New Cruise Ship Nurse - Zuiderdam 9/1 - 15

[NurseGeorge]

Hello Fellow Holland Cruisers
I have been a passenger on HAL several times and have decided to see the ship from a different angle, as the Ship's Nurse.

Tomorrow I leave on a new adventure. I am full of excitement :o and apprehension as I embark on this new journey. I have always wanted to post to CC and I never have but I have been to parties on every ship and frequently read the board.

I am going to use this forum to chronicle my journey for the next two weeks.

I have gotten many mixed messages about being a cruise ship nurse. Everything from those who think that I am ruining my cruise experience forever to those who are so envious they can't wait to hear about my experience. I was talking with a ED nurse that I work with in Seattle who has been a nurse before onboard and had some hair-raising experiences. She told me a story about a gentleman who decided that his fantasy cruise experience would be to slit his wrists in his cabin...egad:eek: ...what a waste of a great cruise. If you are going on my cruise please don't choose this particular excursion... There have been others that I have talked too who would not do anything other than be a cruise ship nurse.

I love experiencing new things in my professional career and I have these expectations: I will provide quality, professional nursing care, and benefit those I come in contact with to have an extra special experience with Holland America. I expect to meet people from all over the world and make new connections with people that may even last a lifetime, I expect to enjoy this new perspective of the DAM ships and hope to be welcomed as part of the crew.

I am worried about the silly things, have I pack enough, or the right things? Is it okay that some of my scrubs are not HAL blue? What do I wear on Formal Night? Will I have Free Internet? Can I use the Gym? (gosh I hope so, or I will become a blimp)

I am doing this contract during my only Summer break from Graduate School and I hope that I will be able to get refreshed and recharged for my final 2 quarters in school.

Well, I am packed and ready to head to the airport tomorrow afternoon. I have taken my suitcase to the ED and weighed it to make sure that I won't have to pay overage charges (I have a lot of Scottish Blood in my veins). I look forward to the expanse of Alaska and the familiarity of the Zuiderdam medical clinic. If you are a passenger onboard with me, please come down and say hello.

Nurse George:rolleyes:

[WindyCity]

Have a great cruise & work experience - you have the right attitude and I am sure things will go well for you! It's always nice to experience new things! :)

[eh2zed]

You should have a great experience. Look forward to your posts.

[CoolChile]

What a lovely-wonderful post, NurseGeorge!

A big welcome to Cruise Critic. All of us were novice posters once. Just keep your questions and comments coming. There are a lot of friendly and helpful people here and only some of them are crazy. :D

We're sailing on the Zui's full-transit Sept 29. Will you be on for that? I hope so. If you are, and no one's arresting or bleeding to death, PLEASE come to our Meet 'n' Greet that I'm arranging through Amy, the land-based Coordinator of Event Services for the Zui. Diarize this: Oct 4 from 10 - 11:30 AM in the Crow's Nest. Martinis are free. Oops, wishful thinking ....

I'm an RN too (ret'd, but still VERY cute :p ) and look forward to meeting you. We're almost neighbors (we're in Victoria) and DH and I l-o-v-e Seattle (who wouldn't?).

I've done many things in my career and I will vicariously experience yet another thrill through what YOU are about to experience. You will NEVER regret the choice you've made to do this.

[candbgirl]

Have a great cruise. I can't wait to read your posts. I was on the Zuiderdam in April She is a beautiful ship with a wonderful staff.

[rebeljohn]

Looking forward to reading about your Zuiderdam adventures..........

WELCOME to CC!!!!!!!!!!

[sungoddess]

Hi there,

I used to be a Hotel Officer on HAL. Don't worry about formal nights; you will be required to wear an officer's uniform, which you will get when you board. Just make sure to bring nylons and black shoes You will not have free internet, but will be able to purchase crew internet cards, or you can use internet cafes in port. You will be able to use the crew gym, but not the passenger gym. Have a great time and most importantly, have fun! Being a crewmember is something you will never forget!

[JimVrhovac]

Have a great experience and enjoy every minute of it.

You will be one of those people that will be able to sit back in the mature years and say I did try that and it was one hell of an experience whereas most people say "I wish I had tried that"

Look forward to your posts

Ruth & Jim (RN's)

[NurseGeorge]

Wow, thank you for the warm welcome to Cruise Critic. I was not expecting such pleasant and prompt replies. I am looking forward to the exchange here on the board and to illustrating the amazing contrasts of two worlds of cruising on the same vessel. Thank you Sungoddess for the words about the gym and the internet, I was worried. I am not bringing any black nylons but I think that will be alright. Stay tuned for future reports from the Main Deck of the Zuiderdam and my exciting new adventure. George

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Geroge, I am so excited for you:) I cannot wait to hear your reports. You will do absolutely wonderful. Tom and I still want you and Bill to join us on one of our cruises. But I know you have been busy with school. When you do graduate you must celebrate by joining us:D

Good Luck and Bon Voyage:)

[Charliesmom]

Nurse George - I love your idealism. It is so refreshing in this cynical world. Have a wonderful two weeks. I'm sure you will treasure them for the rest of your life.

Here's to no major incidents while you are on board.

Roberta

[onthegogirl]

I am looking forward to your posts. What a wonderful adventure! Thank you for sharing it with us.

Carole

[Solo Cruiser]

What a great way to spend your school break!! Please keep us posted about your adventure. Best of luck and bon voyage.

[DFD1]

Well, George, I think you're in for a wild ride and I can't wait to hear every detail about all the situations you encounter along the way.

Have a great time. Keep your sense of humor. Keep everyone fixed up as best you can and remember to "tell all" right here!

Bon Voyage!

[drdentist]

Wow! Good for you! I think Ruth and Jim stated it best that you are not just saying "wish I had done that" but are doing it! When I was on my last cruise I inquired about being the Ship's MD (I'm the MD DH is DMD) but do not think I could take that much time off. I cannot wait to read your reports. Thanks for taking the time to post and good luck! BTW I did see the Ship's doctor in the gym. IMHO if the doctor gets to use the passenger's gym so should the nurse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[May4]

I think that your posts will be so very interesting.

Maybe you can tell tales of interesting cases aboard - filtered by complete professionalism and discretion on your part of course!:p

Thanks in advance for all that you will do to keep everybody up and running.

[NurseGeorge]

Lisa -
Bill and I would be honored to take another cruise with the 2nd God Mother to the O-Dam. Book Two of Nurse George at Sea will be the Dec. 12th cruise on the Noordam out of NYC to the Carribe. Could be fun!!! George

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa -
Bill and I would be honored to take another cruise with the 2nd God Mother to the O-Dam. Book Two of Nurse George at Sea will be the Dec. 12th cruise on the Noordam out of NYC to the Carribe. Could be fun!!! George

George, that is great. You are going to love the Noordam and the Zuirderdam We loved the Noordam so much we had to return to her before she went back to the East Coast.

Why don't you and Bill think about joining us on the Feb 9th Yum Yum Man Cruise. You two would fit in so well with this fun loving crazy bunch of cruisers.

Good Luck on your next two weeks, you would do fantastic:)

[sungoddess]

The ship's doctor is allowed to use the pax gym because he is not considered a crew member, but has passenger status, just like guest entertainers. Not a bad gig if you can get it!

[NurseGeorge]

Hello Friends
Well it is travel day, which really means that it is "pull out my hair, run around like a crazy man, tick off the cat because she hates to ride in the car, and reweigh my luggage" day. I have lists of things to do today in the next 8 hours and instead I am rewriting my post for the day. Not entirely because I am OCD but I some how lost about an hour of writing by trying to spell check it. I will attempt to recreate some of the flavor of what I had written.

I woke up this morning well rested having finally slept well. Recently I bought a new pillow top mattress much like the exquisite mattresses found on Dam Ships. Abigale (Abby) my tabby cat approves of the purchase and is harder to get out of bed than I am. She is oblivious to the fact that in a few minutes she will be packed in the car and taken to my friends house for 2 weeks of catsitting. She hates the car, it usually means shots...so I spend 20 minutes trying to convince her that she will not be getting any shots this time for getting that she has a brain the size of an almond and doesn't care what I am saying.

On the list of things to do is to finish packing. Packing for this trip has been an exercise in frustration. I am supposed to bring "blues" for Alaska cruising uniforms, however, the Captain at any time can change the uniform to "whites" if the weather is warm enough. Thankfully, it is not past Labor Day yet and I was able to find white pants. Not an easy task for men, thankfully men just are not wearing white pants these days. So I have packed my "blues" and "whites" and I have packed 3 pairs of trauma scrubs...that also work in non-trauma situations. I threw in another sportcoat (but I am not sure why), I packed 3 pairs of shoes and I am wearing a 4th, (what on earth am I going to do with 4 pairs of shoes), I have packed sweaters, shirts and pants for artic to the tropics and two Holland America Sweatshirts. I have packed, unpacked and repacked 3 pairs of jeans and other casual clothes...(I just don't know where I will wear them) The good news is that if I have forgotten or unpacked anything that I need there are plenty of places to shop in Vancouver, Juneau, Ketchikan or the HAL shops!!!! My second favorite place to spend money on the ship!!!! You can never have enough Holland America shirts, cups or chakaas. I am restricted from going into my first favorite place onboard to spend money. Unless someone has an "episode" or experiences emergent Slot-Machine Elbow. My goal this trip is to break even and with my Casino restriction, that might just be possible...I do need a new HAL windbreaker though.....hmmmm

The other thing that has been packed, and unpacked are books...not pleasure books either...we are talking about exciting titles like...Sheehy's Emergency Care, Emergency Nursing - Principles and Practice, Cardiology Manual and .....where is my Advanced Cardiac Lifesupport manual??? It doesn't matter at the last luggage weigh-in they all went back on the shelf. I figure if it is not on board, I don't need it. Don't worry, I have the ACLS manual committed to memory! I am bringing stuff to work on my thesis, but I doubt that I will ever pull that out of the suitcase.

You know that feeling that you used to get (I still do) on December 24th...That squiggely, can't sleep, lack of focus, can't stop smiling, butterfly stomach feeling .... I have that before every cruise just because of my excitement, but this time is different....I have all of those ingredients and a dash of some extra spice that I can't quite put my finger on......

Well I am off to shower, get dressed, pack up the cat, drive her to kitty jail, pick up my paycheck, go to the bank, pay my bills, reweigh my luggage (one more time for good measure), clean my house, water the garden, call a taxi, go to the airport.....and begin my adventure!!!

Should I wear my "Trust me I am a Nurse" shirt....???:cool:

[Copper10-8]

Looking forward to your posts from Zuiderdam, nurse George! That's what I want to do also - take a look at the inside workings of a cruise ship. Hopefully for you, not too many emergencies, no medevacs and no 'bright star' announcements! How long is your contract?


The ship's doctor is allowed to use the pax gym because he is not considered a crew member, but has passenger status, just like guest entertainers. Not a bad gig if you can get it!


Mornin' Sungoddess, I've been on several cruises where the ship's cast used the pax gym. I take it they are exempt also?

[NurseGeorge]

The ship's doctor is allowed to use the pax gym because he is not considered a crew member, but has passenger status, just like guest entertainers. Not a bad gig if you can get it!
I think that I would rather use the crew gym anyway...that way the passagers don't see me sweat!!!!

[NurseGeorge]

Looking forward to your posts from Zuiderdam, nurse George! That's what I want to do also - take a look at the inside workings of a cruise ship. Hopefully for you, not too many emergencies, no medevacs and no 'bright star' announcements! How long is your contract?



Mornin' Sungoddess, I've been on several cruises where the ship's cast used the pax gym. I take it they are exempt also?

Thank you, I hope that I can give cruisers a taste of HAL from a little different perspective...can't give away any secrets though, like how the crew gets to work every day....

