The medical department on a cruise ship is responsible for providing healthcare services to passengers and crew members. The department offers various job positions such as Chief (Senior) Doctor, Doctor, Nurse Practitioner (NP), Registered Nurse (RN), and Paramedic. The Chief Doctor manages the department and provides oversight to the other healthcare professionals. The Doctor provides medical care and treatment to passengers and crew members. The Nurse Practitioner provides primary healthcare services, while the Registered Nurse provides patient care and assists with medical procedures. The Paramedic is responsible for providing advanced emergency medical care. Together, the medical department ensures the health and safety of all individuals on board the cruise ship.
CRUISE SHIP CHIEF / SENIOR DOCTOR
The Chief Doctor is responsible for the overall management of the medical department, including the administration of medical care, medications, and treatments, maintaining accurate medical records, and ensuring compliance with all applicable health regulations. In addition, the Chief Doctor may also be responsible for organizing and conducting safety drills, providing medical training for crew members, and coordinating medical evacuations in case of emergencies. The Chief Doctor is required to have a medical degree and a valid license to practice medicine, as well as experience in emergency and general medicine. Strong communication and leadership skills are also essential for this position.
SHIP DOCTOR / PHYSICIAN
The doctor (physician) reports to the ship’s chief doctor and supervises the ship’s lead nurse, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. They perform routine medical exams, diagnose illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, and provide medical treatments as necessary. They must also be prepared to respond to medical emergencies and provide emergency care such as CPR, advanced life support, and stabilizing patients until they can be transported to a hospital. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining accurate medical records, ordering, and maintaining medical supplies, and assisting in the training of the ship’s medical staff.
NURSE PRACTITIONER
A Nurse Practitioner on a cruise ship provides medical care to both passengers and crew members while also performing administrative duties in the ship’s Medical Clinic. They are responsible for assessing, diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries, as well as administering medication and coordinating patient care. The Nurse Practitioner reports to the ship’s Chief Doctor and Physician, as well as to the Fleet Chief Nursing Officer at the cruise line’s headquarters. They work closely with other members of the medical department, including registered nurses, paramedics, and medical assistants, to ensure the health and safety of all onboard.
LEAD/ CHIEF NURSE
As a Lead/ Chief Nurse on a cruise ship, the individual is responsible for overseeing the nursing staff and ensuring the provision of high-quality medical care to passengers and crew members. This includes managing the day-to-day operations of the Medical Clinic, scheduling nursing staff, providing guidance and support to nurses, and maintaining accurate medical records. The Chief Nurse reports to the ship’s Physician, the ship’s Chief Doctor, and the Fleet Chief Nursing Officer at the head office of the cruise line. The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and critical thinking skills.
SHIP NURSE
The ship nurse is a crucial member of the Medical Department aboard a cruise ship. Their primary responsibility is to provide prompt medical care to passengers and crew members while at sea. They work under the guidance and direction of the ship’s lead nurse, physician, and chief doctor. In case of an emergency, the ship nurse is the first person to be called. They are responsible for performing basic medical procedures such as administering medications, taking vital signs, dressing wounds, and providing health education. They are also responsible for maintaining accurate medical records and communicating with other healthcare professionals in the Medical Department.
PARAMEDIC
The Paramedic on a cruise ship is an integral part of the medical team, responsible for providing emergency medical care to passengers and crew members. As the first responder to medical emergencies, the Paramedic assesses and treats patients, stabilizes them for transport to the medical center, and continues to provide care alongside the ship’s nurses and doctors. The Paramedic also assists with non-emergency medical care and is responsible for maintaining medical supplies and equipment on board.
REQUIREMENTS:
-All medical staff at a minimum are BLS and ACLS certified.
-CURRENT LICENSE, EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE WITH CARDIAC AND PRIMARY
-CARE, TRAUMA, INTERNAL, AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE REQUIRED
-DIPLOMA FROM AN ACCREDITED MEDICAL SCHOOL
-TWO TO THREE YEARS EXPERIENCE
-Nationally registered paramedics with minimum 2 years of paramedic experience and current professional certifications.
-FLUENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS REQUIRED