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The ship nurse reports and works under the direction of the ship's lead nurse, ship's physician and ship's chief doctor. The working life of a nurse onboard a yacht or cruise ship is very different than most healthcare settings. Shifts can be anywhere from 4-12 hours along with the expectation of taking calls for emergencies after hours. The medical personnel, although typically considered professional staff, are not "allowed" to mingle or fraternize with the guests onboard the ship.
How To Become A Cruise Ship Nurse
Smaller cruise lines, such as Viking River Cruises, require only 2 years of nursing experience, yet hospitality and yachting experience is valued for the position. The Nurse Practitioner provides medical care to both passengers and crew members plus performing administrative duties in the Medical Clinic aboard the cruise ship. The Nurse Practitioner reports to the ship’s Chief Doctor, ship's Physician as well as to the Fleet Chief Nursing Officer at the... Provides nursing care to passengers and crew on board ship during established clinic hours, and is on call at all times for emergent/urgent medical needs.
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A cruise ship nurse provides care for guests and crew as the ship sails around the world. Having your own cabin allows you to have privacy and personal space to rest and recharge during your time off. The cabins are typically equipped with basic amenities such as a bed, storage space, a desk, and bathroom facilities, and as an officer, you receive cabin cleaning and laundry privileges.
Service Stewardess Required to Join 100m+ Private S/Y
Salaries can range from around $3,000 to $6,000 or more per month, depending on various factors. Nurse practitioners take on a broader role, able to stand in for the doctor and prescribe medications. They maintain injury and illness logs and ensure that first aid supplies are well-stocked on the ship and lifeboats.
6 Off Duty Nurses Save a Life on Cruise Ship to the Caribbean - Nurse.org
6 Off Duty Nurses Save a Life on Cruise Ship to the Caribbean.
Posted: Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
For nurses who love to travel, a nursing job on a cruise ship or yacht may be the perfect job. Working with a typically small medical staff, nurses often have the opportunity to provide one-on-one medical care for the guests or team members on board the ship. Major cruise lines also equip ships with full medical facilities, including labs, a pharmacy, X-ray equipment, and more. Of course, cruise ship nurses still must make due with what's available to them onboard the ship. Yes, cruise ship nurses are typically provided with scheduled days off during their contract period. The specific number of days off can vary depending on the cruise line, the ship’s itinerary, and the length of the nurse’s contract.
Onboarding Process
A cruise ship nurse can expect to work a 12-hour shift, and nurses rotate days off. However, if a serious problem occurs, you might be called upon on an off day to lend a hand. Cruise lines employ a team of nurses, so someone will be available to provide healthcare at all times. When serious problems do occur, your team of nurses and other physicians will work to keep the patient healthy until they can be transferred to the nearest healthcare facility on land.
Do Cruise Ship Nurses Get Days Off?
Below you will see all of the latest nurse jobs in the maritime industry available via Viking Crew – The leading cruise, commercial and superyacht maritime crew services provider. Are you ready for a career that combines adventure, compassion, and the open seas? If so, get ready to set sail as a vital member of the cruise ship medical staff as a Nurse. Like any other nursing career, working as a cruise ship nurse comes with its ups and downs. Here are some of the top factors to consider when deciding whether cruise ship nursing is right for you. With an average monthly salary ranging from $3,000 to $4,900, these nurses are the backbone of onboard medical care.
The requirements to work as a nurse on board of a cruise ship include a professional degree, relevant post-graduation experience and an unrestricted medical license. Responsible for the management of the ship’s medical services and provision of nursing care. Cruise ship nurses typically receive a competitive salary that is based on their experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Welcome to the Viking Crew maritime job search portal Ship’s Nurse jobs.

This can make it challenging to accommodate family members or dependents on board. However, policies can vary between cruise lines, so it’s always best to check with the specific cruise line or employer for their policies regarding family members accompanying employees on board. It’s important to note that healthcare guidelines and protocols on cruise ships are continuously reviewed and updated to align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
Most cruise lines offer nurses their own cabin and meals as part of the position. Both cruise ship and yacht nurses perform basic first aid skills, administer medications, and occasionally handle emergency medical care. They must be able to assess situations and triage, and also educate passengers on any medical issues or concerns. Occasionally, medical emergencies arise and it's difficult for rescue boats or helicopters to arrive quickly, so the nurse must be able to manage a patient until help arrives. Cruise ship employment contracts typically only cover the nurse’s individual employment, and the living accommodations and facilities provided are designed for single or shared occupancy. The nature of working on a cruise ship involves being away from home for extended periods, often in a limited space environment.
The Paramedic is a part of the medical team aboard a cruise ship and works alongside experienced nurses and doctors. ZipRecruiter estimates that cruise ship nurses earn an average of $81,396 per year, though ZipRecuriter also estimates that more than half of current cruise ship nurses earn less. Glassdoor reports that Royal Carribean nurses earn an estimated base pay of $97,894 per year.
Keep in mind that your vacation time is not paid, so prepare ahead financially. The Staff Nurse is the first responder during medical emergencies, delivering immediate first aid until the doctor can assess the situation. They assist the medical doctor, prepare treatment rooms, and administer prescribed medications and treatments.
Cruise lines prioritize the health and safety of passengers and crew members, and these protocols play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and healthy onboard environment. Yacht nursing is a lesser-known specialty that you may not be aware of but may be pleased to know exists. These nurses can travel almost anywhere, from the South Pacific to Hawaii, to the Caribbean. Because yachts are smaller and have less staff than cruise ships, in addition to providing medical care yacht nurses may also be asked to assist with other tasks such as service and maintenance. Because medical care and monitoring are not needed the whole time, assisting the other crew is another job duty. Moreover, in case of evacuation, a yacht nurse may need to assist with getting passengers to lifeboats or other vessels.
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