[sungoddess]

Don't worry, the Captain will never change the uniform to whites in Alaska; even when it is 90 degrees in Seattle or Vancouver!

[sungoddess]

Hi John,

Yes, the cast are able to use the pax gym, and also the Staff Officers. I guess it's to give the cast incentive to stay in shape!

[Copper10-8]

Hi John,

Yes, the cast are able to use the pax gym, and also the Staff Officers. I guess it's to give the cast incentive to stay in shape!

Got ya, thanks! ;) Even though, by the looks of it, they burns lots of caleries during their shows

The cast can use the Staff Officers also?;)

[sungoddess]

I guess I didn't word that very well!! Funny! My lips are sealed.

[tomc]

Nurse George --

Keep in mind that HAL reads these boards, so be discreet as to how much you dish about things and people on board.

I'm just a pax, but one time I slipped and accidentally let something get in that identified a concessionaire and I think that was the end of the line for the person. I still feel bad about it, although the person should not have been dishing to me about the situation.

[sungoddess]

Nurse George,

Please excuse my suggestion to take black nylons and call it a blonde moment! Have fun!

SG

[RuthC]

This is going to be neat getting a "live from ..." thread from an entirely new point of view. I'm really looking forward to it.

Congratulations on getting this assignment! Have a great time. :)

[hammybee]

Nurse George,

Please excuse my suggestion to take black nylons and call it a blonde moment! Have fun!

SG

Take your take back, back. Halloween is coming to the Zuiderdam.:)

[wander]

Have a wonderful adventure!

From my many cruise ship days and many conversations with the nurses onboard, your experience will depend on the passengers and events.

I have talked with many and some days are no different than a typical medical office workday while others require more like cardiac care unit work or trama work and 24 hour attention by one medical staff person. Of course, you will have enough ports that cases can be more easily off-loaded that with crossing the sea cruises.

From what I can tell, regardless of your experience on this assignment, you really cannot predict what the next one will be like. Just like Rev Neal's cruise ship working experiences seem to be from what I read.

[NurseGeorge]

Nurse George --

Keep in mind that HAL reads these boards, so be discreet as to how much you dish about things and people on board.

I'm just a pax, but one time I slipped and accidentally let something get in that identified a concessionaire and I think that was the end of the line for the person. I still feel bad about it, although the person should not have been dishing to me about the situation.

Thank you TomC for the heads up. It is my intention to write more about my experiences and the feelings that I have regarding those experiences. Anything I write about people will be with there consent and knowledge and will always have a positive slant. It is just who I am. I will leave "dishing" to the professionals...I do appreciate the personal story though and it should be a "heads up" to anyone who thinks that because of the anonymous nature of this board that they can say what ever they want. Look forward to having lots to say, but first and foremost I LOVE Holland America. I would say that whether HAL was reading or not. I could work as a "per diem" nurse for many different companies.....HAL has my heart.:D

[Nancy717]

Nurse George, how did you get the position, I am a nurse and would love to do that. Once I worked the summer at Girl Scout camp, this sounds more fun?

[ger_77]

NurseGeorge, I can't wait to hear your reports from the Zuiderdam - that was the first HAL ship we sailed on for our 25th wedding anniversary.

A good friend of ours was a cruise ship nurse for another line and although it was a lot of work, she did enjoy her time onboard and off. I hope your experiences are all good ones!

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)
Gerry

[JimVrhovac]

Contact HAL corp hqs and get the information sent to you.

They have 3 or 6 month contracts or you can do prn to fill in for just one cruise.

Good luck

Ruth & Jim (RN's)

[NurseGeorge]

Nurse George, how did you get the position, I am a nurse and would love to do that. Once I worked the summer at Girl Scout camp, this sounds more fun?

Send me an email at nursegeorge@earthlink.net and I will give you the details.:p

[NurseGeorge]

Hello Travelers Hello Travelers
Twas the night before cruising, my head’s all a flutter
Flew in from Seattle on a prop plane that sputtered (sorry, but it rhymes)
I’m hungry, I’m sweaty and needing my bed
But thoughts of the Zuiderdam dance in my head.


What will it be like, this nursing at sea
I’m sure I’ll enjoy it, I’m sure it’s for me
The crew’s perspective of the excited hoard
Me with my “stripe” saying “Welome Aboard”


This poem could go on and on, like most of my poetry does…but I just checked into the Marriott in Vancouver and I need to eat. I am still repacking, moving things from my 400 pound carry-on to my 50.0 lbs checked luggage, just to balance things out a bit. The Maritime couriers pick me up at 0630 in the AM. Think of that next time you pull into your final port and realize that just when you are getting up there is an excited newbie crewmember waiting to get on the ship. I feel ready for this adventure, but the butterflies are still buzzing around. It is nice that I have had some experience in the theater because I will be able to pull of calm, cool and collected, when I really just have the opening night jitters…..that extra spicy ingredient…I think I know what it is…FEAR!!!!! But the fearless go on in spite of the fear. ER nurses…Professional and Caring!!!!:)

[Fatfish]

Have a great time and hope to meet you on the Noordam in December.

[SweetpeaOne]

What a exciting time you will have the next two weeks. Looking forward to hear more..

[Cruising-along]

Count me in as another who will be following your posts from the Zuiderdam. Have a great 2 weeks! :)

[mamaofami]

Hi Nurse George,

I hope you have a wonderful experience as a HAL nurse. My husband sailed several times as the dentist for HAL. He loved it and found the crew and the passengers who needed emergency services to be very grateful. We used to board the ship by 8am to relieve the departing dentist and to be brought up to date on what procedures were scheduled for the upcoming week. We sailed the Zuiderdam, Rotterdam, Statendam, and Veendam as crew, but were on the Noordam and once on the Zuiderdam as regular passengers. Have a wonderful time!:) Can't wait to read about your experiences.

[NurseGeorge]

Hello Cruisers
Well, I’M ABOARD!!!! Now I am just overwhelmed…There are orientations and trainings and check-in, hand-offs, reports to learn. All of that before I got into my cabin, hehehe. Actually, I am certain that I am going to have a great time. The medical staff on board is very experienced. Once they get over the shock of answering all of my questions I am sure things will settle down. I can’t imagine how it must be for these full-time medical staff to have a new nurse and doctor to train each week. The nurse who I replaced was on her first contract too, so I am sure there must be a certain amount of orientation burnout.

I was taking a self-guided tour of the ship…it is so nice to be able to go through all of the “Crew Only” doors and know that I am not trespassing…Lisa, Tom and Bill all know that I am not above trespassing….I may go out on the bow deck for some picture taking later, as a matter of fact.

I have talked with one crew member that we know, Leo, from the Dining Room on the Zaandam. He remembered Bill and I and some of our more colorful table guests.

I am sitting here writing to all of you having unpacked my caravan of luggage…(note to self: Pack Less) There is no way I will wear all of the clothes that I have brought…and the black sport coat that I brought…has no black pants to go with it….reminds me of the last cruise that I was on and the Pax Doctor was wearing tan shoes with black highwaters…never did get that image out of my mind…but that is the way I will feel wearing the navy slacks and a black jacket…I think there is a Bon Marche in Juneau…perhaps I could go shopping. I am all unpacked and have filled up my inside cabin. It is like the standard inside cabins only smaller…it will be tough to get two people in here in December….

All of that aside…while I was on my self guided tour…passengers were embarking the ship and I was able to say “welcome aboard” and give them the greeting they deserved for choosing to sail with HAL. I am looking forward to the Life Boat Drill…and dinner…might even work out tonight…Oh, by the way, I CAN use the Passenger Gym…just not between 8 – 11 am.

Cheers
More as it comes

[LAFFNVEGAS]

George, I am so glad you have arrived on board:) I could just see you greeting everyone:D Have lots of fun which I know you will. You may find you may want to do this a lot more often.

[mamaofami]

George, I'm curious. What hours do you work and when the ship is in port, do you get to go ashore?

[sail7seas]

How very exciting for you. Hope you have a great experience. Hope your travel day went well and will be eager to read your posts as you begin your work on the ship.

Welcome to CC and thanks for sharing this with us.

( .....We just returned from two glorious weeks on Maasdam but had an occassion to visit the ship's nurse. DH was stung by a bee while in Quebec. Three days later, his arm was still quite red and swollen. We figured if he hadn't had a major allergic reaction within all that time he'd survive the whole event but thought it wise to have it checked out anyway. ;) Benedryl and hydrocortizone did the trick. :) )

[JimVrhovac]

Please watch what you post as HAL corporate headquarters monitors these threads.

They do it to see the reactions passangers are having not to be sneaky.

Ruth & Jim

[NurseGeorge]

George, I'm curious. What hours do you work and when the ship is in port, do you get to go ashore?

Great questions Mamaofami...I am to be available 24/7, that being said...there are 3 shifts...and 3rd shift is really just for emergencies so that is your day off...or in my case those are the days where I can figure out what I am supposed to be doing on the other days...I am on 3rd shift today and tomorrow and then 2nd shift in Juneau and 1st shift in Skagway...that means that I have to do the embarkation health screens in Skagway...this is a two embarkation cruise for those taking a land cruise from last week and those going on this weeks 7 day land cruise...I didn't know they did that...pretty neat...

[NurseGeorge]

Update from the Zuiderdam –
We are well under way up the coast of British Columbia, gosh I love this scenery…the islands and inlets are all so spectacular with the mountains as a backdrop.

I am getting ready to turn in for the evening…(no pillow top for the crew), which is okay, it will just make me appreciate what I have at home.

The crew on the Zuiderdam is AMAZING, not just saying that because I am biased in anyway. It is not just to the passengers…they are great to each other too. I walked into the crew dining room and it was like a gala in there…everyone was laughing and there was the music of several languages being shared. I didn’t understand what they were saying to each other but I understood the camaraderie of being together on board.

The lifeboat drill was everything I heard it would be…chaos…but I got to be the MO (medical officer) on stand-by…and was even put to use…(note to future passengers to Alaska) They say go to your cabin and get your lifejacket and put on warm clothes…the warm clothes are for the real emergencies not for the drills…it just gets too hot for folks all bundled up…the nice thing was that I didn’t need my Lifejacket…my drill is later in the week…and it is a lifeRAFT drill not BOAT….

Did I tell you guys that I WAY OVER PACKED!!!! 3 blue blazers, 3 pair of pants and 5 white shirts and a tie would have done it… oh well next time.

Had dinner tonight…and every night apparently with the medical staff…wow, we eat together as a team…that is going to be a special part of this experience…the Crew Doc – Fred, Lead Medical Officer – Caroline, and Medical Officer – Evelyn welcomed myself and the new Pax Doc – Jeff with open arms…they all have a tempered mix of professionalism with sardonic wit!!! Just like I like it….and they laugh at my jokes…which is a plus.

More in the morning.
Nurse George

[luvcruisn']

George - when my brother was onboard HAL as one of the ship's doctors, he usually ate in the passenger dining room with his wife - who accompanied him on most of his cruises. Some nights he had to host a table in the dining room at dinner as well. One night he had one of the nurses join them for dinner, but he mentioned to me that the nurses don't usually eat in the passenger dining room. Is this still the case?

[Two if by Sea]

Great to hear about your experiences!

What kind of cabin do you get? Do you have to share or is it your own? Is it a regular cabin listed on the deck plans, or is it one of the ones in white on deck Z that passengers never know about?

[ecl9335]

Nurse George, we will be joining you on the Panama Canal trip. We were on the Zuiderdam in May and sat with Glenda (ship nurse)and Jim for dinner. They had some friends from Tucsan on the ship and we all were on the same table. Had a great time with them. Don't know if they know we will be going to Panama Canal trip with them.

Can you email me at ecl9332@aol.com if you can contact Glenda and Jim?

