Reply To: role/scope of practice

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#43019

Phyllis:

Welcome to the Association of Camp Nursing. We are glad to assist with your question. If you are practicing as a nurse and telling people you are the camp nurse, there are legal requirements. These requirements include licensure and having medical oversight that provide orders for you to follow. Some camps have standing orders while others use different mechanisms (like calling the provider) and getting an order. It is not very efficient to have to call everytime you need to give a medication but every state can have different requirements. As a nurse you must have an order for all prescription and over the counter medications from an authorized prescriber in your state (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant).

Please know the same is true for an EMT. The EMT can only practice as an EMT under the direction of the physician who oversees their EMS operations. The EMT cannot practice independently. The EMT could operate as an assistive personnel but would need to have orientation and training provided by an RN or higher level care provider.

We are glad to discuss this with you more and provide resources for you. Please feel free to email at [email protected] if you would like further direction or support.

Best to you.
TAke care
Tracey Gaslin