NurseCon at Sea is a spectacular nursing event that provides an incredible opportunity for nurses to combine learning and leisure. This unique cruise conference offers a perfect balance between continuing education credits (CNEs) and vacation-like exploration.
What is NurseCon?
NurseCon is a fun annual nursing conference, which gives dedicated healthcare professionals a remarkable chance to learn. Nurses also get to network with likeminded individuals, and develop professionally.
You get to do all this while sailing in exotic places around the world. Attendees can opt-in to educational sessions of their choice across various topics as well as take part in social activities on board or explore ports of call during port days.
What You Can Expect With NurseCon This 2023
Social Media Star, Nurse Blake is proud to present NurseCon, a nursing conference on a cruise ship. This extraordinary event is specifically tailored for nurses and nursing students, bringing them together to learn, exchange experiences, network, and enjoy themselves.
NurseCon stands to bring an unforgettable experience, in short, combines the best of both worlds – education, and fun. There are two epic sailings to look out for. The Norwegian Pearl Cruise and the Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas will provide the perfect backdrop for this conference as it exudes elegance and charm.
This February 6-10, 2023, the NurseCon will embark on a 5-day journey of learning and fun to the Dominican Republic.
In comparison, the second sailing going to the Bahamas and will be held on April 24 – 28, 2023.
According to their FAQ, the CNE courses are both ANCC accredited and entertaining. From interactive lectures to hands-on activities, these courses are designed to help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in nursing education. So if you’re looking for an enjoyable way to learn more about nursing, Nursecon is definitely worth checking out!
Exciting Activities Awaits
On their website, the following activities are said to take place in the 2023’s NurseCon event.
- Nurse Blake Live – Make sure you catch Nurse Blake’s show. You can join him in the main theater for an unforgettable evening of fun and laughter!
- Ultimate Skills Check-Off – an event where nurses display their amazing abilities in a game show atmosphere!
- The Nurses Got Talent competition – Will feature some extraordinary performances. Be sure to check it out and see what incredible feats your colleagues can do!
- Campfire – Gather around the campfire for a meaningful conversation on the realities of nursing.
- Epic Parties – You can join the epic parties to close out the night in style!
- Nurse Blake Podcast – Don’t miss your chance to see Nurse Blake and Brett with 2 T’s live on air!
- Drag Shows – You won’t believe it when you hear that they’ll be having Drag Shows. Furthermore, you can enjoy the trip while our queens battle for the crown in lip-sync competitions.
- Theme Nights – Theme nights are the ideal way to spice up our voyage! They will have 3 super fun nights aboard the ship.
Nurse Social Activities
- Sail Away Party (Dominican Republic) – Let the fun begin so you can grove during this time while the DJs take it away.
- Silent Disco (Bahamas) – Get ready to have an awesome time at the Silent Disco! Lose yourself in the music while groovin’ on the dance floor, with dueling DJs belting out tunes straight into your headphones.
- Sports Competitions – For instance, you can compete in rock climbing, dodgeball, and basketball tournaments to prove your sports prowess!
- Meet Ups – Meanwhile, you can make connections with fellow nurses in your field while cruising. Therefore, you can interact and build more connections.
- Pool Parties – Get ready to groove to the tunes of NurseCon DJs. After that, you can have fun while swimming.
- Group Photo – Capture the memorable experience by taking a group photo and make sure you don’t miss out on any fun!
- Podcast Recordings – NurseCon at Sea brings you the best of podcast recordings in a live environment with some of your favorite nurse podcasters.
- Casino Night – There’s even an exciting Casino Night to get your gambling fix!
- Fun and Games – Keep yourself entertained. The activities team will regularly provide engaging, pop-up activities to ensure an enjoyable experience.
- Engaging CNE Courses – Moreover, they provided ANCC-accredited CNE courses in delightful locations on the ship.
- Poolside Games – Have a splashing good time with our Poolside Games filled with NurseCon’s unique twists.
- Production Shows – Spectacular Broadway-style shows are sure to exceed your expectations.
Ready, Sail, Go!
The event registration already started last June 3rd, 2022. And at just $749, you won’t want to miss out. Plus, you can save more by room-sharing with a roommate. To register, simply provide your full name, birthdate, nationality, address, and phone number. Room prices depend and differ in the Dominican and Bahamas.
All healthcare professionals, medical personnel, licensed/certified nurses, and nursing students are welcome to join. Likewise, even better, those aged 18 and over on the date of departure can bring along their spouses and family members.
Nurses, retired nurses, and nursing students from around the world can take advantage of the opportunity to convene at NurseCon at Sea. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee of CNEs. Please check your local regulations first to see if the credits can be applied.
Vaccine Rule: Guests must have received their final vaccine dose at least 14 days prior to boarding. It’s a must-follow policy enforced by the cruise line and CDC. Unless someone got the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot, everyone on board has to get two doses of vaccine before the cruise.
Testing Requirement: Before hitting the sea, it’s essential to get tested and stay current with US CDC boarding guidelines. This is mandatory for all the guests. Unless you can prove a negative PCR or antigen test within the last two days, boarding the cruise ship is unlikely. Vaccinated passengers will have to show proof of this.
Travel Document Checklist
Before boarding the ship, ensure you have all the necessary documents with you.
- Carry a valid Passport Book or Card with six months validity beyond the cruise dates; highly recommended. If you do not have a passport, then you can present a state-certified U.S. Birth Certificate (not one from the hospital or baptismal papers).
- In order to sail, you will need to have received your final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior. This time frame may change in the future. A Vaccination Record Card is needed to prove this.
- As a prerequisite for boarding vaccinated guests must present proof of a recent (max. 2 days old) negative COVID-19 test result from either a PCR or antigen test to be considered eligible. This policy is subject to change at any time.
- Cruise lines require you to complete a health questionnaire before boarding the ship. This may be subject to change, so it is important to check in advance for any new or updated information.
Your Responsibility As A Traveler
Taking care of the passengers and crew is always number one focus while at sea. The cruise line and CDC have mandated guidelines to guarantee safety during the nursing conference cruise. Stay connected for updates; changes to registration and rules may occur prior to departure.
It is important to adhere to your assigned time slot for boarding on the day of your travel. Therefore, arriving at any other time can lead to delays and may adversely impact the schedule.
It is essential for all passengers to be present at the terminal by their designated arrival time. Those who come ahead of schedule will have to wait until boarding commences, and those who are late will be placed in a subsequent boarding group.
- The staff at the port will provide assistance and walk you through the process of validating documents.
- It is essential to wear a face mask at all stages of your journey, from check-in to boarding. This will help keep you and others safe during the process.
Final Say
Make sure to take a break and give yourself a chance to relax despite the current stress. Take this time to learn and create memories at the same time by taking pictures or videos. Be mindful of what you post online, though – remember to stay responsible. So you don’t end up like the maternity nurses who were fired over a Tiktok video.
If you have always wanted to work on a cruise and experience the life of luxury, then becoming a cruise nurse is an option to consider. Read our article which can provide all the necessary information to help you through the process.