What Is A Cruise Ship Nurse?
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Chief Nurses lead the entire nursing staff and report directly to the ship’s doctor. A minimum of three years of clinical experience is required for this position. Sarah S. Falcone, BSN, RN, is a professional Registered Nurse and freelance health content writer in Fort Worth, TX. Sarah is a passionate advocate for moving advanced levels of care to the home, where her clients can safely receive the medical treatments they need with greater satisfaction and comfort. She focuses on patient experience, outcomes, and advancing clinical models using innovative technology to serve patients better. After 15 years of practicing patient care and nursing leadership, Sarah began sharing her own nursing experiences and expertise through digital media.
Types of Nurse Jobs on a Cruise Ship
Those who apply to become a cruise ship nurse do not do so mainly for the salary that it offers. Nurses who have worked in critical care units such as the CVICU or ICU will be more desirable candidates for cruise ship nurse positions. Also, nurses who speak other languages will be helpful to the medical team.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cruise Ship Nurses
If you’re interested in travel and adventure, and don’t mind working under short-term contracts, find out how to become a cruise ship nurse and more. If you're interested in becoming a cruise ship nurse, check out different cruise line websites to look for open positions. Nurse staffing agencies might also know of cruise ship nurse opportunities that you haven't found. Cruise lines employ a team of nurses, so someone will be available to provide healthcare at all times. When serious problems do occur, your team of nurses and other physicians will work to keep the patient healthy until they can be transferred to the nearest healthcare facility on land. Are you a registered nurse (RN) with a desire to travel the world?
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Challenges and Considerations for Nurses Working on Cruise Ships
In such a case, when the patient needs to be transferred by airlift to be given further medical attention in a hospital, a cruise ship nurse stays by the patient’s side for the ride. The duration and frequency of days off can vary, ranging from a few days to a week or more, depending on the contract terms and cruise line policies. These days off allow nurses to rest, relax, explore ports of call, and recharge before returning to their duties on board. It’s important to note that the schedule and availability of days off may vary depending on the ship’s operations, such as during peak travel periods or in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Cruise ship nurses typically receive a competitive salary that is based on their experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. Salaries can range from around $3,000 to $6,000 or more per month, depending on various factors.
These nurses also receive other benefits such as paid transportation, lodging, and living expenses. In general, cruise ship nurses are not able to bring their families on board. Cruise ship employment contracts typically only cover the nurse’s individual employment, and the living accommodations and facilities provided are designed for single or shared occupancy. The nature of working on a cruise ship involves being away from home for extended periods, often in a limited space environment.
Requirements for Nurses to Work on Cruise Ships
Cruise ship nurses get to enjoy life on the seas as well as decent salaries. ZipRecruiter estimates that cruise ship nurses earn an average of $81,396 per year, though ZipRecuriter also estimates that more than half of current cruise ship nurses earn less. Glassdoor reports that Royal Carribean nurses earn an estimated base pay of $97,894 per year.
However, if this type of experience isn’t available to you, then showing that you are willing and able to learn emergency medicine skills quickly shows you’re flexible. Cruise ship nurses typically have officer roles, receive single cabins, and enjoy deck privileges. You will have free time when there are no in-patients and can partake in onboard entertainment, dine at the ship’s fine restaurants and occasionally go ashore to explore the awesome ports of call.
BROWSE JOBS
Cruise ship nurses work on a rotational schedule, which often involves working for a set number of days followed by a block of time off. It’s important to note that while cruise ship infirmaries are staffed by medical professionals, their scope of practice may be limited compared to onshore medical facilities. In cases where specialized care or services are needed, arrangements may be made to transfer patients to onshore medical facilities at the next port of call.
Cruise Ship Nurse Salary
Larger cruise ships often have more extensive medical facilities and may employ multiple nurses, while smaller ships may have fewer medical staff or may contract with outside medical providers. To be eligible for a nursing job on a cruise ship, you will typically need to have a valid nursing license from your home country or the country where the ship is registered. Additionally, experience in emergency medicine, primary care, or intensive care is highly desirable. Some cruise lines may also require nurses to have Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network. The working shifts for medical staff are shifts of 12 hours, 12 hours on duty followed by 12 hours off. Schedules, assignments, and priorities may change, so a good cruise nurse will be able to roll with the waves.
RNs must gain experience that will prepare them for practice onboard a cruise ship. A four-year BSN degree prepares nurses with an education that will prepare them for success in cruise nursing, including courses in leadership and management. Medical teams arrange evacuation and transport to higher-level facilities in serious emergencies. Cruise ship nurses perform direct care and administrative nursing duties. In addition, they also perform activities that are specific to cruises and may seem unusual to nurses in other fields.
Nurse practitioners take on a broader role, able to stand in for the doctor and prescribe medications. They maintain injury and illness logs and ensure that first aid supplies are well-stocked on the ship and lifeboats. Nurse Practitioners contribute significantly to the medical team’s capabilities. The Lead/Chief oversees nursing staff and medical clinic operations. Most states require cruise nurses to complete continuing education hours to renew their license every two years. Cruise ship nurses also spend a significant amount of time on the seas.
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