Posted on 11/23/2017 8:04:03 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
If you're an aspiring nurse or are already working in the profession but looking for a change of pace, becoming a cruise nurse can be an appealing opportunity. Especially for someone who isn't tied down to responsibilities on land.
Being a nurse on a cruise ship is not unlike working in a busy ER or clinic setting – except that you're in the middle of the ocean on your way to some exotic locale. If you think you might like to hop aboard a career as a cruise nurse, here's what you need to know.
Licensing And Requirements
The qualifications for working as a nurse aboard a cruise ship are basically on par with any other nursing job, along with a couple of other requirements. First, you must have your nursing license and be a practicing nurse. Any approved state license will do, as you’ll be traveling all over the world. Or, as explained on the Princess Cruise line’s website, applicants must have “current registration and licensing with appropriate governmental or provincial regulatory agencies.”
Don’t expect to get a job on a cruise ship right out of nursing school, however. Most cruise lines require at least two years of working experience (some specify 3 years), and most prefer that you’ve worked in emergency or acute care.
Finally, all cruise ship nurses have to earn their certification in advanced cardiac life support, to ensure that they are well prepared to handle such emergencies on board.
Explore travel nurse opportunities on the nation’s largest nursing job board .
Nursing On The High Seas
If you’re wondering what a day in the life of a cruise nurse entails, it has similarities and differences to a land-based nursing position.
For starters, nurses on cruises offer patient care for everything from first aid, sea-sickness, and bad sunburns to more serious issues like cardiac arrest, serious injuries, and critical care. In some instances, the main objective of the nurse and the whole team is to get the patient stable enough to transfer them to the nearest facility on land, sometimes by helicopter or small boat. In these situations, at least one nurse will likely accompany the patient for that ride.
Cruise nurses work within a small medical team consisting of other nurses and physicians, and most major cruise lines have a well-equipped medical facility on board, complete with labs, X-ray equipment, a pharmacy, and more.
What is slightly different is that there usually isn’t a big support staff comprised of technicians, aides, and other workers like you’d find in a hospital. Therefore, cruise nurses have more hands-on interaction with their patients.
Shifts are similar to what nurses might expect, usually about 12 hours, and days off will rotate. However, at sea, nurses will also have to take turns being on call.
Salary And Contract
Most people who become cruise nurses are probably not in it for the money, since the salary is typically far less than one can earn at a hospital or other institution. However, the private cabin, free meals, and chance the travel the world offset the lower compensation. Cruise lines usually cover travel expenses to get nursing staff to the ships as well.
Cruise nurses are usually hired for a six-month contract. At the end of the job, nurses will usually take off a few weeks before beginning a new contract and heading back out again. If traveling is something you prioritize along with your nursing career, we encourage you to look into Travel nursing as well!
Ups And Downs Of A Cruise Ship Nurse
Pros
If you’re someone who loves cruising, taking a job on board isn’t exactly like a vacation, but you’ll get the chance for some down time. On days offs, nurses get to explore the ports of call, as well as enjoy some ship amenities.
Some people also prefer the flexibility of a short-term contract if they’re not ready to settle anywhere in particular.
Cruise nurses also have an exciting job in that every day is different and you don’t know what to expect. Working within a small team also gives cruise nurses a lot of autonomy and more responsibility than they may get as a shift nurse in a hospital with a larger staff.
Finally, cruise nurses get to meet and treat people from all over the world, and from all walks of life.
Looking for a change of scenery? See available nursing jobs by location .
Cons
Cruise nurses have to be comfortable with being away for months at a time, something that isn’t appealing to everyone, especially if you have family ties or other responsibilities.
As mentioned above, the salary for this position is usually not comparable to other nursing jobs, but your cost of living is very low because of the free room, board, and food.
Lastly, cruise nursing jobs are not as abundant as you might think, so if you’re really interested in pursuing this field, know that the job market is competitive. One way to stand out from other candidates is if you’re bilingual, or have experience working in a multicultural setting. Cultural sensitivity and awareness is a big part of the job.
Finding Work As A Cruise Ship Nurse
If you think cruise nurse is a great fit for you, the best way to find a job is to contact the medical departments of cruise lines directly on their company websites. The American College of Emergency Physicians website has a handy round-up of contact information, but note that information may change or become outdated.
Whether or not becoming a cruise nurse is the right career move for you, it goes to show that nursing is a versatile skill that can take you places, both professionally and literally. Bon voyage!
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But we've family and friends in the nursing profession. I'll pass this article along. :-)
Which is darned expensive, by the way. Cruise ships don't take insurance or Medicare. You pay up front - I think it's like $85 for the consult - and file with your company later.
They did spring for a bunch of big Band-Aids free of charge however. So there's that.
I’m a packrat, so I still have my Bobbsey Twins, Cherry Ames and Vicky Barr books. Tried them again last year and they only hold up so-so. Was there anything more inspiring than Army Nurse or Flight Nurse?
Working on a cruise ship (in any capacity) would be a great experience and adventure for a young person just starting out.
going as Chaplin sounds like a lot more fun than going as nurse.
You do have a gift :). Thanks for the chuckles.
Newly wed;
Over-fed;
Nearly dead.
Lol.
I would have to see if I have any of my old ones, I got them from the library many, many years ago, and then put them on the shelves next to my Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon, and Hardy Boys books.
They hold up ok, I agree, but you see the change in attitude, technologies, etc. Then they become a fascinating time machine!
I made a comment in the office about Bobbsey Twins and got massive blank looks.
The young, they have no sense of history. :-)
And they do it 7 days a week for the duration of the contract, be that 4 months, 5 months, or longer.
>>The young, they have no sense of history
YES!!!!
And what they’re learning is terrifying.
Yes, you get to wear a toothbrush mustache and do the funny walk with a cane.
I thought I was going to get one of those Bon Voyage gifts of a fruit basket or something, but no.
The Captain was throwing fruit at me while I was in the water, but I think it was rotten.
Good thing he can steer a boat because he’d never make it as a pitcher. Couldn’t hit the broadside of the ocean.
I tried to hit some of the fruit back at Granny The Enforcer, but I just kept spinning around in the water and this seemed to be attracting sharks and little children who were trying to bonk me with their refillable soda cups.
“LOL” always reminds me of Drill Sergeant Harrison.
Probably because he called me a lolligagger.
“You are a shirker and a malingerer and a lolligagger!”, he’d yell at me.
“Pick one, because I can’t do three things at once!”, I replied, somewhat nonchalantly.
Then he’d kick me.
Right in my back pocket which always had to be buttoned.
Lolligagger. My grandma used to tell the grandkids we were lolligagging. Blast from the past!! :)
I have a friend who worked as a musician on cruises for several years. She really liked it - but did discuss the downside to it. As you say, it would be just right for a young person starting out!
LOL! Good observation!
Loved the Bobbsey Twins and Betsy books.
Crap - I see that I DID capitalize it!
Although it doesn’t “sound” like fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCpvEDoPY6k
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