Success stories: Irina Daragan, nurse on a passenger ship

Tell us how you got started working at sea?

I first went to sea as a massage therapist, and after seven months, I was told that with my diplomas I could work in the Medical Department on a ship. So upon returning home, I began to actively look for vacancies. I sent my resume to Columbia and they hired me! I am very pleased with this turn of events. I have been at sea since October 2018, during which time I made one contract as a massage therapist and two contracts as a nurse.

In general, the sea is very beautiful. For me, this is, first of all, an indescribable feeling of freedom: you go out to the bow of the ship, catch the wind and feel that you are alive. Of course, you are in a closed, albeit rather large, space for a long time, and this should also be remembered. But if you are ready for such a situation, the rest is only pluses.

What is interesting about working on a cruise ship?

Working on a cruise ship is interesting because you communicate with foreigners. And the crew itself is usually international. People, crew and passengers, on such a ship can gather from all over the world. Such communication broadens one’s horizons greatly. And if you like to learn something new for yourself, then this job is the best option.

What is the nature of being a nurse?

You need to be prepared for the fact that you can be called to work at any time, 24/7. Therefore, it is always necessary to be, as they say, in good shape. But otherwise, everything is the same, probably, as in a hospital on land. You need to be able to provide first aid, give an injection, take an analysis – everything is standard. Much depends on whether you can find a common language with your doctor and whether you can work in tandem.

The schedule is rather irregular: you can sit on the deck and read a book, and you are urgently called on the walkie-talkie or by phone, because, for example, some passenger has fallen and you need to treat the wound. Or give out pills. Well, or someone, for example, someone bit …

???

No, no, I’m talking about insects! For example, a bee sting must be treated. No more “criminal” bites so far I have not come across)

How much time does work take you?

If you know how to properly manage time and organize work correctly, then there is nothing complicated in such a schedule. Well, I must say that emergency calls do not happen so often. In general, the nurse on board is not only responsible for medical manipulations, but also conducts sanitary checks. With the right organization, such checks can be evenly distributed over different days, and as a result, a convenient schedule will be obtained. You can, of course, stretch this “pleasure” and sit at the workplace all the time. And you can organize everything competently and make the work as comfortable as possible. This also applies to inventory: distribute the load correctly, do not delay until deadlines, and you will cope with everything.

What do you like about working with Columbia Shipmanagement?

I appreciate timely communication. My agent Daria is always in touch, ready to resolve any issues. I receive all the information on time, including about vacancies. Before moving to Columbia Shipmanagement, I made inquiries, and I must say that I heard only positive opinions. This is a company you can safely trust.