Travel Nurse Bonds With Kids at Summer Camp
This month, we continue our inside look at the incredible work being done at Roundup River Ranch, a free summer camp for children with severe diseases. Medical Solutions, a longtime supporter of this cause, has donated more than $5,000 directly to the Colorado-based camp this year, helped recruit some of the nurses, and funded a portion of their pay for the summer.
One such Medical Solutions Travel Nurse, Lisa, S., RN, joins us today to explain why her Travel Nursing experience this summer has reinforced her desire to help children.
Thanks for chatting with Medical Solutions, Lisa. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure, I’m an RN specializing in Emergency Room nursing, and I’ve been a nurse for 6 years. I started traveling about 15 months ago. This is my first summer at Roundup River Ranch.
What inspired you to work there for the summer?
I worked as a camp counselor each summer between the ages of 14-21 and loved it. I never expected that I’d be able to return to camp as an adult. At my last assignment at Children’s Hospital, I spoke with a number of nurses there who had volunteered at Roundup River Ranch. They all had wonderful experiences. The decision basically made itself. I feel incredibly lucky to work with an amazing cadre of medical professionals and absolutely awe-inspiring kids. Plus, it’s so fun to be in here in the Colorado mountains in gorgeous weather!
How did you hear about this opportunity? From my incredible recruiter Keahna W. at Medical Solutions (thank you Keahna!)
How has your camp experience at Roundup River Ranch changed your personal and professional outlook?
My time at Children’s gave me a peek at how incredible and resilient children with chronic illness can be. My time at camp has given me the chance to actually get to know them, care for them for a longer time, and appreciate their experiences so much more. This camp leaves me so much more excited for more experience working with children. I also have a better understanding now of what I’m capable of as a nurse and as a person.
What types of memories from this camp will you take back to your life as an RN?
I will remember numerous smiling faces, and kids of all ages conquering their fears in favor of fun and joy. I also won’t forget the incredible bond I made with my Roundup family.
Which ones stand out as the most rewarding and why?
The most rewarding part was watching these kids overcome their personal obstacles. I witnessed pure joy in the face of so many challenges. We all have obstacles we face, and the degree of grace that we approach them with varies. Personally, I know I have been guilty of making a small problem into a much larger one in my head. These children really put things into perspective, and I hope to truly draw upon these memories moving forward in my life.
What would
you tell other nurses about this camp and would you recommend going back?
I would definitely recommend going back. I would tell other nurses that in some ways you will work harder and longer then you ever have before, but it will be so worth it!
What will you miss the most when camp is over?
I’ll miss the kids, the family we have here at camp, and the beauty of living in the mountains.
If you loved reading about Lisa’s summer, look for the final installment on Medical Solutions’ Roundup River Ranch series next month. You can also look back on Kelli C’s experience at the camp here or learn more about this amazing summer camp at RoundupRiverRanch.org.