Also our daughter is is a nurse in ICU and Glenda told us she should look at being a cruise nurse. Look forward to meeting you, personally, not professionaly, on the trip. You should look at the Zuiderdam Panama Canal roll call they have for the Zuiderdam Meet and Mingle after we arrive in LA. We get on in Seattle for this trip.
See you on the ship,

[J&R Cruisers]

Welcome to the HAL family. We have been on many HAL cruises and have enjoyed the company of the medical staff several times. Unneeded, just socially. Hope to find you on one of our future cruises and do hope you enjoy your tour with HAL.

[NurseGeorge]

George - when my brother was onboard HAL as one of the ship's doctors, he usually ate in the passenger dining room with his wife - who accompanied him on most of his cruises. Some nights he had to host a table in the dining room at dinner as well. One night he had one of the nurses join them for dinner, but he mentioned to me that the nurses don't usually eat in the passenger dining room. Is this still the case?
I will be posting more later but actually I will be hosting a table tonight in the Vista Dining room also...2 nurses will be...Tonights post should be a fun one...I am loving this experience.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

George, I am really enjoying this, you will have to get pictures of you in a uniform and post.:)

[ecl9335]

Sorry, Nurse George. Sent you wrong email to reply on my previous message. It is eclindberg@aol.com. Would like to here from you about the friends on the Zuiderdam.
Thanks,

[Susie51]

Nurse George thank you for posting frequently. This thread is great. DH and I will be on Zui.. for the first time on Nov. 3.

[NurseGeorge]

Day two – A day at Sea
Got up early today although I was a bit groggy from staying up to late. Decided to wander about the decks last night before the Lido opened…just an excuse to be there at 11 when I could have some French Cuisine…more a fan of Cuisine than of French, but I digress. I was wandering about and went into the Crow’s Nest in time for the band to be on break…I was called over to the group of breaking musicians…one of whom is a new guitar player, Kevin, from Nashville, TN. He and I were both new to the ship…he, however is new to ships, period…wow…he was actually longing for firm ground. Don’t worry Kevin, the sea legs are coming….by the way…I think we have been cruising on a lake so far, the meclizine stock is still quite high. Got to talking with the band members and we shared our personal stories…it is what this experience is about for me…making connections. Did I already mention how welcoming the entire crew has been?

My early start began (after my shower and shave) with a trip for eggs and waffles on Lido deck. (I really need one of those flowershaped waffle makers)…I ran into the Pax Doc, Jeff and we ate together…he had not gotten much sleep either because of patient issues. Here is the deal, we have essentially an ICU on board, and if you are admitted to ICU for the night (or longer, god forbid) you need a nurse by your side. That is where we come in…I have spoken to people recently who said “oh you are going to have fun, you won’t need to work that hard…” I think that might not be the case…and I am up for the challenge. I didn’t take this JOB thinking that I was going on VACATION. This is just yet one more interesting place that a career in nursing can take you.

I stopped into the clinic after breakfast and offered myself up to work and learn. Technically, I am 3rd shift and could lounge around all day eating bon-bons…it just isn’t who I am, I like to be busy…I met some great crew members coming in for various things and also some passengers who were just not feeling quite right…nothing serious…and I am knocking on wood…As an ER nurse I get plenty of fire-breathing, hair-pulling, bonafide emergencies and while people are on vacation I would prefer if it was just the run-of-the-mill stuff. I have gotten a chance to play with some of the machines and my anxiety level is within normal limits.

I am having a great time talking with passengers and finding out where they are from and what brought them to the Zuiderdam…I love to get the stories. I talked with a very nice couple from a land down under who were on an extended vacation that they had won from a travel agency and they had two of the sweetest, most intelligent young girls 4 and 6 with them. These two were so polite and well behaved and were a pleasure to talk with…the 4 year old was explaining her “Leap Frog” learning device to me…I can operate a defibrillator but a child’s learning device and I am lost…she lost patience with me and went back to her math studies…I don’t blame her.

We had lunch as a medical team in the officer’s mess…and then I went for a work-out…not just the cursory lift, lift, lift leave, but a real, work up a sweat and get the heart rate up work out…there, I got use out of some other clothes other than the blue blazer, pants, and white shirt…

Speaking of clothes, I will be fitted tonight for my uniforms…I have been looking forward to getting a HAL uniform since I signed on months ago. The uniforms will not be ready for this cruise (the tailor is VERY busy on board) but they will be ready for my Noordam cruise in December. I am already planning cruise for next year, because the new schedule comes out soon. I plan on spending a longer stretch on board next year and my time is limited.

Tonight, Evelyn and I will be hosting a table in the Vista dining room for formal night. I do get to eat in the Vista….and THE PINNACLE GRILL!!!! I found that out last night from one of the waiters. What a Joy!!!! So far all of the things that I thought would make me long to be a passenger instead of crew are open to me…I am truly having a wonderful experience on the Zuiderdam.

To Ruth and Jim: Thank you for the heads up about HAL management…I am a very loyal employee and love the companies that I work for. I will always take care with how I represent them…hopefully HAL management doesn’t have some hidden policy about employees posting to this board…but I have looked and have not found anything that forbids it. I think that as the posts unanimously suggest, HAL passengers are enjoying my posts…thank you for the concern though.

To Susie and DH: You are going to LOVE this ship and crew, what a joyful group of individuals.

To Chris and Pattie: I will be thinking of you through the Panama Canal but unfortunately, I will only be on for these two weeks. I have to go back to Grad School at the end of September and I have to work at my other jobs. There are going to be some really fun times though…the O-Dam will be transiting with you. They are planning a HUGE combined crew party for the two ships. I don’t have all of the details but that would be a great gala to be at.

To Lisa: As I said, I won’t get my uniforms until I get back home…BUT then I will have a photo session and send you the results…what is YUM YUM MAN Cruise…do I really want to know?

Thanks to all of you who are loyal readers of Adventures in Nursing.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

George, the Yum Yum Man is the guy who rings the chimes before dinner and give out the mints when you leave the dining room. We named this cruise The Yum Yum Man Worshippers Cruise. We have an unbelievable crazy group of CCer's going over 30 so far. We are planning Slipper Parties with Jim and Ruth, A Huge Banner Wave in San Diego, a Pajama Party one night. Then we plan to eat and drink our way down the Mexican Riviera:D You and Bill would have a great time with us.:)

[NurseGeorge]

Great to hear about your experiences!

What kind of cabin do you get? Do you have to share or is it your own? Is it a regular cabin listed on the deck plans, or is it one of the ones in white on deck Z that passengers never know about?

Love these questions...I am on A deck...in a cabin that is smaller than the passenger cabins with a full/queen sized bed...I am not sure... It is perfect for one person and I am by myself...it is close to the Medical Center because I am on call...I am not so sure how this cabin size will be when my SO joins me in December...it will mean more time will be spent on deck....

[NurseGeorge]

George, the Yum Yum Man is the guy who rings the chimes before dinner and give out the mints when you leave the dining room. We named this cruise The Yum Yum Man Worshippers Cruise. We have an unbelievable crazy group of CCer's going over 30 so far. We are planning Slipper Parties with Jim and Ruth, A Huge Banner Wave in San Diego, a Pajama Party one night. Then we plan to eat and drink our way down the Mexican Riviera:D You and Bill would have a great time with us.:)

Definately a cruise with purpose...We would love it....February is the end of my Grad program...I am currently planning to have a 45-60 day contract April and May, not sure what itinerary.

[JimVrhovac]

Glad to hear that everything is well with you and that you are having a good time.

Enjoy reading your posts.

Have a safe and fruitfull trip...

Ruth & Jim

[NurseGeorge]

I tried to post this last night but the Satellite was hiding. This morning I thought my wake up call was late and realized that I had gained an hour.

(note to self: always use the ships wake up system)

DAY Two Continues

My evening continued with dinner in formal garb…incidentally, I can’t wait until I get my uniforms…Tonight’s formal attire consisted of a black jacket, bow tie, tux shirt and very dark yet navy pants…I knew…no one else commented but who knows who noticed…

Dinner was amazing, Evelyn and I hosted a table as representatives from the Medical Department. Evelyn is a nurse on board and has been doing full time contracts for Holland America. Evelyn was assigned to be my “buddy”, lucky Evelyn. She has been very patient with all of my inane questions. She looked stunning in her formal uniform and was very gracious in the way she introduced me to the table.

A couple from Cincinnati at the table is celebrating 51 years of marriage tomorrow and seems to be still madly in love. The two of them were incredibly sweet and shared stories of their 6 daughters and then some stories about their 4 sons…TEN CHILDREN…their kids are back on national average though because at 2.2 children apiece they have 22 grandchildren. They have cruised a lot and are new with HAL…They seemed to be quite impressed with the Zuiderdam, as am I.

The other trio at the table was from Melbourne Australia and were on extended leave for 13 weeks. This gentleman was telling us about the benefits of long term employment in Australia and besides the 4 weeks of paid vacation they also accrue a phenomenal amount of extended leave…no wonder the Aussies are all so much fun…they don’t have to work 24/7/365 like the rest of us…The Aussies (oi,oi,oi) on this cruise are abundant and a barrel of laughs…the sense of humor is poignant and lots of fun.

After dinner, the Yum Yum Man (as monikered by Laffnvegas Lisa) came around with the “okay, now, get out!” gong…and everyone got up from the table and was heading for the door so that the dining room could be reset for the next sitting when “BREECH, BLOW AND WHALE HO!” a pod of humpbacks were spotted out the starboard side…this made everyone rush to the windows to see an amazing after dinner show.

But lets talk about the after dinner show, “Stage and Screen.” First of all I need to tell you all that in a previous life I used to do shows very much like the ones seen on cruise ships…they are not easy and very difficult to really pull off well…that being said…anyone fortunate enough to be a passenger on the Zuiderdam has the pleasure of seeing one of the most amazing show casts I have seen. Tonight’s show was so incredible and I can honestly say THE best show on a ship I have seen. There are 4 singers as most of you know, they are referred to as M1, F1, M2, and F2…it was difficult to separate them out because they were all outstanding. M1’s voice was crisp, clear and very mature, I was envious, I could only dream to have a voice that nice. All four of them blended and harmonized like they have been performing together for years. Bravo! was all I can say.

I did a little show of my own later tonight in the Karaoke night in Northern Lights…yes, for all that know me I sang New York, New York…and not very well, I might add…doesn’t matter though because I am exempt from superstar competition due to crew status…(and because I wasn’t very good)

Before my night plate in the Lido, I went to the Officers Bar or OB as they call it…(never knew there was an OB, cool) They were having a fish fry and they attitude inside was very jovial. This is not the first time I have said this and I am not the only person to notice…This is a HAPPY Crew! This ship is well run, well staffed and it shows. I blame the Captain! Captain Timmers has worked up through the ranks with HAL and embodies the warm and friendly spirit that you find on Holland America ships. His joyous attitude is transmitted to the crew every day and it show. And he is a cat lover, like me.

Well it is very late as I write this and tomorrow I am 2nd shift which means I have to help out in the clinic in the morning if it is busy. Tomorrow we go into Juneau and because I am new crew I have to go to immigration on shore at 12:30….then back to the ship by 2:00 for relief of the 1st shift. Looking forward to tomorrow in Juneau!!!
Cheers

[LAFFNVEGAS]

George, I am loving your review it is great. Hey remember I have a little video of you performing in the Super Stars on the Zaandam and singing New York New York:D I might have to upload into YouTube and post here;)

[Cruising-along]

George I am thoroughly enjoying your posts! You write so well and it's all so interesting! Keep them coming! :D
You have a large group of fans here, and now I have another reason to like you. You're a cat-lover like me. ;) :D
Enjoy your day in Juneau!

