each Camp session to serve as valued members of the Medical Team.  

Job Responsibilities

  • Provide nursing services to Campers and families in accordance with the standards of practice of a professional nurse, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s policies and procedures, state and federal regulations. 
  • Demonstrate clinical expertise and use the nursing process to provide safe, appropriate patient care to the Camp population according to Camp’s policies and standards. 
  • Make clinical and procedural decisions using the nursing process. 
  • Triage and treat acute issues among participants, staff and volunteers.
  • Provide primary nursing care to participants ages 16-18 in the Adolescent Young Adult summer program and reunion weekends. This includes medication administration (PO, GT/JT, IV, SQ, inhaled, and topical), procedures (IV placement, wound care, etc.), assistance with ADLs, assistance with meal planning, supervision at high-risk activities and emergency care. 
  • Assist with nutritional management of specialized dietary needs include but not limited to severe food allergies, PKU, fatty oxidation disorders, diabetes, etc.
  • Prepare nursing and medical supplies for basecamp and back country camping areas. 
  • Collaborate closely with AYA program staff to adapt the program to each participant's needs and ability using knowledge and understanding of wilderness environment and medical/nursing care needs. 
  • Provide education and support to program staff regarding participant needs and care. 
  • Serve as a role model and provide support to Camp staff and participants. 
  • Communicate with Nursing and Provider Leadership regarding plans of care, camper health and AYA Programming updates. 
  • Participate in Camper COVID-19 response protocols including screening, testing, transporting and caring for Camper under investigation or with confirmed COVID-19.

Job Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Registered Nursing Degree (BSN preferred). 
  • Current Connecticut RN license (prior to arrival at Camp) and current CPR certification. 
  • Current PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification (prior to arrival at Camp). 
  • Must be physically and mentally capable of handling the care of campers. 
  • Steward medical volunteer experience through onboarding and support.
  • Be familiar with and enforce all safety, emergency and Camp policies. 
  • Serve as a role model and provide support to Camp volunteers.
  • Commit to fostering a community that celebrates inclusivity and our Camp values, which are inclusion, gratitude, possibility, friendship and safety. 
  • Be flexible with the changing needs of the program.  
  • Comply with and remain flexible with COVID-19 specific precautions and requirements through the duration of the program, as outlined/advised by the CDC and the Hole in the Wall Medical Team.
  • The ability to work with a diverse community in a multicultural environment.
  • Pediatric hematology/oncology, inpatient and pediatric emergency experience is valued. 
  • Previous wilderness training, personal comfort and experience with outdoor camping and backpacking are valued. 
  • All positions are residential and are hired for the duration of our summer program. 

Key Onboarding and Arrival Dates

  • Online Virtual Gatherings (residential staff only): April 23rd, May 7th and May 21st @ 5pm EST
  • Resource Nurse: May 4th
  • AYA, Unit, and Night Nurse Orientation: June 5th
  • Dietary Support and Infirmary Support: June 9th
  • On-site training for all staff: June 9th
  • Summer Session schedule: June 19th - August 22nd

Apply Online

Questions regarding medical staff and volunteer positions can be directed to Emily Ring, Nursing Director.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate on the basis of age, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex, and is committed to a diverse workforce.