Should You Become a Cruise Ship Nurse?
Do you like travel or environments centered around leisure and enjoyment? If so, the life of a cruise ship nurse could be an exciting option for you.
Cruises are like floating resorts, enabling you to see a variety of locations within a short time span. They’re an affordable alternative to landlocked resorts, providing everything you need, including delicious food, entertainment, activities, and medical care.
People from all walks of life travel on cruises to various regions of the world. Just like working in a healthcare facility, you must be prepared for anything at any time. Let’s explore what this nursing specialty entails, its pros and cons, and more.
What Is Cruise Ship Nursing?
Cruise ship nurses work with the medical team to provide care to the passengers and crew. They’re also responsible for managing any staff under their supervision. They address minor ailments, answer health-related questions, and respond to medical emergencies. In other words, you can liken their work to a floating first aid clinic.
What Does a Cruise Ship Nurse Do?
Despite the unique environment, many of the tasks for which these nurses are responsible overlap with those of nurses in ambulatory care settings. Their responsibilities include:
- Addressing minor injuries and illnesses.
- Responding to medical emergencies.
- Administering vaccinations when necessary.
- Providing health education unique to each destination.
- Assessing and triaging medical situations.
- Administering medications.
- Ensuring equipment and medicine are functioning and up to date.
- Assisting with transferring patients to medical centers.
Cruise Ship Nurse Salary
How much do cruise ship nurses make? Most cruise ship nurses can earn between $86,351 to $102,871 per year. The average salary is $94,573 annually. Your salary can vary based on the cruise line you’re working for, your certifications, and your years of experience.
Pros of Cruise Ship Nursing
1. World Travel
What more is there to say? Exposure to different landscapes and cultures is a dream for many. In this specialty, you also get to hone your nursing skills and earn a wage at the same time.
2. Interesting People
You’ll meet a variety of people through your crew alone. On top of that, you’ll encounter passengers from various backgrounds and cultures and meet people at your destinations when you have time to explore off the ship.
3. Low Cost of Living
As a cruise ship nurse, you live on the ship, so you don’t need to pay rent nor utilities. Avoiding those costs allows you to save more of your earnings and set yourself up for financial success.
4. Flexible Work
Cruise nursing contracts typically last around six months, which enables flexibility. If you don’t like your current gig, it won’t be long before it ends. Similar to travel nurse contracts, cruise ship contracts can give the opportunity to pick up work between contracts or renew your current job when it ends. The beauty is, it’s all up to you.
Cons of Cruise Ship Nursing
1. Little Privacy
Cruise ship nurses often have to share a room with at least one cabin mate, so you rarely have much space to yourself. If you value privacy, it might be wise to pursue another option.
2. Seasickness
For those prone to seasickness, working on a big boat for months at a time probably isn’t a great idea. If you’re still set on this career, ensure you have reliable ways to cope with the discomfort.
3. Long Hours
Cruise ship schedules vary, but you may have to work seven days a week. Sometimes, your shift can be 10 to 12 hours. It’s important to have self-care strategies at the ready, or this lifestyle can wear you down after a while.
4. Homesickness
Working on a cruise ship often requires you to spend months away from home. Are you okay with that? If not, a stationary position might be more suitable.
How to Become a Cruise Ship Nurse: 5 Steps
Starting this career may be simpler than you expect. Here are some typical cruise ship nurse requirements:
1. Attend Nursing School
Nursing school provides the foundation for nursing practice in a range of settings. Successfully completing your nursing education shows you have what it takes to pass the NCLEX-RN, the national examination for registered nurses.
2. Pass the NCLEX
The NCLEX-RN tests you on your ability to synthesize the nursing knowledge you acquired in school. When you pass the NCLEX, it proves you’re able to work as an entry-level nurse and opens the door for licensure in your state. Learn more about the newest version of the NCLEX.
3. Gain Hands-On Experience
You never know what you’ll encounter on a cruise ship, so being confident in your nursing skills is a must. Jobs may require at least two years of experience, preferably in acute care, such as the emergency department, med-surg, or critical care.
4. Obtain Relevant Certifications
You’ll be caring for patients of all ages with a variety of conditions. Getting certified in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) expands your ability to assist during emergency situations. You may also want to pursue emergency nurse (CEN) certification or CCRN certification.
5. Learn a Foreign Language (Optional)
Learning a foreign language is optional, but will be useful in this role. You’ll be meeting people from around the world, so knowing more than one language could help you interact with patients. In addition to English, consider learning Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, or Arabic, which are especially common languages around the world.
Are You Ready to Become a Cruise Ship Nurse?
This exciting career path can satiate your wanderlust while you advance your career. Regardless of the path you choose, find out how IntelyCare can help you find a specialized nursing opportunity that meets your needs.