Summer Camp Nursing

[cisward]

I am an RN working for three weeks at a Summer Camp for kids California before I return back to the floor. Recently it came to my attention that a camper has cutting, burning, and past thoughts of suicide. This camp is not set up for this type of behavior, care, or observation. What is my liability with this camper?

[cougarnurse]

First and foremost......Has anyone contacted the parents, STAT? If anything were to happen....

[hppygr8ful]

I am an RN working for three weeks at a Summer Camp for kids California before I return back to the floor. Recently it came to my attention that a camper has cutting, burning, and past thoughts of suicide. This camp is not set up for this type of behavior, care, or observation. What is my liability with this camper?

Is this camper currently engaging in this behavior or was it in the past . If it is current the parents need to be notified and the child taken to a hospital for evaluation for current suicidal ideation. Cutting and burning is not usually a suicidal behavior but rather an attempt to channel strong emotion. If current my suggestion after working years of adolescent psych is to send the child to a hospital for independent evaluation. You never really know what's going on at home.

Hppy

[cougarnurse]

Thank you, Hppy! I agree with you.

[Ricu]

I'd call this a "Hot Mess" Classic denial complicated by overcommitment. This young person is lucky to be in a setting where behaviors have been identified and attention has been called. How many others are there out there?

[nurseamyg]

I think you should call the parents and inform the organizers/administrators of the camp..