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Looking to break away from the bedside and into a role that’s high-paying, high-impact, and far from ordinary?
Oil rig nursing offers a unique path for experienced registered nurses (RNs) who thrive in fast-paced, remote environments. From emergency response to occupational health, nurses on offshore rigs are the first—and often only—line of medical defense in one of the world’s most hazardous industries.
For nurse contractors seeking a break from traditional hospital settings, oil rig nursing can offer strong pay, autonomy, and the chance to build niche expertise.
"We're not just nurses out here, we're jacks-of-all-trades, medical experts, and the first line of defense in a crisis." - Anonymous-
If you’re seeking autonomy, adventure, and a lucrative career shift, oil rig nursing could be your next big move.
Nurse jobs on oil rigs
These positions are often located offshore on oil platforms and drilling rigs, where medical care must be available 24/7 due to the hazardous nature of the work.
These roles often fall under occupational health, but they also demand emergency nursing skills. Depending on the size of the rig and the drilling company, a nurse may work alone or as part of a small health and safety team.
Oil rig nurse jobs are contract-based and usually filled through third-party staffing agencies or directly with energy companies. These nurses are considered independent contractors, not employees.
Nurses interested in this type of role should be confident working independently and managing a range of health scenarios.
Work, travel, and earn more with an offshore nursing career
Offshore platform nursing jobs are part of a broader category of industrial and remote-area nursing jobs. The roles may vary by rig size and location as follows:
- On larger platforms, nurses may work alongside paramedics and safety supervisors.
- On smaller rigs, a nurse may serve as the sole healthcare provider.
Platforms operate 24/7, and nurses are expected to be available at all hours for both emergencies and routine care. Schedules typically follow a rotation system such as 14 days on, 14 days off.
The structure provides both consistency and extended personal time between rotations.
Key advantages of offshore nursing roles include:
- Higher pay rates: Compensation reflects the high-risk, remote nature of the job
- Schedule flexibility: Rotational shifts allow for extended time off
- Career specialization: Gaining experience in industrial medicine can open doors to other non-traditional nursing paths
Explore other unique nursing opportunities here: Unique Nursing Jobs.
Global opportunities for rig nurses
International oil rig nursing jobs exist across major energy-producing regions around the world—including the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Middle East, Australia, and Asia-Pacific.
U.S.-based RNs can pursue positions with both domestic and international employers, such as:
- Oil and gas companies (e.g., Shell, BP, Chevron)
- Offshore drilling contractors
- Medical service subcontractors
Whether working stateside or abroad, nurses must meet core nursing requirements for oil rigs. International roles may also require region-specific training, a work visa, or local nursing license registration, depending on the country.
Strong oil rig nurse qualifications not only boost employability but also ensure preparedness for the demands of remote, high-risk environments. They must be ready to work independently under pressure—whether on a rig in the Gulf or a platform off the coast of Australia.
Your roadmap to becoming an oil rig nurse
Becoming an oil rig nurse requires a combination of experience, education, and certifications. This is not an entry-level job, and most positions require at least three to five years of nursing experience.
Typical steps include:
- Obtain RN licensure: Complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Gain clinical experience: Prioritize experience in emergency departments, ICU, or occupational health.
- Earn certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and often Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), Remote Emergency Medical Technician (REMT), or may be preferred.
- Apply through staffing providers or energy companies: Use job boards or company career sites.
To be competitive for these roles, nurses should maintain certifications and seek experience relevant to industrial medicine and remote or emergency settings.
You can also explore PRN independent contractor opportunities in other specialties.
Requirements for oil rig nursing
The specific requirements vary depending on the employer, but some qualifications are generally expected for offshore nursing positions:
- Active and unrestricted RN license
- Three or more years of experience in emergency or trauma care
- Up-to-date BLS and ACLS certifications
- Offshore survival and safety training, such as Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) or Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET)
- Strong documentation and clinical judgment skills
- Ability to work independently and manage difficult patient situations and emergencies with limited resources
Additional skills in occupational health or industrial hygiene may increase job prospects.
Oil rig nurse job description
Oil drilling nurse duties blend clinical practice with administrative responsibilities. A nurse might treat minor injuries in the morning, conduct health briefings in the afternoon, and document OSHA logs by the end of the day.
