cruise ship nursing

adrienurse, LPN · Apr 3, 2004

2200-2900 US per month. :eek: Meals and lodging included.

nurseunderwater · Apr 3, 2004

the love boat....if i was single w/ no kids, i'd do it in a heartbeat>>>

flowerchild · Apr 3, 2004

I live in an area where we have several cruise ships. From what I've heard, run the other way. You will be overworked, underpaid, less appreciated than ever, and not treated any better than a deck hand. Don't do it is the advice I have heard, it's not worth it.

PedsNurse1981 · Apr 4, 2004

I've never heard of cruise ship nursing, I am interested to hear what other experiences people have had. Hmm... :)

suzanne4, RN · Apr 4, 2004

I have never met a cruise ship nurse that was getting $3000 per month, it is more like about $500-$800 per month, as you get the cruise and all of its glory..........................you put in many hours, TMTC, ----------------

I love to travel but would never even consider it...................... :uhoh21:

Headhurt, ADN · Apr 4, 2004

I have also wondered what cruise nursing would be like. I love cruising!! I read that Carnival requires the nurses to have a minimum of 3 recent years of Emergency/Critical Care experience to be considered. You have to take a competency test before they will hire you. I've also heard that the nurses on cruise ships are VERY autonomous. I can't imagine the work being too bad...critical cases are usually flighted off the ship to hospitals. However the nurses do lab and x-rays. The infirmary is pretty impressive, its set up like a little ER. Next time you are on a cruise, go and take a tour. They are usually eager to show and tell, especially if they know you are in the medical profession as well.

flowerchild · Apr 4, 2004

On board you will be an employee. Employees are not allowed to frat w/ the guests. You will have a small "party/dining" room for the employees. Most of the employees are from other countries. As a professional, a nurse, you would fit in w/ the management for social time, but you won't be, your time off socially will be w/ foreign engine room, housekeepers, etc. And I've heard those guys are only interested in one thing from the female co-workers, if you get my drift. You do not get to cruise like a guest. Your meals are not what the guests get, you do not get to use the pool, or go on deck w/ guests. The pay is not good. The docs will hang you out on a limb in a second and since they are not always avail, it's all you. That's where the autonomy comes in but it is a risky autonomy. I've yet to meet any nurse who did a cruise as an employee return happy. They say, it was the most dreadful experience I've ever had, I'll never do it again.

While there may be some ships that are different, there are none that I've heard are any better.

nekhismom · Apr 5, 2004

I've always thought it would be great. But, alas, not really possible with a 2 year old. :chuckle

jaimealmostRN · Apr 5, 2004

My family and I have been going on cruises for the past 10+ years and have always had a wonderful time. When we were younger we use to sneak down to the employee only areas (gimme a break, we were like 15). The employees rooms are basically the size of a standard bathroom with built in bunk beds. Our past cruise I asked one of the massause(sp?) how she liked her job, thinking it would be cool to work there once I finished school....they all give you the same weary eyed look and say, "oh um...it's nice (change topic)" The employees also work 12hr shifts every day. Your waiter at lunch will be leading the conga line at 11pm that night or acting as the bartender until 2am.

Headhurt, ADN · Apr 5, 2004

Here's a story I found...I thought it was interesting.

http://www.nursinghandsstore.com/news/features/03-09/cruise.asp

mattsmom81 · Apr 5, 2004

Headhurt, I remembered that article too...seems the nurses live for their time off on shore leave, but are pretty much on duty 24/7 on the ship...and as they say, must wear a pager then too as they might be called back. Might be a fun experience to try, but I doubt the off the ship time would make up for all the liability.