robertg330

I worked as a Lead Nurse aboard a cruise ship back in 2000. Was probably the most fun I have ever had. We were on duty for 24 hours (clinic time and on-call) then back-up call for 24 hours then off duty for 24 hours. We had officer status and were able to go into passenger areas/bars/etc (everywhere except the Casino and the passenger pools). Private cabin with a cabin steward. We required all RNs to be licensed in either the US, UK, Canada or Australia. All RNs were required to maintain BLS and ACLS certification, have previous ICU/ED experience and exceptional customer/guest services skills. We were treated extremely well by the crew and other officers onboard. Sure, we had horrible weeks (our cruises were all 7 night cruises) where we worked our butts off and ran non-stop, but we also had wonderful weeks where nothing went on. You get a wide range of patients onboard (ear aches, sea sickness, MIs, CVAs, traumas, pretty much everything you would see shoreside) and have to be ready, able and comfortable with your abilities to respond and provide care for anything. In addition, you function as primary care for the crew including doing some case management and care coordination with shoreside specialists as needed. The jobs tend to be difficult to find (there are two types of nurses who work cruise lines: one type does it for 1-2 years, doesn't really enjoy it and leaves, the other type makes a career out of it). It is a great way to meet people from all over the world (I have friends who I still am in contact with on every continent of the world).