Episode description

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Yvette Nunes, a cruise ship nurse, who shares her experience working on an expedition ship and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. She discusses the expedition's mission: to take guests to new and remote areas and provide them with close-up nature experiences. Yvette explains the day-to-day life of a nurse on board, including managing the medical centre, accompanying the expedition team on landings, and being on call 24/7. She also highlights the importance of continuous professional development and her training in Malta. Yvette shares memorable cases she has dealt with, such as managing bleeding oesophageal varices and performing blood transfusions on board. She offers advice for healthcare professionals interested in working in austere environments.

Takeaways

Embarking on a career as a nurse on an expedition ship is a unique journey filled with challenges and opportunities. It's a chance to experience remote areas and provide medical care in diverse environments, a prospect that is both thrilling and inspiring.

In this field, continuous professional development is not just encouraged, it's a necessity. It's a commitment to enhancing your skills and knowledge in emergency and critical care medicine, a journey that will keep you motivated and always striving for more.

The medical team on board must be prepared to handle various medical conditions and emergencies, from myocardial infarctions to anaphylaxis.

Having telemedicine capabilities and access to specialists is crucial when working in remote areas with limited access to definitive care.

Healthcare professionals interested in working in austere environments should take advantage of online learning opportunities and seek out companies that invest in training and development.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:31 The Mission of the Expedition Ship

09:11 Medical Challenges and Responsibilities

13:08 Importance of Continuous Professional Development

21:24 Daily Life on an Expedition Cruise Ship

26:20 Training and Qualifications for Shipboard Medical Staff

28:25 Memorable Medical Cases

31:27 Future Plans and Career Advancement

39:02 Advice for Healthcare Professionals in Austere Environments