[Sea Island Lady]

I thought I would pop in on the HAL message board to see what's going on and I ended up finding this great thread!

I have so enjoyed reading about your days-at-sea. Keep the post coming!

You sound very professional and capable of doing a good job while on your shift, however I have read many controversial threads about other cruise lines, where the health staff has not been up to par. Such threads have stated it takes a good 30 before a staff member shows up in an emergency and in one incident, a child was mishandled after a pool accident. Are there certain ship protocols that the medical staff have to follow before treating a patient, such as waiting until a physician arrives before treatment begins?

Here is a photo of the Yum, Yum Man that I took on the Oosterdam. ;)
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p262/NewHomeBuilder/HAINT%20HOUSE/TheYumYumMan.jpg

[RuthC]

I tried to post this last night but the Satellite was hiding. This morning I thought my wake up call was late and realized that I had gained an hour.
Guess crew doesn't get a little card under their pillow chocolate reminding them to reset their clocks. :( Guess crew doesn't get a pillow chocolate. :eek:

Loving your reports, George. Keep it up. :)

[serendipity1499]

What a wonderful & Happy Thread...I Love it..Thanks for sharing Nurse George..:) Betty

[Agr8RN]

Nurse George-

I will surely be watching your thread closely! What an exciting adventure you have embarked upon.
It's nice to know there is such commeraderie on the HAL ships amongst the medical staff.
Maybe someday... I can retire from my f/t job to a ship! Just need to brush up on the ACLS!
Enjoy! :)

[beachdreaming]

Nurse George - Love reading your posts and look forward to more info from you. Hubby & I are both nurses but only hubby would qualify to be a cruise nurse. I only have psych and ortho nursing. Hubby has ICU, ER, Cath lab, CCU, and flight nursing. We've joked that we'd love to do what you're doing. So, I took the liberty of responding to your email about sharing your application info.

Best wishes as you continue on this challenge!!!!

Les & Terri

[Susie51]

Nurse George, reading your thread is one of the highlights of my day. You have a fun-filled style of writing. Your thread is like a good novel that I can't put down. But I have to leave thread until your next post.

I can't wait until Nov. 3 when I'll be on Zuiderdam. I'm looking forward to meeting this joyful staff and crew.

[NurseGeorge]

DAY 3 – Tracy Arm and Juneau

Everything happens for a reason, that is a philosophy I live by and it was solidly in place this morning. I already told you that I woke up an hour early this morning. It seems that my body has a built in alarm clock function…when I call the wake up service (something I HIGHLY recommend for anyone serving as a nurse on board) I guess my body just sets its own internal clock and has no function for time change…therefore at 6:30 according to my body clock it was only 5:30…I laid in bed for several minutes staring at the ceiling, blink, blink….nope, it was time to get showered and dressed…so I got dressed and went for some breakfast on the Lido…I wore my pants, shirt and tie with my long lab coat over it…(not remembering that it is a no no to go up on the passenger areas in anything other than the blue blazer)…after breakfast I thought that I would use my crew privilege to go up on the bow (on the part that passengers never are on)…well I could barely get out there because there were so many passengers and crew out there at 6:30 in the morning…they were passing out hot cocoa and blankets and the passengers were taking in the splendor of Tracy Arm. If you have never cruised up Tracy Arm or don’t know what I am talking about it is SPECTACULAR in true Alaska fashion.

I was standing on the starboard side taking in the sights of that side of the fjord and seeing mountain goats, waterfalls and the most opalescent green water I have ever seen when…THAR SHE BLOWS! Humpies feeding…I saw a breech, several tails, and multiple blows as we slowly maneuvered up the arm. Wow, what amazing creatures…I really thought that I would never see a whale in Alaska…I always seemed to miss them.

The last cruise to Alaska that I was on with Bill we saw whales and I have the pictures to prove it…actually, it was Bill’s idea and brilliant. We went to the Juneau Museum of whatever…and they were having an exhibit of the most fantastic naturalist photos of whales that I have ever seen…many have been used on the ship as postcards…but the pictures are big enough and clear enough and the lighting is just right that if you get close to the pictures and take a photo with the frame cut out they look just like you were there. We went back to the ship and showed people, “look at the whales WE saw,” we bragged. People were astounded and demanded to know where we found such an amazing tour for whale watching (having just gotten back from the Seal watching that was supposed to be whales)…we let the joke hang for a bit before we let them in on it…it was hard to keep a straight face.

So there I was out on the deck at 6:30 in the morning watching the wildlife and quite chilly in my lab coat when Mark, the Hotel Manager (and my bosses boss) turns to me and says how is that coat working for you. Mark, like the other crew that I have spoken about has an amazing wit and wonderful personality, yet has the professionalism of a true HAL officer. I thought, at first he was concerned for my warmth. It was not until later, when I related the story to Caroline that I realized the comment was directed at my lack of blue blazer…darn, I need my uniform…(shhh, I might just get it before the cruise is up…but don’t tell, I don’t want to jinx it)

I thought I would try to rectify the situation later when Mark came down to the Medical Center and I apologized for having my lab coat on out on the deck. He replied that it was not nearly as funny as when I was wearing my crew badge at the Captain’s reception…that’s right, make fun of the Newbie…I can take it.

I had a brief jaunt to Juneau and had to get off for immigration, but had to get tendered right back to the ship for my shift.. That’s right I said tendered, in Juneau….The O-Dam and Zuiderdam share a berth, and everyother week we tender to shore…It gave a great perspective of Juneau that you don’t usually get from the dock with Mt. Robert’s so close. I hurried back to the ship thinking that second shift started at 2:00…it starts at 4:00, oh well, at least I wasn’t late. After work, Doctor Jeff and I had dinner on the fan tail. The other med staff were in meetings so it was just the two of us.

Doctor Jeff is a great doc to work with…he is calm and professional. You can tell that he really cares about his patients and gives each of them the full measure of his attention and caring. He is also really interesting to talk with at dinner because he has been doing this cruise medicine for a while and has been on many of the HAL ships as well as others. I found out that we also share a love of Rhododendrons.

Right now, it is my after dinner reflection time and I am about to go work out.

Two for Two…worked out two days in a row…and I am feeling pretty good about myself because of it…<wink>…usually, as a passenger on a cruise my daily day is something like this….Eat, shower, coffee, eat, bingo, wander the ship or go ashore and eat, come back to the ship or go back to the cabin after a little snack and sleep, talk with Bill about the need for both of us to go and workout…oops look at the time…tux for dinner, “bring money for the casino”, talk about all of the reasons not to gamble, go to dinner, “stop by” the casino…just to see if anyone is winning, <gotcha> “ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, blink, blink, blink, blink…”Texas Tea”, lose all of our money, let Bill convince me not to take out a cash advance (only did that once and got caught in a lie), go to the show, wander the ship, go to the cabin, neatly remove tuxes, read for about an hour and go to bed….only to get up and repeat tomorrow…ahhhh heaven. Well, I have found some new parts of heaven…some of them marked “Crew Only”…I still can’t believe that I am part of a HAL crew. I guess it is because cruising is still such a romantic mode of transportation to me (and many others). I feel honored to be able to be part of the experience that the passengers are having on board. It is my goal to make each encounter with passengers and crew add to their experience (and mine, as a nice secondary benefit).

While I was working, John, the new Events Manager came in to work out…he is easy to talk to about his experience with HAL…he has a degree in Cruise Ship Event Management, how cool is that…and before I went to nursing school I had a degree in Political Science…if I had only known…I could see myself as a Cruise Director…but I love being a nurse…if only there were some way to combine that work…some things just don’t fit together well…like rollerblades and gravel, pickles and grape jelly, or high heels and high seas (hehehe) Anyway, John just got off of the Volendam and is getting ready in January to set sail on the world cruise on the Amsterdam. (Now I know that there are some of you that will be on that cruise, say hi to John)

Speaking of saying Hi, I found out who Glenda and Jim are and the Zuiderdam is Glenda’s ship…she was Lead nurse for quite a while…Evelyn remembers her talking about Chris and Pattie so I am trying to get a message to Glenda from you guys.

Now I am comfortably sitting at my computer, thinking about doing nothing but posting this and going to bed…no bingo, no casino, no have to be anywhere (unless my emergency phone rings), just me in my cabin and the new Harry Potter…a new part of heaven…although it is a relatively “small” part of heaven, but I am not complaining….

[NurseGeorge]

Guess crew doesn't get a little card under their pillow chocolate reminding them to reset their clocks. :( Guess crew doesn't get a pillow chocolate. :eek:

Loving your reports, George. Keep it up. :)

I brought some of the HAL chocolates that I have collected from previous cruises…chocolate never goes bad, right? I think that at the next time change I will put one on my pillow to remind me to set my clocks ahead an hour. The next time change could make me late for work.

After I posted my last long post I took a quick read of your responses to my posts and I was tickled…I am having a blast writing this chronicle but it makes me smile to know that it is bringing entertainment to people who understand the romance of cruising…I have shared this thread with friends on the ship and they are having fun reading it too. There is even a nurse who will be taking over for me who is reading this too, right Earl. Earl had a lot of the same questions that I had…a lot of similar “what to expects?” So I figured the best way to find out is to hear it day by day from some one doing it… I am really enjoying your responses and it is making it so worth writing.

I wish that I could respond to each of you personally but because it is so expensive to have satellite internet I have to compose offline and make a quick in to post and read and then out again…actually the satellite is so sketchy up this far north it usually kicks me off in mid sentence…I have had to retype several things (this post being one of them), I would like to specifically respond to one.

I am very sad to hear that there are stories of ANY medical crew on ANY ship not being up to par…when people are seeking attention from medical they are sometimes very vulnerable and as such need special care…The one thing that I will say is there will absolutely NOT be any comments of that nature from this medical staff…I am so impressed by this team, and honored that they have allowed me to be a part.

[luvcruisn']

George - I appreciate your postings that you are doing in your off-duty time. Your writings make me feel that I can almost see the whales, and the people out on the bow having hot chocolate. Thanks.

[Susie51]

Nurse George, Thanks for the updates. I realize you can't respond to this question while on the ship, but if there is time for you would you be able to see what life on board a cruise ship is like for a children's worker?

My daughter would like to start working for a cruise line summer of 2008 after she graduates from college with her teaching degree. At that time, she will be 23.

When you finish your 2 weeks and are back home, if possible could you mention something about children's workers life on board the ship.

Please excuse me, if this an outrageous request.

Sue

[mamaofami]

Nurse George, Since you are crew, are you familiar with the crew email area on the crew deck? it costs a lot less to post from there.:D

[JimVrhovac]

Thank you for the posts.

With the attitude you bring to the work place you will never have a problem fitting in anywhere.

There are some beautifull Husky Slippers available in the ports up there. Last time we were there purchased 20 pair and had them shipped home. Still have 3 pait left.

Keep up the good posts....

Ruth & Jim (RN's)

[NurseGeorge]

Day 4 – Skagway

It is a rainy day in Skagway. I was up bright and early for my first time on 1st call. I had to open the clinic right at 8:00am…I had patients waiting for me right at 8:00. It still seems very odd to be in my suit as a nurse, but it is uniform of the day.

The day so far has been very sedate and calm, one thing one must never do is use the quiet in an ER (I wrote the word “quiet” in an edit back in my cabin)…I guess everyone is off in the shops of Skagway, although I did hear that there was a bit of a power outage in town and some of the shops were out of power and closed…I, however, have been starved for some human contact…I guess that is good when you are the medical center. So far it has been a very healthy cruise. It has been a lot of fun caring for the crew as well.

