Cruise Ship Nursing!!

Nurses General Nursing

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Anyone ever thought of a career change? I saw an article about nursing on cruise ships, sounds very interesting. For people like me with young children it's just not possible but if I didn't have kids I'd try it out. They require 2-3 yeras hospital exp with esp ER training. And they work 6 months on, one month off (usally).

Anyway, just thought I'd throw this out there. Sure wouldbe a great experience.

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I know the merchant marine also looks for nursing staff.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

Very interesting indeed.

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They said they work 3 days on and 1 day off. If they are in port on an off day they can go into town or do whatever they want... I'm telling you, if I was young/single/no kids I do it.

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Specializes in Neuro-Psychiatry,Cardiac ICU,ER/Trauma,.

Hello to anyone interested in cruiseship nursing.

I have been working on a cruise ships for 8 years so far and I am oging back in July.

You are right about the prior experience that is must for this position on board. ER/ICU min 3 yrs and valid ACLS.If you have PALS that is a plus.

In regards of the vacation, usualy the companies give 2 months off (not paid!). Also you may consider that the hours of work are much more different than on land and they dont pay you by hour. In most cases there is flat monthly pay and on some cruiseships they give some 1-2% commision pay as additional.

You work 24/7 on call (for emergencies)for 6 months. However there are office hours and on some ships there is only 1 doctor and 1 nurse for 1400 people on board when it gets realy bad if an outbreak hits on that ship.

So overal , lots of prons and cons.

Anybody have more quiestions, I will be happy to answer.

happy and smooth sailing for all those on board.:monkeydance:

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Registered Nurses

The Seafarers International Union is seeking Registered Nurses (RN)/MDR (Medical Department Representative) for employment on board U.S.-flag vessels that are operated under an SIU contract.

The MDR, if a nurse, shall hold a valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; hold a USCG Certificate of Registry as a professional nurse; have training and experience in emergency medicine; and meet the STCW requirements for a Medical Care Provider on board a ship.

Working conditions and benefits shall be governed by the collective bargaining agreement. The agreement typically calls for good pay and benefits and liberal time off after completion of tour working on board vessels, normally with small crews. Living conditions on board usually include private room.

Tours of duty typically consist of four months on board followed by two months off or six months on board followed by three months off.

All applicants must meet the U.S. Coast Guard’s requirements for obtaining a Merchant Mariner’s Document. The union will assist you in that process. In addition, applicants must have or obtain a valid passport and must complete a one-week STCW course offered by a training school affiliated with the Seafarers International Union.

Prior to training, all applicants must complete a Seafarers International Union pre-employment drug test and a Coast Guard-approved physical. Upon completion, applicant will be assigned to a vessel.

For more information please contact Bart Rogers at 301-994-0010, extension 5317 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

http://www.seafarers.org/jobs/rn.xml

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Specializes in Neuro-Psychiatry,Cardiac ICU,ER/Trauma,.

These are good conditions that apply for U.S.-flag vessels.

However,the requirements and contracts are different for Non US flag vessels.

The major passenger cruise lines are registered under Bahamian and Liberian flag and therefore different conditions apply.

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Specializes in Neuro-Psychiatry,Cardiac ICU,ER/Trauma,.

For all those interested you can have a look and eventualy apply for job.

http://www.minoritynurse.com/features/nurse_emp/02-14-01a.html

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