Island Nursing

Nurses General Nursing

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OK..Here's the scenario: I graduated with my Associates in Nursing in 1995. I have never actually worked as a RN though. I didn't get the first position I interviewed for and subsequently was offered a job as a computer technician which is another field that held great appeal for me. Despite my lack of work experience I have kept my license active. Fast forward to 2004! A rather wealthy associate I know is purchasing a group of Islands in French Polynesia, near Bora Bora. He has asked me to work for him, living on the Island and being the medical person. Initially there will be a small group but eventually a hotel will be established as well as a pearl farm and an Internet Service Provider for the Islands. Here's the question: Given my lack of experience, what would you recommend I do in order to prepare myself for that experience? What books would you consider "must have" for such a scenario? What medications and supplies would you recommend I stock? I've have my own thoughts about how to address the above concerns but I'd really appreciate an informed opinion! Thanks in advance for your help!

...it very well may be!!! I certainly understand why one would be skeptical about this whole thing. These are the very early stages of this project so we'll have to see how things pan out. The reason the man with the mula would hire me at this stage as opposed to a more qualified person is that he knows and trusts me. As I see it, he is starting off with an "inner circle" of sorts. I know several of the other people who will be involved in this project. Also, my computer background is desirable because there are thoughts of setting up an ISP as well. I can function as a jack-of-all-trades...or a jack-of-two-trades, as the case may be. Initially, I'll only be responsible for the health of the small group of people working on the project. If and when things progress to the point of a hotel getting established we'll be able to determine whether my knowledge and skill have grown sufficiently for such a responsibility and if necessary an additional person can be brought in. As things become a bit more concrete I'll certainly sit down and assess the situation and determine how serious the primary players are and what the degree of my involvement will be.

Thanks for the suggestions and I'll certainly take those to heart if/when I get to the point of preparing for this move!

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I wouldn't do this with no RN experience and your schooling almost 10 years ago. Most cruise ships (probably about like being on an isolated island) require 2 plus years of ER or ICU experience just to apply. It is quite probable that through your action/inaction you could be responsible for someone's death. But I don't know the whole story.

If, however, the time frame for this would allow you to get say at least a years worth of ER experience in a busy ER and there would be possibly a MD available via telephone and there is available the ability to medivac people out in a timely fashion, then I would consider it. Also I would want good . I would also make sure this friend paid me a lot of money for doing 2 jobs where I would be in a very isolated place. Realize you will be on call 24/7 in this little scenario for the nursing plus doing your computer job. I would suggest to my friend to hire an exp RN or even NP if you can get one and let you concentrate on the computer thing.

Not trying to discourage you, but trying to inject a little reality into the tropical island fantasy.

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Very good thoughts. Thank you. Now then, I would be very interested in getting some thoughts on how to stock the island infirmary. For those of you willing to participate in this little exercise please convince yourself that you will be the only RN on an Island and you'd have maybe 20-30 people on the Island with you. Please make a list of supplies you would like to order. This can range from gauze and tongue depressors to amoxicillin and morphine! Be as thorough as you can and assume that, within reason, money is not an issue. Defibrillators and Oxygen are possible. A hyperbaric oxygenation chamber is probably a bit much! : ) Thx in advance!

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:uhoh3: oxygen and defibralators are optional:uhoh21:

this is rediculous...:chuckle

I'm out of this conversation

Have a great day, dave :)

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
This can range from gauze and tongue depressors to amoxicillin and morphine!

Just curious ... who is going to prescribe the amoxicillin & morphine in this scenario?

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Specializes in Renal, Haemo and Peritoneal.

Oz has a great reference book called the CARPA manual which is the bible of remote nurses and healthworkers. It is only $35 Australian. If I was going to be the ONLY health provider for a remote place I would walk over coals for this book. I have an old edition which still stands me in good stead. Here is the link to purchase. (This is not an ad)

http://www.australianprescriber.com/index.php?content=/magazines/vol27no1/8_9_bookreview.htm

And like the others have said, can you take me with you?

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... 'You have a patient with compartment syndrome secondary to a snake bite and all you have is a coconut, a machete, and a savage monkey, what do you do?'...

Hahahahahahahahahaha!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Sounds wonderful, if real.

Also seems a bit risky based on your lack of experience. Can you say ""?

Good luck!

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:uhoh3: oxygen and defibralators are optional:uhoh21:

this is rediculous...:chuckle

I'm out of this conversation

Have a great day, dave :)

Hi Dave. I used the word "possible" in reference to O2 and Defibs to indicate that they could be considered for inclusion on "the list". I was not implying that I view those items as optional. That being said, I appreciate your contribution and hope you have a nice day.

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Don't worry about Dave; he just doesn't have staying power!

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A hyperbaric oxygenation chamber is probably a bit much! : )

I don't think Tahiti has a chamber as we get people here at my hospital (we have one) on Oahu from all over the Pacific.

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