One of my duties as first shift in Skagway is to do the interviews of passengers embarking on the ship…I was not looking forward to this job. It is my responsibility to ensure the safety and health of the ship from possible bad things coming on. Well I am pleased to report that everyone came off the train trip in good health. Only one migraine induced vomiting episode which was totally resolved. It was funny, she was an emergency nurse and was able to give me the quick details to help me with my differential diagnosis. Sometimes I love taking care of medical people…most times they are the WORST patients….”oh, I thought it was only a Minor case of appendicitis and it would get better on its own...” I have heard that before, taking care of a rupture appendix on a nurse at the hospital where I work. Silly nurse. All and all, we are a self reliant, indestructible, self healing group until we are on our death bed and then …can you say, needy, difficult and demanding! Hehehe.

I have had the privilege to care for several of the passengers today but nothing exciting enough to write home about. Lunch was fun though. I went to lunch with Doctor Jeff and the Lead Medical Officer, Caroline. I have gotten to be quite fond of Caroline. The stories that she shares of nursing in South Africa and in the UK are really quite a stark contrast to the nursing that I am used to. She was telling me this one story today about being an ICU nurse (the only one) in this hospital and taking care of this patient who had just going through a major abdominal surgery….he was in such dire straights that he needed to be on a ventilator and the equipment was so out dated that this vent was about three and one half feet long with big knobs and dials that looked like something from Young Frankenstein, there were big billows inside and really loud mechanical noises…the telling of the story by Caroline was much better than my narrative but you can only imagine what she was faced with…don’t worry the equipment on board is not quite that outdated…the knobs and dials are a bit smaller, <wink> Caroline did bring me a copy of “Happy Feet” to watch tonight and a copy of Cruise Industry News Quarterly…for SERIOUS cruisers…I bought a subscription to this quarterly for Bill for Christmas last year…he cherishes every copy…there are really cool articles and pictures…like one with Carnival Splendor getting a new bow…the things that they can do to ships these days…Ficantieri shipyards must be an amazing place to visit and check out what is going on there. Anyway, back to talking about Caroline…I am surprised she is not out here reading over my shoulder as I write this…she has an uncanny sense of things, we seem to read each other’s mind…very scary!…she has a poignant, sardonic wit…something that I have previously identified as an admirable quality. Not to mention she has a FANTASTIC accent! I am going to put in a request for next year to be on ship with Caroline…think that it would be fun…however, I believe that the cruise (Prinsendam to Africa) will be very difficult one to get for a Newbie…

Speaking of next year, the big buzz in the medical department is that the “Wish List” for next year just came out and everyone is planning what they are doing next year…I have a limited time frame for next year between the time I graduate March 21st and taking my boards in the beginning of June…I plan to do some of my studying during an at sea contract…so I am looking into ships that I would like to be on…they are all open for bid…and there are no bad ships so I will take what they give me. But it would be cool to be with Caroline again or with Nurse Bud, who is the reason why I am doing this at all. Bud O’Connell on the Volendam was the nurse on the Zaandam last cruise and was gracious to give me a tour and tons of information about cruise ship nursing…he would be great to work with…actually, so far I have not met a medical professional that works for HAL that would not be a pleasure to work with. It is great to have choices.

Got to go in to Skagway for my two hours off, I lasted one…Skagway is not a very exciting town unless you like trinkets and cheap jewelry…I would have loved to go up to the top of White Pass but I did not have the time. I did have someone take my picture out in front of the Zu-Dam, that is me – Nurse George. Still trying to get the uniform picture. It seems that I have created quite a stir with my uniform request. The details are unimportant…I just want to be in official uniform and it does not seem to be happening…even though I have found a jacket and shirt at the tailor that fits??? I guess it is bureaucracy that I don’t understand or want to…I just want to do my job and look great doing it.

Back to the ship and I offered to buy dinner for the medical staff up on the Lido. They were very impressed with my generosity and we went up and I bought them salad, appetizers, pasta courses, and steak…yeah I am a big spender…<wink>. We had a great time at dinner sharing stories…tonight it was Dr. Jeff’s and Nurse George’s turn to carry on the conversation…actually we spent a good portion of the time talking about Dr. Michael Copass, the founder of Medic One at Harborview Hospital in Seattle, Wa. He is quite a figure in the medical field…the details can be googled…it was nevertheless a great time of camaraderie, yet again (except Caroline was absent and sleeping.)

After dinner, it was time to workout, 3/3 (I am not counting embarkation). Dr. Fred and I went up to the gym. Dr. Fredrick Tan is the Crew’s doctor and a full time employee of HAL. He has a great rapport with the crew and was born, raised and educated in the Philippines. The crew adores Dr. Fred. He is also the lead of the DamQuit program that is sponsored by Pfizer for smoking cessation. HAL is continually committed to its employees and makes a ongoing effort to maintain and improve health and wellbeing of it’s employees. Dr. Fred got on the treadmill and started running…I went to the weights for “shoulder day”, I have to admit I was not thrilled about working out…but the passengers were looking out for my well being and I got called after two sets of shoulder weights…”Dr. George (that is what they call me sometimes) there is a passenger waiting for you outside the clinic who is not feeling well”…score.! Time to go, can’t work out now…I went down to the clinic and was able to assist this passenger quickly with their symptoms and then I felt guilty for thinking about a return to my cabin…I went back to the gym and finished my work out (this last phrase is spoken in monotone in a low voice). Actually, now after working out complete with 20 (actually 10 minutes) of cardio and a shower, I am feeling much better.

I am all set for the evening with my Harry Potter, Happy Feet, Cruise Critic and maybe a trip to the Officer’s Bar OB or Petty Officers Bar…I talked the beverage manager into putting out non-alcoholic beers for those of us who prefer not to drink alcohol. One night up in the OB I asked for a NA beer and the bartender looked at me like I was crazy…he wrinkled his eyebrows and curled his nose and said aaaah…No! I talked with Murat the Beverage Manager who replied “done” to my request. Murat is a very funny Turkish gentleman who bears a striking resemblance to Borat, a similarity he plays up very well.

I believe my post for today is complete, but if there is anything that I have forgotten I will add it in later. I am also open to questions from you about what things are like on board. Tomorrow is a day in Glacier Bay and I have not seen that glacier yet, on my last trip to Alaska the ship went to Hubbard…it will be interesting to compare…I will give you my review of how nature stacks up against itself in my next post tomorrow night. Good night for now.



Couple of answers to questions: Susie, I am not sure if you are talking about working in Club HAL or what, but one of the places I would love to work if I weren't a Nurse would be Club HAL.

About the Crew area email....I am using a "Crew Internet Card" from my room, but it is 20 dollars for 3 hours and I am spending a bit of time on the internet with school and all. just bought card number 2...the two together is one day's pay.

[NurseGeorge]

Hey, you guys are the experts! I am picking my ship/Itinerary for next year...I am planning on a longer term like 1-2 months...April and May...I can pick ANY ship....

Tell me which one to pick and why....

Thanks for your help!

[NurseGeorge]

George, I am loving your review it is great. Hey remember I have a little video of you performing in the Super Stars on the Zaandam and singing New York New York:D I might have to upload into YouTube and post here;)

If I am not mistaken...you will be in Seattle on the 16th of Sept. Me too! Let's go to get a bite or at least a hug at the port...let me know!!!

[PennyAgain]

You could make a series of Nurse George books for young people and interested adults.

I'm not kidding! Great stuff!

[COLandlocked]

Gosh, I love this thread, it is like an addiction. I keep peaking in between work to see if there is a new post.

How to make the time fly until the next post???

[LAFFNVEGAS]

If I am not mistaken...you will be in Seattle on the 16th of Sept. Me too! Let's go to get a bite or at least a hug at the port...let me know!!!


George, Tom and I would love to meet with you but I am afraid we would not have enough time.:( We have a 12:15 flight out of SeaTac the morning we disembark (16th). But we would love for you and Bill to join us on the Yum Yum Man Cruise, or better yet you should see if you could get assigned to the Oosterdam for a couple week during the first part of February;)

[JimVrhovac]

We prefer the R & S class ships. Smaller and have fewer passangers. Infermary is well stocked as yours is. We have toured them on most of the ships as both of us are RN's

Ship preference would be Veendam which sails out of Tampa except during Alaska season. We probably have 20 cruises on that ship. Ships crew has best personality in the fleet as far as we are concerned....

Enjoy your posts

Ruth & Jim

[Susie51]

Yes, she would like to work full time as a staff member in Club Hal. When she was 8 on her first cruise, she was in the kids room every time they were opened. She loved the staff especially Mike. Since then, she has planned to work in the children's program on a cruise ship.

Do you know any of the Club Hall staff members? Which staff member to you recommend for us to meet in Nov.? She has started the application process.

Thanks for your posts.

[May4]

Hey, you guys are the experts! I am picking my ship/Itinerary for next year...I am planning on a longer term like 1-2 months...April and May...I can pick ANY ship....

Tell me which one to pick and why....

Thanks for your help!


Wow! I don't see how you could really go wrong with any of the ships. How about the Zaandam, though? You would spend your time going to and from Hawaii. That wouldn't be too bad, now would it??? Lush forests, volcanos, flowers, pineapple, spectacular waterfalls, all of the macadamia nuts you can eat, etc. I could handle that!:p

[NurseGeorge]

Day 5 – Glacier Bay

Today I feel as lazy as a seal in Johns Hopkins Strait. I didn’t sleep well last night, on edge because I was on call…I never got called. This has been a VERY healthy cruise…with the exception of the sniffles that several people have come on with.

Got up this morning and turned over the medical center to Evelyn and went to take a Security test…As crew we have to have specific “certificates” demonstrating at least a working knowledge of many of the functions of the ship…Security, environment, safety…etc.

After my security test I went out on the bow and drank coffee and looked at the scenery up in Glacier Bay…here is my review in comparison to Hubbard Glacier. Glacier Bay is expansive and there are many glaciers that can be seen coming down to the bright green water…it is a very eerie sight in the fog. The glaciers are impressive as glaciers can be and I saw some “calving” but not too much. We were able to get quite close to two glaciers and were in a field of ice flows…Hubbard Glacier by itself is vastly more impressive, white, expansive and majestic. The two are very different and both are unique. The final synopsis is that I don’t prefer one over the other, yet I am very glad I have seen both. I spent a fair amount of time out on deck talking with the passengers. Then we started seeing these logs on all of the berglets and I realized when one of them rolled over that they were seals taking a nap after breakfast. Having just watched Happy Feet last night, I decided they were not the Leopard seals that were in the movie and these were more of the cute type that don’t eat penguins…mostly because pengies don’t live in Alaska…or so I have been told by a Naturalist on my last cruise to Alaska.

Someone is under the weather in the medical department today so I am staying close to be of help if I am needed, even though technically I have the day on third call. “Day Off” does not exist in the life of a Cruise Ship Nurse.

Tonight is another formal night so I hope to have some more to report later…this was an earlier post than usual because I am getting ready to take my seal nap after lunch and I wanted to take a peek on the board. I will post more later.

[NurseGeorge]

George, Tom and I would love to meet with you but I am afraid we would not have enough time.:( We have a 12:15 flight out of SeaTac the morning we disembark (16th). But we would love for you and Bill to join us on the Yum Yum Man Cruise, or better yet you should see if you could get assigned to the Oosterdam for a couple week during the first part of February;)

Lisa...I live by the Airport...I will give you a ride from the ship to SeaTac. email me at nursegeorge@earthlink.net and I will give you my cell phone number so we can arrange that...I would love to be your ride from the port!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa...I live by the Airport...I will give you a ride from the ship to SeaTac. email me at nursegeorge@earthlink.net and I will give you my cell phone number so we can arrange that...I would love to be your ride from the port!


George, that would be wonderful as long as it is not too much trouble for you:) I will email you.

[JackfromWA]

George,

We have been friends a long time, and I try not to feel envy for my friends, but your description of having coffee while watching the glaciers stirred a little good natured jealousy in me (yes, I wish I were there!), and lots of joy for you.

