Working on Oilrigs?

[jcampbell]

Is this a real job for nurses? I have heard second hand about the pay and that it is a great job but I cannot find any company that hires nurses in this capacity. If you have any knowledge about this please post. Thank you, John

[GilaRRT]

There is indeed a need for offshore medical support. It is a tough job as it involves being isolated and working in conditions that are quite different from "typical nursing." In addition, most places require a comprehensive physical work up and certification for offshore work.

The isolation can be a real problem if you are not prepared to cope or have unrealistic expectations about the environment. I have been in situations where I have been forced to live in the same building for days or even a week or more without moving around or getting out because of security considerations. From these experiences, I can see how tough it could be to spend several weeks or months trapped in one place.

I know many paramedics fill these roles. I am not aware of any offshore companies that are specifically looking for nurses; however, I am sure they exist.

[badphish]

I only know of paramedics on oilrigs. Acadian Ambulance in Louisiana comes to mind. Google them.

[GilaRRT]

Some of the international companies may employ nurses. International SOS comes to mind. I think you will have some pretty stiff competition however. Especially from some of the international paramedics such as South African PM's who have years of experience in such environments.

[mshultz]

One of the Slate writers worked on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, 60 miles from shore (she wrote columns about the different jobs she worked; one of the jobs was a nude model for art class). All of her allergies cleared up. For those of us with pollen and dust allergies, this is tempting.

[zenman]

I was a helicopter flight nurse in the 80's in the Gulf of Mexico. I never met any nurses out on the rigs.