Ever thought about taking your nursing career on the high seas? Becoming a cruise ship nurse is an exciting and unique opportunity for nurses looking to gain international experience.
With the right qualifications and experience, you can be ready to apply for a job with your favorite cruise line in no time. Let’s explore what it takes to become a cruise ship nurse step by step.
Blog Body: Step 1: Become An RN
The first and most important step in becoming a cruise ship nurse is earning your Registered Nurse license. This involves completing an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and submitting an application to your state Board of Nursing. Once you have become licensed as an RN, you can start exploring opportunities as a cruise ship nurse.
Step 2: Gain Experience In Emergency Medicine
Cruise ships carry hundreds or thousands of passengers at any given time. As such, they require the medical staff onboard to be prepared for emergency situations that may arise unexpectedly. Ideally, cruise lines prefer nurses who have experience working in emergency medicine settings such as hospitals or trauma centers. However, if this type of experience isn’t available to you, then showing that you are willing and able to learn emergency medicine skills quickly shows you’re flexible.
Step 3: Research Your Favorite Cruise Line
Before applying for any job on a cruise ship, it’s important to do some research on the different companies offering these positions. Make sure that the company meets all safety standards and offers competitive wages and benefits for its employees.
You should also familiarize yourself with their policies regarding onboarding, housing arrangements, sick leave, vacation days, etc., so that you know what to expect before committing to a position with them.
Here is our list of top 5 best cruise lines for nurses:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Seabourn
- Holland America Line
- P&O Australia
These cruise lines made it easy to apply for a cruise ship nursing job and have some amazing perks!
Cruise Ship Nurse Perks
Cruise Ship Nurses Reap the Benefits! Working as a nurse on a cruise ship is more than just an opportunity to explore. This job comes with distinct advantages, from impressive salaries and travel opportunities to vacation discounts.
Some of the perks of working as a cruise ship nurse with the lines listed above include:
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Opportunity for worldwide travel
- Unique work environment with diverse cultures and people
- Chance to explore new places while still earning money
- Single cabin with private bathroom
- Stewarding services
- Access to ships’ amenities and entertainment
- Discounted prices onboard shops and SPA
- Free Gym access and crew welfare program
- Cruise benefits
Step 4: Make Your Resume Stand Out
Once you have identified which companies offer positions as cruise ship nurses, it’s time to start preparing your resume. Make sure that all relevant information about your education and work experience is included in your resume so recruiters can get an accurate picture of who you are professionally.
Additionally, highlight any special skills or certifications that would make you stand out among other candidates competing for the same position aboard a cruise line vessel. If you’re bilingual this is something you should definitely emphasize on your resume.
Step 5: Prep For Your Interview For A Cruise Ship Nurse Position
Securing an interview with a potential employer usually means that they think highly enough of your qualifications and experience to consider hiring you. So make sure that you don’t waste this opportunity by not being adequately prepared! Familiarize yourself with common questions asked during interviews at sea so that when the time comes, you will feel confident answering questions in front of potential employers with ease and poise!
Final Thoughts
Becoming a successful cruise ship nurse requires dedication and hard work but can be very rewarding if done correctly! If following these five steps still feels overwhelming at times remember why cruising has been gaining popularity over the years – freedom from everyday life! So take some time off from reality every now & then – walk around town or take scenic boat rides – just enjoy new experiences while preparing yourself for one of yours own – becoming a successful Cruise Ship Nurse.