You have had a remarkable life and this is just the latest chapter. Get that dress uniform soon---you deserve it, and with all the working out you are doing, you'll look great in it.

Jack

P.S. I second Penny Agains book suggestion.

[NurseGeorge]

Day 5 – Continues

Happy as a seal after steak and lobster…I love formal night in the Vista Dining Room. Evelyn and I hosted another table tonight in the dining room. Tonight we sat with a couple from California and a distinguished woman and her 50ish year old son from Calgary. Both couples were delightful to talk with and the dinner conversation was lively. We got into a very funny conversation about silverware on the table. The son was asking (mostly to mother) about all of the silverware and what to use with what…the other couple joined into the conversation and then Evelyn and I were there too. It always is a bubbly conversation when there are 26 different pieces of silverware to figure out (that number is the Miss Manners Full Set). There is a school of thought that you start from the outside left and right and move in with the courses. Then the son commented that there were so many pieces leftover after dinner was done, then what. I said that it all depends on what is for dessert. Ice cream and coffee will leave you with 2 different sized spoons and so on. The son said that he didn’t think he could ever figure it out…and the mother replied…”I guess I just didn’t raise you right” I burst out with a laugh because she said it just like my mother would (sorry mom, I know you are reading this). The whole dinner was a hoot!

As we were finishing the main course the waves started to get bigger and bigger…(right now we are in a full-on ship-rock” I love it…until I realized that it will make the ship nurse’s job more difficult. We really have been fortunate this cruise.

We finished up dinner and I stopped by the Yum Yum man and got some mints and then went up to the VIP party in the Crow’s Nest. Don’t have to wait for an invite anymore…it is expected of me to be there. Cool!!! AND I did not have my crew badge or my name tag on, a detail that I was sure to point out to the Hotel Manager who earlier in the week was having a good laugh at the Newbie. Both Mark, Hotel Manager and Captain Timmers have a great sense of humor…although I am sure that I have already written that.

I spent the next 1 ½ hours talking with groups of passengers and finding out about their stories…I also took the opportunity to let people know that the front desk has “Sea Calm” (actually it is Meclizine) and they don’t have to come to the infirmary if that is the only problem…I figured it is better to be proactive with the information and try to cut down on the work that the nurses will be doing tonight as people get more and more sloshed around (in more ways then one).

Finished up in the Crow’s nest talking with some of the cast members of the show staff. I let them each know how much I appreciated their show and their talent. They are very happy with the cast as well and it shows. Yet one more area of the Zuiderdam crew that is happy with each other. This has such an impact on passenger satisfaction. When employees are happy customers are happy…it is a sound business adage.

I have been invited to a private party in the Northern Lights night club tonight (the disco). I did get a nap in today (remember) so I am wide awake and need to dance off some of this energy. It is so funny how many of the crew are amazed by seeing medical staff in the Officer’s Bar or in the Karaoke or walking around the deck. I had one officer tell me that I was the first medical officer he has ever seen in the OB…huh? I am just trying to take in the full experience of being onboard. Probably by my 3rd or 4th contract I will just stay in my cabin and knit (yeah right) but right now I am enjoying the romance of the sea and feeling of excitement from the passengers. Ever see “Out to Sea” with Jack Lemmon and Walter Mathau…that movie came up at dinner tonight…Saw it a while ago with Bill and laughed till my belly hurt.

Tomorrow we go to Ketchikan and I am on Second Shift. Don’t know if I will be getting off the ship or not but I hope so… I really love Ketchikan…I am a Totem nut…I almost forgot…I am getting measured and fitted for my uniforms tomorrow…and I will be getting my winter “blues” uniform by next week…Lisa you will get your picture yet.

Thank you for being on this voyage with me…I will keep my posts going…remember chapter two starts on Saturday.

[NurseGeorge]

George,

We have been friends a long time, and I try not to feel envy for my friends, but your description of having coffee while watching the glaciers stirred a little good natured jealousy in me (yes, I wish I were there!), and lots of joy for you.

You have had a remarkable life and this is just the latest chapter. Get that dress uniform soon---you deserve it, and with all the working out you are doing, you'll look great in it.

Jack

P.S. I second Penny Agains book suggestion.

Speaking of GREAT cruising books...everyone should get and read Jack Hovenier's book Cruising with Mom and Dad about his Oceania cruise to Hong Kon and Athens with his parents...it is a sweet cruise chronicle. ...hmmm maybe I will think about a book...I love reading them.

Thanks for posting Jack...see you soon

[DFD1]

This thread is a great read. Much fun! Thanks so much.

[Susie51]

Nurse George, I do hope you write a book. When I was in grade school, I read the Nurse Cherry Ames series of books. One of them was Cherry Ames
Cruise Nurse by Helen Wells published by Gosset & Dunlap, 1948. Sorry, I can't find the underline key. This is my only personal copy. There others I checked out of the school library.

I hope you do right some books.

[Orlandocruiser]

omg Susie I loved those Cherry Ames books too:) (I guess were are dating ourselves!)

[NurseGeorge]

Day Six – Ketchikan

Stayed up late last night and I felt it this morning. Once I got my shower, shave and COFFEE I was much better. I got my cabin ready for inspection by the Captain this morning. The Captain runs a very tight ship which is much appreciated by this crew member. I don’t mind if he wants to inspect my cabin because he is looking for safety violations that affect all on board. I am glad that safety and security are so important on HAL ships (not that they are not on others). I stopped by the Clinic to check with Dr. Fred who is on 1st call today. This makes for a busy day when the crew doctor is also the triage nurse, intuitively I knew that I might have a busy day as well as 2nd call. However, I have errands to run today. I went to the Tailor’s Shop today and was fitted for my uniforms, Hurrah!!!!! I also have my “blues” being striped with my rank and it will be ready tomorrow. I will have someone take a picture of me in uniform and I will post it for all to see. Evelyn says “you got it bad.” She’s right, you know. I love the sea, and this experience has really been everything that I wanted it to be.

This morning after the tailor and some clinic time I went up for a light breakfast and some more coffee. This morning was the Walk for the Cure. I think that HAL gets a gold star for its work with health related issues and donations to various causes. Breast Cancer Awareness and Research is greatly benefited by the walkers on board. Did you know that it is only 9 times around a Vista Ship…I think that it is 13 times around a Rotterdam Class. Anyway, I was up in the lido and this gentleman came up to me wearing a shirt. He looked very familiar and I just thought it was from this cruise…I have been talking with many of the passengers throughout the cruise. I told him that I had done the walk on the Zaandam last November and he said “Yes, I know, I was doing the walk with you…we spoke during the walk and you were in the Zaandam Superstar competition” How cool is that….we were passengers together!!!! Holland America is a small, wonderful and warm hearted world. Sometimes it is too small…but more on that later.

I went back down to the clinic to ready myself in case there was a fire drill <wink>. There was. The fire drill is run very smoothly and there is a brilliant chain of command. Many of the various bugs are worked out by frequently doing drills. This is the secret to smooth operations in the face of a disaster. There should be much more money spent on land in places like hospitals and other 1st responders for training and drills. HAL could teach people a thing or too about disaster response. So, I am getting some preliminary information from Caroline…she says only use the radio if you have to, otherwise call on the sat phone to the bridge and let them know that medical and stretcher teams are ready and on stand by. I checked the cabin attendants in who were on my stretcher teams, they made ready with all of the equipment and once they were all there, I picked up the radio and proudly announced that “Medical and Stretcher teams ready and standing by” <click>, Caroline just smiled at me and said, with her fabulous South African accent, “George, we use the phone for that”…ooops, <blush>, first the name badge thing and now this. EARL-If you are still reading these pay attention to my mistakes!!!!! I called up to the bridge and said, (a bit less pridefully) “Medical and Stretcher teams on stand-by”…then we waited…and waited…they ended the drill and never used us…we just figured that either there were no injuries or they were terminal…the two situations where nurses would not be utilized. I went to the debrief with Evelyn and we got to just sit and listen…Again, a very well orchestrated drill and debrief…I was impressed.

A bit about the small, possibly too small, world of HAL. This is some inside scoop stuff so I will not name names, ranks or other info but…last night I was able to use my therapeutic listening skills for one of the crew who was upset because a relationship broke up with another crew member. The were still friends but the one had to watch while the other one was on to the next “phase one” Apparently, there are 4 phases of dating on a cruise ship…I haven’t really flushed out what this all means but when I do, I will let you know. I felt bad for this person but I was able to offer an ear to listen and some encouragement about some possible ways to handle the whole situation. Getting tipsy next to the ship’s nurse and pouring your heart out is one way to deal with the situation. There are several little affairettes on board, as you can imagine. This is a little town and there are no neighboring villages (except for other ships) those are funny relationships to hear about. I am entertained by the stories from the various crew members. The stories that break my heart though, and I am sure you will all agree, are the stories of the cabin attendant who has not seen his baby daughter yet who was born just after he left for his 1 year contract…these men and women work so hard to give their families a better life. I HOPE THAT EVERYONE WHO READS THIS DOUBLES YOUR TIPS AT THE END OF A WEEK. Yes, that was yelling. Bill and I always double our tips at the end of the week, not just because we are fantastic people, but because of how well cared for we are on a cruise. This is no different for the Crew. My cabin steward David, is fantastic and takes care of me like I was a passenger.

Today we are pulling into Ketchikan and it seems to be a bit rainy outside. There really is not very much that I have to do off the ship. I have done the sightseeing that I want to do on previous voyages and actually, I think just a bit of a rest and relaxation today. I need to staff the clinic from 4-6 to give Fred some time off and I should also go to the gym today. I did not go (on purpose) yesterday. My trainer says that I should only go 6 out of 7 days max…so that was my day off. I am winding down after a very nice lunch. The medical staff went to the Lido for lunch and ended up sitting outside by the aft pool bar for lunch talking about various things. The most interesting of which is all of the places that furriers will line pieces of underclothing with different kinds of animal fur, for warmth of course. I digress….therefore it must be time to nap like a seal.

More later
NurseGeorge

[JimVrhovac]

Thank you for the insight into life aboard the ships. It sounds like a little town with all the intrigue and problems tyhey have....

Ruth & Jim

[NurseGeorge]

Decided that I would venture out into the cold and rain...(actually, it stopped raining) I went into Ketchikan. Actually, it seems to be my favorite port city on this particular run...but there still is not much to see and do in 1 1/2 hours...I walked down and looked at the Saphire Princess...That is a beautiful ship. (although there is not too much on the water that is prettier than a Vista Class Holland Ship.) Saphire is HUGE! I never realized until you are standing right next to it. There was also a stern wheel paddle boat in that looks like it got lost in some river and ended up in the Pacific Ocean. Have not inquired about that cruise but after the bouncy bouncy that we had last night, I hope they were not in that!!!

Went to the bank, Wells Fargo, don't think there is a Washington Mutual in town and didn't want to search for one. $2 ATM fee is just easy come easy go money....although I am a WF customer, I don't have an ATM card for that account. Good thing too, it is my mortgage payment account...money goes in and <blip> it disappears into my house!

Went to the Crew Services Office and bought some calling cards for David and for other crew that I have started to "notice" providing outstanding service. The look of appreciation is soooo worth the cost of those calling cards!!!!! OMG

Then I went to the store to get some items for my room fridge...currently there are just two bottles of water in there...Found some of my workout vitamins too. good thing too because I was almost out and could see using that as a reasonabale excuse for not working out for the rest of the two weeks...really it doesn't take much to talk me away from working out...that is why I am so excited when I do work out.

Anyway I am back aboard and getting ready for my 2 hours in the clinic. My biggest decision today so far has been Blue jacket or White lab coat...I decided on White lab coat...mostly because it is far more "medical" looking.

