Post-Sea Sick

Tabyana Beach, Honduras - Photo by Monica

It's Day 2 workday after my 7-day Western Caribbean Cruise and I feel like I've already gone mad. My explanation? Reverse culture shock. I know, I know, Carnival is an American cruise line and I've lived in this country practically my whole life, but it's different! I didn't have to work. I didn't have to think. And best of all, I didn't have to count my money. Kinda sorta a humongous deal when you're living in America. Especially now with the gas prices and often-talked-about inflation as previously blogged about by my fellow health care blogger, Erin. See what I mean?

People are complaining left and right. One of my coworkers today even got into talking about how she befriended a "gang-banger" and asked him if he's still able to "cruise" down the street showing off his fancy, rotating rims. He exclaimed, "No way! Not with these gas prices." Coworker chuckled and joked about lowering crime rates. "There's gotta be something good to come out of this," she said.

In other news, we got into talking about our jobs. "I've even started to be a little nicer to my supervisor because I don't want to risk losing this job." She was on the money with conversation starters during lunch hour. Not bad for a lady I've never met before. Not bad for a half hour lunch conversation. Moral of the half-hour-lunch-conversation? If you have a job, hold on to it, tight. And don't you let go until you have another job to fall back on. Not right now, at least.

This is why I've gone mad post-vacation. Because of this. Because I miss not thinking and talking about any of this.

On a brighter note, I was able to pick this health-related information up while on my Carnival cruise:

Shipboard Medical

Ship's Physician The ship's physician is responsible for the basic and emergency medical treatment of the guests and directly supervises the ship's nurses. The ship physician also serves as the emergency and primary care physician for all crew on board. Physicians must hold valid registration in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, or European Union member country. Candidates must have completed a minimum of three years postgraduate training in internal medicine, family practice, or emergency medicine and be competent in emergency medicine with experience in orthopedic and minor surgical procedures. Current certification as an ACLS provider or its equivalent, unless board certified in emergency medicine. ATLS certificate and PALS certification helpful, but not mandatory. Experience and knowledge of the indications and contra-indications of fibrinolytic therapy and care of the patient before and after administration. Some experience or willingness to learn simple laboratory and x-ray procedures. Evidence of a positive mental attitude and an ability to work with people of different nationalities in a close intense environment, while providing effective leadership. Must be fluent in English. Candidate must pass a pre-employment physical examination and be deemed fit for duty at sea. Basic computer knowledge and proficiency is required. Apply for this position Ship's Nurse The Ship's Nurses are responsible to care for the nursing needs (routine and emergency needs) of the guests and crew. Registered Nurses with valid registration in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, or European Union country with a minimum of three recent years of emergency or critical care nursing experience with competency in emergency/critical care nursing care are eligible to apply. Current BLS certification is required. Current ACLS certification (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or its equivalent, is highly recommended. Some willingness to learn simple laboratory/x-ray procedures. Must be proficient with IV cannulation and venipuncture. Must have a positive mental attitude and an ability to work with people of different nationalities in a close intense environment. Applicants must pass a medication administration exam, demonstrate adequate experience with nursing procedures on our skills check list and must pass a pre-employment physical examination and be deemed fit for duty at sea. Basic computer knowledge and proficiency is also required. Fluent in English. Apply for this position Nurse Practitioner The ship's nurse practitioner must be registered in the United States or Canada. Candidates must have completed the required number of years of advanced nursing training in a recognized nurse practitioner program and have received formal clinical training in internal medicine, family medicine, or general practice. In addition, must have three or more years of critical care experience as an RN and a minimum of two years of NP practice experience in family practice, internal medicine or general medicine. The ship's nurse practitioner holds joint responsibility with the physician for the basic and emergency medical treatment of the guests on board. The ship's nurse practitioner (as well as the physician) also serves as the emergency and primary care practitioner for all crew on board. Nurse practitioners must be competent in emergency medicine with experience in orthopedic and minor surgical procedures. Current certification in ACLS or its equivalent is required. ATLS and PALS certifications are helpful, but not required. Some experience or willingness to learn simple laboratory and x-ray procedures is required. Evidence of a positive mental attitude and an ability to work with people of different nationalities in a close intense environment, while providing effective care. Must be fluent in English. Candidate must pass a pre-employment physical examination and be deemed fit for duty at sea. Basic computer knowledge and proficiency is required. Apply for this position

I can see it now..."Hi I'm Monica, and I work here, there, everywhere." Unfortunately I don't qualify for any of the positions they're recruiting, but somewhere out there, someone does. Dooooo it.

Carnival Valor - Photo by Monica

For more information, Google it. Or simply, click here.