Expert: Drew Wilmoth - 9/12/2009

Question
Hi Drew,
I will be graduating with my master's in nursing and certification as an adult nurse practitioner. My husband and I are feeling adventerous and would like to relocate to the Cayman Islands once I graduate. How would I go about finding available positions for adult nurse practitioners? Is there a need on the islands for NP's? Are NP's able to practice independently and what credentialing would I need?
Thanks!
Marla.

Answer
A large portion of medical practitioners in Cayman are employed through the government's Health Services Authority. The HSA operates the George Town Hospital as well as district health clinics.  In particular the district health clinics in the eastern districts of Bodden Town, North Side, and East End are frequently staffed only with nurses as doctors rotate between clinics. I do not know the exact qualifications of these nurses.

The are also a variety of private doctors offices and the private Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital are also places to consider when seeking work.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of the Health Practice Commission licenses all nurses. Their offices are at the Sigma Building, PO Box 915GT George Town, Cayman Islands Tel: (345)-949-2813 Fax: (345)-946-2845

You should make inquiries with the HSA and the Health Practices Commission for details on credentialing to work in the Cayman Islands. They should be able to advise you on to what extent Nurse Practitioners can practice independently.

As with any job in any field, all positions must be advertised locally. Look for advertisements in the local newspapers, particularly in the Friday edition. You will need to secure a job offer and then your prospective employer will walk you through the steps of obtaining a work visa.