I will write about the evening before I go to bed...

[jamscckmc]

George, I do envy you! Would love to cruise the world after I retire from the hospital. Nursing and cruising combined; my too favorite things. Although I'm sure the need for an OB nurse is not very common on a cruise ship. Thanks for the view from the other side. (I always double tip, What is a few hours pay for me can mean alot to them.)

[Susie51]

Four phases of dating? Can't wait to read about. Looking forward to the pics of you in your uniform. How is rank determined?

[rebeljohn]

This has to be the most interesting HAL thread I have seen in a while. George...........Thanks for the insight of life on HAL...........By the time I cruise in Nov., I'll feel like I already know everyone on board..........

[NurseGeorge]

Four phases of dating? Can't wait to read about. Looking forward to the pics of you in your uniform. How is rank determined?

Hey Susie, I am looking forward to sleuthing out what these phases could be...I will have to get down in the trenches and flush it out...hehehe...actually, I will have to reach back to my high school or junior high days, I think, because it probably is that "my-friend-thinks-your-cute" phase. I will never forget junior high and asking someone to "go with me"...it makes me giggle today to even consider. There might be some of that in these phases...I will just have to be patient and talk to the right crew members...maybe the cast members know???

Rank is determined by position and time with the company. Part time nurse is one stripe, full time nurse is 1.5 stripes, lead nurse and CMO are two stripes...I think that you get 1/2 stripe for 2 years of service??? something like that...I will have one stripe, that I know...actually right now my uniform jacket has three stripes on..."that's fine" I said...the tailor said...well doctor, you are supposed to have three stripes...I laughed nervously and said "actually, you need to take two of those off....I am a nurse". I have bought him a six-pack of Corona (his favorite beer) to surprise him when I pick up my uniform....but don't tell him.

I don't think that I will be able to post again tonight, we had to admit someone to the hospital and that means that we are taking shifts in the clinic tonight. I just had a long talk with the doctor and we might try to see if this patient will be able to manage back in the cabin after some treatment in the clinic and we are going to try and see at 10:00 pm.

Actually, I started my first IV at sea today…well actually we are at the dock still, but the equipment is not what I am used to…and for any nurses out there you know, that it is all about the equipment and being comfortable with it. I was being so careful with this system that is not needleless and hooked this gizmo to that port and all was fine…I was able to start thinking about drawing some blood so I put this thingy ma jigger on to the gizmo and “We Struck Oil” …messy nurse…Luckily I (or rather Caroline) had put a blue pad under the arm before I started. I believe Caroline has seen that mess made before. I finally got all of the whatchamadingises hooked up right and the IV was flowing…then we went to dinner and left Dr. Jeff to play nurse to the patient…after all he did admit the patient…and the rest of us will be in shifts up all night with this patient…it is only fair that we get two hours for dinner…

I laugh a lot at work, normally, fortunately that has not changed on board. This medical team has a great sense of humor and “gets” my silly twisted sense. It is a good thing that there are no Psych doctors on board or we might all be under supervision.

Hoping for calmer seas tonight, and I keep spreading the word about “sea calm” available at the front desk…just get it as soon as you board…YOU DON”T NEED TO CALL THE CLINIC…but we are always available if you need us. <wink>

Night for now…If I think of any thing to write and I have my computer over in clinic, I might add to today’s posts but this might be all for day Six.

Nurse George

[COLandlocked]

I want more!!! This is such a great thread. I find myself "peaking" to see if there are new posts.

Guess I just have to continue working until I see something new.

Thanks NurseGeorge, you have helped me get through a very tough week at work!!!!

[Susie51]

Nurse George you have me "waiting on the edge of my seat" for the next installment of your life at sea as a cruise nurse.

Between painting the dining room and hallways, and working, I check the CC boards for new additions to your thread.

Thanks so much.

[RuthC]

NurseGeorge, I hate to change the "up" tone of this thread, but your recent post leads me to ask a question of a more serious nature. Please indulge me.

What if a ship were far out to sea---several days from the nearest port---and a passenger presented with serious (life-threatening) symptoms? How are the facilities for handling such emergencies? Does the passenger have a chance?
I'm not questioning the abilities of the staff, per se, but rather in the context of being far from a fully equiped hospital with specialists.

Thank you in advance for putting my mind at ease. ;)

[MrsMuir]

NurseGeorge, I'm late to this thread, and have just spent my lunch hour aboard Zuiderdam with you. Your enthusiasm is infectious (pardon my use of that term), and your writing is unforced, joyful and colorful. Your adventure takes me back 29 years to my weeklong stint in the boutique aboard Island Princess. I hope our paths cross sometime, either here in the Seattle area or aboard a Damship. Keep on writing; you're a natural!

Mrs Muir

[NurseGeorge]

Day Seven – At Sea

It has already been a banner day….starting with a very early morning phone call. Let me back up…I knew that I was 3rd call today so I could stay up late last night (and did)…really what I was doing was more crew psycho-therapy…really quite fun actually. I have had so many conversations with crew members that along the conversations somewhere they say to me “I really don’t know why I am telling you this…” to which I respond, “I don’t know either, but go on…” <wink> Anyway, stayed up late and an hour was added to that by the God of timezones. I decided that I did not need to set my alarm and I would get up when I woke up. The phone rang in my darkened inside cave and I could barely see well enough to remember which button to push to answer. “George, It’s Evelyn, were you sleeping?” I am thinking to myself, “well, of course I am sleeping it is like 4:30 in the morning or something like that” I knew it must be earlier than 8:00 because I go from 2nd to 3rd call at 8:00 and unless there is something major the 3rd call nurse does not get called. “yes, but that is okay, what is wrong.” “Nothing, I am just looking for some medication that was left for one of the crew on the desk, have you seen it.” Well yes I had seen it. Last night as we were closing up shop I saw a pouch of Vicodin (a narcotic) just sitting out on the counter…I am quite anal about such things and told Caroline that I thought it should be put away. We hid it behind something as we were laughing hysterically about something thoroughly unrelated (an activity that Caroline and I have been doing frequently) Anyway, while we were cracking ourselves up about some medical personnel antics from several cruises ago…we decided that it would be better to lock the Vicodin (a narcotic) up in the Narcotic Locker (that is what it is for). Well, didn’t think another thing of it…and when the call came in at what ever time it was (actually it turns out it was 9:00am) I was not firing on all cylinders and forgot about the narcotic locker transfer. “I saw it laying out and put it behind the cold medicine on the desk”, I said…”we looked there and can’t find it…” Well now I am starting to panic, because I was the last person to see the narcs…and now they were missing….I got my scrubs on and dragged over to the Medical Center, still forgetting about the locker. We called Caroline and she was much clearer in the head than I and said that we had locked them up…Oh, yeah, I said…that was my idea…” I just got a look from Evelyn. Time for coffee.

Up and dressed with breakfast on board ready for the day. I stopped by the Medical Center and the place was full. Turns out the respiratory thing that has been bouncing around…became an all out Australian Crud. I think that we are out of Afrin, Saline nose spray, and running low on cough drops and Robitussin, not to mention a dwindling supply of amoxicillin. I decided that being 3rd call it would be better if I stayed away (and healthy) because I was responsible for bringing people aboard tomorrow and the last thing that the embarkees need is a sicko at the gangway. I went up on deck and did some schmoozing…also went to talk with some of the tour representatives about next cruise and some added info for their embarking guests, like PLEASE cover your mouth when you cough!!!! It amazes me how people don’t. Then I noticed crew lining up for …oh yeah the disembark talk and crew farewell.

I got to represent Medical (because the rest of them were busy) in the farewell wave and “Love in Any Language” I even new the song from previous shows that I have been in Seattle…I know that acting career would come in handy. Afterwards, Caroline asked me with a smirk, what kind of wave did you do??? Elbow, elbow, wrist wrist wrist (of course)!!!!! She is a hoot!

After that I went done to pick up the Med Team for lunch and we had a great lunch out by the aft pool………NOTE TO SELF: If you are over 25 (and I am) don’t wear a speedo, especially on an Alaska Cruise. (hehehe) It actually was quite warm outside by the pool and there were some people swimming…however, I do believe in the 25 year old speedo limit. I had to crack a few jokes at lunch and poor Dr. Jeff, who has a bit of the down-under crud nearly choked a few times between coughing and laughing…Evelyn and I both have a wheezy laugh like Smedley the dog from Duddley DoRight.

After lunch, I placed a call to the Tailor Shop….MY UNIFORM IS DONE!!! This is me in my uniform!!!

I spent the rest of the afternoon so far talking with people around the decks…I ran into Murray and Mari-Anna again who I have cruised with on the Zaandam…got a picture taken with them and I thought I would post that too. We are getting ready to pull into the Johnston Strait and last week there were a pod of Dolphins that followed the ship for about 45 minutes last cruise…I have already today seen several humpies and got to watch the Pilot come on board…never have seen that before. Got some good pictures of that too…That is all for now from the Zuiderdam…but I know there will be more later…I must be covering everything that you all want to know because I am not getting a lot of questions thrown my way. I would gladly entertain questions about the life on board if you have any. Otherwise I am going to keep up the daily ramble about my adventures in Nursing on the High Seas….

More later
NurseGeorge

[NurseGeorge]

NurseGeorge, I hate to change the "up" tone of this thread, but your recent post leads me to ask a question of a more serious nature. Please indulge me.

What if a ship were far out to sea---several days from the nearest port---and a passenger presented with serious (life-threatening) symptoms? How are the facilities for handling such emergencies? Does the passenger have a chance?
I'm not questioning the abilities of the staff, per se, but rather in the context of being far from a fully equiped hospital with specialists.

Thank you in advance for putting my mind at ease. ;)

Ruth - that is an excellent question. The short answer is...it depends. There are a myriad of situations that could arise needing serious medical attention. A majority of them we are qualified, staffed and equipped for, however there are methods in place that should the need arise then we get the Coast Guard for the closest country involved...Passengers have had to be airlifted off of the bow (very scary) or an at sea ship to ship transfer (equally as scary) Luckily the times that happens are few and far between, however, it is this crew that had the plane accident up in alaska and had to disembark some beloved guests...so it does happen...

There is a fully equipped ICU on board...with ventilator and defibrillator should we need it. An ER nurses dream!!!! I would just rather NOT have to use it...but we keep it dusted off just in case.

[JimVrhovac]

Better watch it in that uniform. All the ladies will be chasing you...

Ruth & Jim

[NurseGeorge]

Better watch it in that uniform. All the ladies will be chasing you...

Ruth & Jim

It fits very well...almost too well...I will have to keep it up in the gym. but no more chest workouts I am afraid...

Going back up on deck...time for whale watching
Cheers

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Oh George You Look Absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!:)

I know you will wear that uniform proudly, I would have loved to see you up there on the stage. Although I have already seen you up on a HAL stage before;)

[RuthC]

Ruth - that is an excellent question.
Thanks for the info you did provide. With the kinds of cruises I take it's not unusual to be three days from land. On my last cruise we had to turn around to get a sick passenger to a hospital---it was about 12 hours from the time the decision was made until she was disembarked---in No Man's Land (IMHO).

Oh, and that picture of you in uniform---ummmmm. ;)
(what a waste. :rolleyes: )

[Cruising-along]

George I'm loving your posts! So very interesting, thanks!
And I agree, you look fantastic in your uniform. :)

[COLandlocked]

You look marvelous!!!!!! Better be careful....;)

Thanks for "your daily ramblings". I am loving every minute.

