Are You a Nursing Graduate or Have a Technical Degree in the Field? Work on an Offshore Oil Platform in Brazil

Essential for Ensuring the Health of Offshore Workers, Nursing Professionals Can Count on Salaries Above 6,000 Reais, Great Benefits, and Unique Work Schedules

If you are a Nursing Technician or have a Work Nursing degree and have a strong desire to leave dry land behind, you might consider a nursing career on an offshore oil platform. Dozens of employees from oil companies spend weeks working on a platform used for exploring or drilling in deep waters.

The remote location of the platforms and the highly risky nature of the work make the employment of offshore nurses full-time necessary. It is a job that can be isolating and intense, but extremely rewarding.

Better Than Talking, Is Watching the Video Below on the Practicalities of an Offshore Nurse

Job Description of the Nursing Professional Embarked on a Maritime Unit

An offshore nurse provides 24-hour medical and emergency care for illnesses and injuries suffered by members of the oil platform crew. Most platforms do not have doctors on board. Thus, nurses operate with significant autonomy and make medical decisions when necessary.

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Nurses assess conditions, provide health advice, monitor vital signs, check blood pressure and lung function, maintain medical records, request medical supplies, and lead emergency response teams.

To work as a nurse on an oil platform, you must have exceptional decision-making skills and the ability to think rationally. You should also be able to work long hours with little supervision and minimal assistance. You need to have excellent first aid skills, knowledge of a variety of symptoms associated with common illnesses and medical conditions, as well as good diagnostic abilities. You must handle stress well, as the job requires you to treat injuries, which can sometimes be severe, with limited assistance or supervision.

Education Requirements

As nurses, offshore nurses must complete the necessary nursing education. This involves obtaining a bachelor’s or associate degree in nursing or a degree from an accredited nursing program. These programs take two to four years to complete and include hands-on experience. Registered nurses may also choose to further their studies and obtain a master’s or doctoral degree. A nurse who earns any of these degrees must also be licensed to practice nursing. Becoming an offshore nurse does not require any special education, but those seeking a career in this field may benefit from experience working in an emergency room or outpatient care.

The average salary for all registered nurses with experience, English skills, and all courses is between R$ 7,000 and R$ 8,000 + benefits (2020). Offshore nurses can earn considerably more, depending on the company they work for and their education. The higher salary takes into account the long working hours of a nurse abroad, as well as the risks associated with the job. Offshore nurses typically receive good benefits, bonuses, and compensation for time spent away from loved ones.

Basic courses: CBSP, HEUT, NR-35, some companies require Work Nursing, ACLS, ITLS, and APH

Industry

Offshore nurses work on oil platforms operated by large companies and travel by air or vessel transportation. Each month, nurses spend two or three consecutive weeks on the platform, followed by two or three weeks on land. During their time on the platform, nurses work 12-hour shifts and are generally on call 24 hours a day. Life on an oil platform can involve many risks, including severe weather conditions, but within the platform, accommodations are comfortable and welcoming. You can check some companies that hire in this area here.

Years of Experience

An oil platform nurse can earn more money the longer they are employed, due to the experience and specific training required for the position. Given the demands of the job, some offshore nurses may choose to hold the position for only a limited number of years. Generally, the job works best for single individuals without family responsibilities who can manage long periods at sea. However, many nurses choose to spend their careers as overseas nurses. For those who are unaware, the skills acquired translate into many medical settings, making them prime candidates for other nursing jobs.

Employment Growth Trend

Both the nursing industry and the oil and gas industry are expected to see about 15% growth over the next decade. However, the oil and gas sector is relatively small, with few positions for offshore nurses. Therefore, while the demand for nurses increases due to the need for more health services, the demand for offshore nurses will not be as pronounced. Given the number of new nurses entering the job market, competition for nursing jobs abroad can also be much higher than for those on land.