Camp Paivika - Registered Nurse

ABOUT US:

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Camp Paivika, one of the first fully accessible camps in the U.S., continues this mission by providing life-changing summer experiences for children, teens, and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Registered Nurse provides comprehensive medical care and health oversight for campers and staff, ensuring a safe, supportive, and inclusive camp environment for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. Working closely with the Camp Director, Unit Directors, and nursing staff, this role oversees daily medical care, medication administration, documentation, and emergency response. 

In addition to direct clinical responsibilities, the Registered Nurse supports staff training on camper health needs and serves as a key medical resource for the camp community. This is a hands-on role ideal for a compassionate, organized healthcare professional committed to safety, collaboration, and mission-driven care. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend Supervisor, Nurse and Program Staff Training 
• Participate with the training team to train staff in the physical care needs of campers including pressure sores, accidents, seizures, bowel & bladder care, personal hygiene, allergies, special diets, use of Hoyer lift and medications & medication procedures.  
• Follows procedures outlined in the Camp Nursing Manual and Physician’s Standing Orders.  
• Supervises and oversees the work of Licensed Vocational Nursing staff.  
• Works closely with the other nursing staff on all pertinent medical issues.
• Directly responsible to the Camp Director but works closely with the Unit Directors in the management of camper care. Consults daily with the Camp Director and other supervisors regarding camper concerns.  
• Responsible for all medical care administered to assigned campers and staff and the daily documentation of such care. May include: diabetic management, bowel and bladder care, g-tube care, trach care, breathing treatments.  
• Charts all given care. Nursing notes are to be kept current and thorough and are to be added to the camper files at the end of each session.  
• Responsible for the distribution and immediate charting of all medications distributed to assigned campers.  
• Responsible for pre-camp screening (temperature, throat, and general physical condition) of assigned campers and medication check-in and verification.  
• Conducts pre-camp health screening of staff prior to camper arrival.  
• In an emergency, assumes responsibility for any job deemed necessary by the Camp Director or associate Camp Director to ensure the safety of all campers and staff.  
• At the end of the summer program: completes inventory of all medical supplies and submits recommendations for the next year; ensures that all medical records and pertinent documentation is complete and turned in to the Camp Director. 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

• Must be a registered nurse with a current, valid California nursing license.  
• Experience working with individuals with special needs and/or camp experience is desirable.  
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and perform the physically rigorous daily care tasks for individuals with severe physical disabilities.  
• Must hold current CPR certification.  
• Must have demonstrated leadership skills consistent with camp rules and policies.  
• Must agree to abide by AbilityFirst rules and policies.  
• All offers of employment are contingent on passing a background check and a pre-employment physical exam, which includes a drug screen. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 75lbs. and perform the physically rigorous daily care tasks for individuals with severe physical disabilities. 
• Must be able to reside on camp premises in shared housing with other staff, when camp is in session.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. 

NOTE: All staff members hired for temporary positions at Camp Paivika are considered temporary, at-will employees for the duration of their assignment. Temporary employees do not attain regular employee status at any time. 

During this period, it is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee, clearly communicate job expectations and Camp Paivika and AbilityFirst standards, and assess whether the employee demonstrates the required skills, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to successfully fulfill the temporary assignment. Employees are encouraged to seek guidance and support throughout this time 

Temporary employees who fail to meet performance, conduct, or attendance expectations may be separated from employment at any time, with or without notice. Completion of the introductory period does not alter the temporary or at-will nature of employment. Employees may terminate their employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and AbilityFirst retains the same right. 

AbilityFirst reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify job duties, responsibilities, work assignments, or the duration of any temporary position at any time. 

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Ability First does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.  

Ability First is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.