[GPoll189]

NurseGeorge,

First I want to thank you for the day by day journal you are performing for all of us land bound passengers waiting for our next cruise aboard the beutiful ships of HAL. However, I do have a question. But first let explain some quick things about me hope it doesn't take to long for you to read. I am 27 years old love cruising and always wanted to work aboard a cruise ship for sometime. When I was aboard the Noordam in x-Mas some of the cruise staff said that I should give it a try, however I was finishing school to be come a Physician Assistant which I just completed. So what I am asking is as a Physician Assistant would I be able to work as medical staff member or the only other way to get to work on HAL is to go with the entertainment staff as cruise staff or of course my other career as a Club Hal counselor(I also have a teaching degree for elementary education). Sorry for all the rambling but thanks in advance for the answer and please keep up the journal. I can speak for all we love it and wish we were there minus the down-under crud.

Geoffrey

[mare s.]

Nurse George...I just have to add my thanks to you for writing such a wonderful journal of your cruise. I am thoroughly enjoying every post. We cruised Alaska on the Veendam three years ago...ran into a friend of our daughter who is a dancer...it was her first contract with HAL but she signed up again and again (last time I heard, she was on the Oosterdam)...she got hooked on cruising as a cast member. What a wonderful way to see the world! BTW, the Sapphire definitely is a beautiful ship...we were on her earlier this year on a Sydney to Auckland cruise...I love HAL but I have to admit I really enjoyed our Princess cruise (sorry HAL devotees) Can't wait to hear more from you, NurseGeorge!

[ger_77]

NurseGeorge, the photos are great! OMG, my drop-dead gorgeous brother would love to see you; he's a handsome dude in his Canadian naval uniform . . . there's just something about a guy in uniform that sets the mind a-whirling!!!!! (sigh)

I'm thoroughly enjoying your posts - we're getting a different view of life aboard a cruise ship from you and your experiences. Thank you - stay healthy.

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)
Gerry

[sail7seas]

This thread is fantastic.....thank you so much for it.

You look GREAT in your uniform. How great the tailors got it finished for you!!!

[SharonN]

George, thank you for your wonderful reports from Alaska. I always love reading the live reports from there and yours has a new slant on it with the behind the scenes details we normally wouldn't hear about. Enjoy your second week in that beautiful state!

[NurseGeorge]

Epilogue
I am watching the sun setting over the beautiful Vancouver Island as we come through some of the most majestic scenery on the planet (in my opinion). I am reflecting on my thoughts and experiences from this past week and it dawned on me that I really have done a reasonable job in offering you an look inside my head as I experienced my first cruise as a Holland America Medical Officer.

I appreciate the time that you have spent reading about my adventures and I know that you all love Holland America Line, as do I, however, tomorrow morning is and end and a new beginning…I would like to think that I will have the same opportunities to continue my daily ramble, however, realistically I don’t know if the day to day would be exciting and different enough to make it worthwhile. I have decided that it would be better to save chapter two for another time and another adventure. From the sounds of your responses, some of you have had a lot of fun reading my rambling and I will cherish all of the feedback and responses that I have gotten from you. Thank you again and I hope we will be able to sail together on Holland America Line until then …bon voyage.

[MichaelinME]

Nurse George,

I thoroughly enjoy reading your post!! I am also an ER Nurse and would like to be a nurse on board a ship someday!!

I will be taking my first Holland America cruise, onboard the Westerdam in October 21st sailing. This will be my 20th cruise,but first on Holland America.

So i can't wait to experience the product!!

Keep up the good work, and your excellent posts. Everyday i read them and share them with people at work.

Again, Thank you

Sincerely
Michael

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thanks George:) Looking forward to seeing you on the 16th

[ger_77]

So you mean this is goodbye? :(

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)
Gerry

[Fatfish]

Thanks for the free ride...Hope to meet you on the Noordam 12/12 cruise!

[Fatfish]

Duplicate.

[Susie51]

Thanks Nurse George,for your entertaining thread. you look great in your uniform.

Enjoy your second week and stay healthy!

[Sea Island Lady]

Thank you - From Nurse George

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Epilogue
I am watching the sun setting over the beautiful Vancouver Island as we come through some of the most majestic scenery on the planet (in my opinion). I am reflecting on my thoughts and experiences from this past week and it dawned on me that I really have done a reasonable job in offering you an look inside my head as I experienced my first cruise as a Holland America Medical Officer.

I appreciate the time that you have spent reading about my adventures and I know that you all love Holland America Line, as do I, however, tomorrow morning is and end and a new beginning…I would like to think that I will have the same opportunities to continue my daily ramble, however, realistically I don’t know if the day to day would be exciting and different enough to make it worthwhile. I have decided that it would be better to save chapter two for another time and another adventure. From the sounds of your responses, some of you have had a lot of fun reading my rambling and I will cherish all of the feedback and responses that I have gotten from you. Thank you again and I hope we will be able to sail together on Holland America Line until then …bon voyage.

Could it be that Nurse George was asked to stop posting his journal online? :( Or, perhaps, he is just getting tired of the checking in with us, answering questions and the writing. By now, he must be getting busy and has found many friends to keep him occupied.

[onthegogirl]

Many thanks for taking the time to take us along on your adventure. I looked forward to your posts each day....it was almost like being on board. Your are indeed handsome in uniform. :) I sure hope HAL didn't close you down for as far as I can see, the was just about the best PR a cruise line could ask for.

Fair Winds and Smooth Seas always.

Carole

[JimVrhovac]

Thank you for sharing your experience with Ruth and I

If you ever run into an elderly gentleman in fuzzy animal slippers on a HAL ship stop me and say hellow. That is me and Ruth.

God speed and Good health

Ruth & Jim

[beachdreaming]

Sorry to hear that your posts are (at least for now) ending. We appreciate all your energy, effort, and time.

Smooth sailing and hope your experience remains amazing.

[luvcruisn']

Nurse George - I've really enjoyed your posts. Your new uniform looks great on you. I hope you continue to enjoy cruise nursing. Thanks for a great week on the Zuiderdam.

[DFD1]

Thanks, George. Great ride! You did HAL a service by taking us along. I hope they realize that! Have a great week... second time around.

[the2ofus]

Nurse George, I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts. It was fun to hear something of the viewpoint of those who work aboard the ships. Having been an employer and a health care professional, I was impressed by the care you took in avoiding any issues that might break confidentiality. I just have to ask...if those pills were Vicodin, why in the world would anyone look anywhere else than the narcotics cabinet? Surely there was a log where you both would have signed to show that the locker was entered and secured on the previous shift.

[beachdreaming]

As your first 2 weeks ends.....Hope your cruise experience was awesome and that you are looking forward to doing it again as you had planned.

Thanks for your amazing posts.

Keep us updated about everything..you have our email.

Les & Terri

[mamaofami]

Nurse George,

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and for the upbeat way in which you have done it. You've answered lots of questions and filled us all in on the inner workings of a department we all hope we won't ever need to visit on a cruise. I hope you weren't requested to stop posting by the powers that be. We've all enjoyed reading your posts.
And you sure do look great in that uniform!

[Spender Nui]

Sorry I came upon this thread late but am thouroughly enjoying sharing your adventure.

I was surprised to se that the front desk was distributing Meclizine. I thought it was a prescription only medication. Is there a charge for it or is complimentary?

[sail7seas]

Meclizine is over the counter in Canada I think. Is it possible some states in U.S. would have it over the counter and other states not? I seem to think I read that some folks can buy it without Rx from some states directly from pharmacist. It isn't on the shelves but pharmacist does not require Rx. Perhaps I am imagining this?

Rx required in Massachusetts.

[BJane]

Here in California I've always bought Bonine, which is Meclizine Hydrochloride (25mg) over the counter. I believe that my local drug store also carries a generic Meclizine.

[sail7seas]

We can buy bonine OTC but I think it is a weaker strength than prescription meclizine.

[unclerich]

Meclizine (chemical name) is also known as Bonine (OTC) and Antivert, and other brand names. It is available in 12.5mg, 25 mg, 50mg strengths.

The OTC and rx products are chemically identical as far as active ingredients.

Go figure!

[NurseGeorge]

Well Hello All
I made it home safe and sound and have a lifetime of wonderful experiences and pictures to cherish. I am looking forward to the Noordam Dec. 12-22. Have my uniforms all ready and looking forward to another adventure, another ship, and different waters and ports, but the same wonderful Holland America Line. Thank you for all who have been viewing, posting and sharing to keep this thread active. I just checked in when I got home and saw that things were still up and running. And it is true that "Sea Calm" (meclizine) is available at the Front Desk complimentary...no infirmary visit necessary.

On another note...I just picked Lisa and Tom up from the Noordam and took them to SeaTac Airport after giving them a tour of my new little house...It was wonderful to share stories with them and see them off safely. Putting the Laffin back in Vegas.

Cheers
Nurse George

[Fatfish]

Welcome home and looking forward to hopefully meeting you on the Noordam 12/12 cruise.......

[May4]

I'm glad that you are home safe and sound. Thanks again for taking all of us with you on this, your job/adventure. You've only added to my long held belief that nurses are COOL!:p

[nhgover]

I have to say, this is probably one of the most informative and enjoyable postings I have ever read on this board. To have such a rare and personable insider's view, such as you provided as a valuable member of HAL's medical team, was a real treat. I enjoyed every bit of it!!!!!! You don't know how it made me want to kick myself for not working harder on obtaining my nursing license, as so many members of my family had done; only to fall in love and get married instead, thirty-four years ago. I missed the boat on that one (sic)!! Looking forward to your next "tour of duty", too!!!!

P.S. You have a marvelous gift of writing, too!!! You certainly held my interest.

Nancy - 100 Day Medallion holder

[Susie51]

Thanks for letting us know you arrived safely back form Alaska. Looking forward to future posts. and comparison of the two ships from a nurses perspective as a good HAL emplyee.

[rebeljohn]

Welcome back, George!!

[mamaofami]

George, if you loved the Zuiderdam, you'll surely love the Noordam. I'm looking forward to all your thoughts about her and the medical staff on that ship as we will be sailing her February 6th again. :D

[alonzo14]

:) George,
Thanks for your interesting report on life at sea as a Medical team Member. I hope you will keep us informed of your next journey aboard the Noordam!!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

On another note...I just picked Lisa and Tom up from the Noordam and took them to SeaTac Airport after giving them a tour of my new little house...It was wonderful to share stories with them and see them off safely. Putting the Laffin back in Vegas.

Cheers
Nurse George

George, I just want to Thank You again for picking us up. :) That was so much fun, I loved seeing your house and your kitty, she is really sweet.

We will definitely have to get together soon.

[sail7seas]

I hope we can look forward to your posting another wonderful thread when you are on Noordam. You're going to LOVE that ship!!! She's beautiful with a fantastic crew.

[Swice]

Recently met Nurse George on the Westerdam. Super nice guy. My wife and I were invited to a private Captain's party in the Crow's Nest and Nurse George introduced himself. He's still full of excitment and obviously enjoys his job. But as you've guessed by now, he's not able to participate on these boards.

HAL-- you've got a great ambassador!

[sail7seas]

How fun you brought this wonderful thread forward. I so enjoyed reading it as NurseGeorge posted it and it's great to have the chance to read it again.

How nice of George to introduce himself to you both. I know I'd enjoy meeting him. :)

Hope you had a fabulous cruise.

[NurseGeorge]

Hello All -
Someone told me to check out the last post on here and I was happy to see it still being read. I read a bit myself and realized how far I have come in my most recent time aboard ship. I will be getting off of the Westerdam on May 25th after two months at sea and I have had an amazing experience.

I will be certifying as a Nurse Practitioner in Seattle on May 28th and hope to carve out some time to come back aboard, ESPECIALLY the Westerdam which has been my home away from home for what seems like a wonderful lifetime.

All of the HAL ships have their special feel and wonderful crew but there will be that one experience or certain person or people that makes for a lifetime of memories. The Westerdam has a special berth in my heart!

Hugs,
NurseGeorge