Other common responsibilities in a typical job description include:
- Oversee the inventory of medical supplies
- Administer medications and IV therapy
- Coordinate with safety personnel and rig managers
- Perform emergency care and triage
- Conduct regular health screenings and physicals
- Maintain accurate and confidential medical records
- Provide health education and risk prevention
- Monitor occupational health and safety compliance
- Liaise with evacuation teams and remote medical support
Pay and perks of offshore nursing jobs
Ever wondered how much oil rig nursing jobs pay?
Oil platform nurse salaries can be significantly higher than typical nursing wages. This reflects both the specialized skills required and the working conditions.
Most nurses in international placements work on a rotational basis and return home between assignments.
Nurses with the right credentials and experience can earn over $100,000 annually. Compensation and benefits packages may vary widely based on contract, location, and experience—but often include premium hazard pay, travel allowances, housing, and bonuses.
To compare average nursing salaries by state and specialty, review our nurse salary guides.
Nursing jobs in offshore drilling
Nursing jobs in offshore drilling extend beyond direct patient care. Nurses often collaborate with safety officers, environmental health teams, and operations staff. Their duties may include wellness checks, health education, incident reporting, and compliance tracking.
There are a few different types of nursing roles available on oil rigs. Each type plays a critical role in promoting rig safety and ensuring rapid response to health incidents.
Oil rig health and safety jobs
Oil rig health and safety jobs often include dual roles where nurses also serve as safety officers or compliance managers. These positions are vital for OSHA compliance, incident prevention, and emergency readiness.
Nurses in these roles may:
- Conduct routine safety audits
- Facilitate emergency drills
- Train workers on first aid and CPR
- Track incident reports and mitigation measures
Emergency nursing on oil rigs
Emergency nursing on oil rigs requires rapid decision-making and strong clinical skills. With no emergency department nearby, the rig nurse must stabilize patients and coordinate with medevac teams when serious incidents occur.
Common emergencies include:
- Burns or crush injuries
- Cardiac or respiratory events
- Chemical exposure or allergic reactions
To refresh your clinical assessment skills, review our Head-to-toe nursing assessment guide.
Remote area nurse
Remote area nurses provide comprehensive medical care in isolated onshore or offshore environments, often acting as the sole healthcare provider. They handle everything from minor injuries to emergency interventions.
Nurse/safety officer hybrid roles
In contrast, nurse/safety officer hybrid roles combine clinical duties with safety oversight, including conducting health checks, managing first aid training, and ensuring OSHA compliance.
Life offshore as an oil rig nurse
Working as a nurse on an oil rig can be both challenging and rewarding. The work environment is physically demanding, and nurses must be prepared for extended shifts and long periods without onshore amenities.
Key challenges include the following:
- Isolation from family and friends
- Managing emergencies without immediate backup
- Adapting to industrial environments
However, many clinicians value the autonomy and purpose that come with protecting the health of a tight-knit team in high-risk conditions.
What does an oil field nurse do?
An oil field nurse position may be onshore and typically blends occupational health nursing with first responder duties. Onshore oil fields—especially in remote areas—also require medical personnel for emergency care and wellness checks.
Oil field nurse responsibilities may include:
- Conducting injury assessments
- Managing drug and alcohol screenings
- Keeping OSHA-compliant records
- Coordinating with nearby clinics or hospitals
For more ideas on transitioning into non-traditional roles, read: I'm tired of working with patients: 8 Non-bedside nursing jobs.
Can new nurses work on oil rigs?
Entry-level oil rig nursing jobs are rare, as most rigs require seasoned professionals who can handle emergencies independently.
However, nurses can prepare for these jobs early in their careers by gaining relevant experience in high-pressure settings.
Recommended steps for new nurses:
- Work in emergency, intensive care units (ICUs), or trauma units
- Obtain remote or wilderness medicine certifications
- Consider roles in rural or isolated settings as stepping stones
If you’re a new RN, read these tips to help you thrive as you start your nursing career.
How can I find offshore nurse jobs?
Nurse job openings on oil rigs are usually posted by energy companies, medical staffing providers, or specialized job boards. Candidates should look for roles using search terms like offshore nurse, industrial nurse, or remote site medic.
While Nursa does not currently place nurses on offshore oil rigs, it connects 1099 nurses with per diem opportunities in a variety of specialty roles.
Learn more about taking control of your career with Nursa’s PRN job opportunities.
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