Skype Interview with Cruise Line

[EMSnut45]

I have just gotten the opportunity to interview via Skype for a cruise ship nurse position. I have never used Skype before, let alone have an interview that was not in person. I plan on doing a few practice trials with my family to make sure I know how to work Skype, and choose the right background and clothing. Does anyone have any other suggestions regarding this new way of interviewing?

I'm also interested in hearing from others who have worked as a cruise nurse. It seems very hard to find any first hand info from those who have experience.

Thanks!!

[EMSnut45, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Sure!! Ask away!!

as far as shifts, it was 24 hours on and 24 hours off. When I say 24 hours on, I mean I didn't get to sleep and worked for 24 hours straight.

[Lisak119]

I recently applied as a paramedic on a cruise ship and just got an email today to schedule a Skype interview for next week. I REALLY want this job. I think it will be an awesome adventure! Can you please give me some interview pointers? I am super nervous!!! Thanks for al of your help!!!

[NedRN]

Try to look white, personable, attractive, and articulate. Think and be "Love Boat". Somewhat tongue in cheek but I don't believe for a second that a video interview will help them to assess your clinical abilities.

[EMSnut45, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Approach the interview as you would any other. It was exactly the same as any in-person interview I've done, just through a computer screen. Dress as you would any other interview, have your résumé, list of questions, and note paper handy to reference.

The first interview should be with a generic HR rep, so more customer service based questions. If you pass that, the next interview is with the medical director and they will run you through several scenarios.

I felt very lost with many questions even just before I joined the ship. Not much in the way of a guarantee of a job (they supply the offer letter and obtain your signature upon joining the ship). Also keep in mind that this is WAY MORE than just a job. It will be a LIFESTYLE for a long period of time, and one that is far from what you are used to (living conditions, free time, food choices, luxury items, work hours, etc). You will be there first and foremost to WORK, not have free time. Also keep in mind that your scope of practice and job responsibilities as a paramedic will be NOTHING like here on land. There are no protocols for you to follow. You must get physician orders for everything you do. While you will respond to emergencies (few and far between for TRUE emergencies), the majority of your time will be doing sick call/clinic type work.

I have also spoken with nurses who have worked the the company that utilizes paramedics. From what I hear, there is quite a bit of tension between the nurses and paramedics as the paramedics do not wish to function in the clinic environment and neither truly understand each others roles (plus the nurses feel like they are being "replaced" by the lower paid paramedics).

I just urge you to think long and hard about this. It is a very big adjustment from "land side" living and American labor laws.

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

May I ask what line you were on? Was it one of the "major players" or a smaller company?

Some of the ones I've talked to are nothing like what you're describing in terms of working environment (this includes personally talking to nurses working in the clinics on cruises I've been on).

[narspaola]

hello!! 3weeks from now i will have my skype interview as a cruiseship nurse, im nervous because it will be my first interview through skype and first time to apply as cruiseship nurse, just want to ask where i will start my review? knowing nursing it's have a comprehesive topics, what are those question they commonly ask, any tips and suggestion? your replies are all appreciated! thank you and more power

[narspaola]

hello!! 3weeks from now i will have my skype interview as a cruiseship nurse, im nervous because it will be my first interview through skype and first time to apply as cruiseship nurse, just want to ask where i will start my review? knowing nursing it's have a comprehesive topics, what are those question they commonly ask, any tips and suggestion? your replies are all appreciated! thank you and more power!