Monday, January 26, 2009

Would I Do It? Would You?

Last week in my adventures of job searching, I came across this post:

"Meet Your new Neighbors! (Picture of a family of penguins)

Dark, Cold, Icy area needs a PA or NP from Feb through end of October, 2009.
Seeking a unique adventure as well as employment? How would you like to be one of the few people on the planet to have the opportunity to live and work in Antarctica. We are currently looking for a Physician Assistant/ Nurse Practitioner to deploy to one of Antarctic research stations on a contract basis starting approximately February ~1 through October 2009.
We are looking for Primary and Alternate employees to fill all contract positions. The Primary is first in line for the position. The Alternate is next in line to deploy should the Primary be unable to meet deployment requirements.
Responsibilities: The Physician Assistant/ Nurse Practitioner is responsible for patient care. Performs other clinical and facility duties within the clinic. Provides backup support to field camps and South Pole.
Required Qualifications: Minimum nurse practitioner degree or physician assistant degree required. Current licensure and certification in ACLS and BTLS required. Minimum of two years experience as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant working in a primary care environment required. Computer competence is required.
Desired Qualifications: ATLS certification and licensure to prescribe medications is desirable.
Additional Polar Info: All contract positions include competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. For the time you are in Antarctica compensation also includes travel to and from the ice, room & board, and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus upon successful completion of your contract. FYI - Only authorized personnel are allowed on station and you need to remain on station for the duration of your contract except in case of emergency. All applicants must be able to provide proof of U.S. or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency once employment is offered and pass strict physical, dental, and psychological (for winter-over positions) examinations in order to qualify for deployment. Offers of employment are also contingent upon ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Failure to meet these requirements may result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action. All employees must also comply with applicable safety, environment, health, and waste management policies and procedures.
Pay is $60,000 for 9 months, plus $18,000 finish bonus (more for the other location). Can't leave during the 9 months unless really sick and if they can fly out."

I am not qualified to apply for the job because I lack experience, but if I could, would I? Maybe. It may sound weird to some that i might actually consider it. Others are probably not surprised. I definitely would not consider it if I had some family obligations or I was at a job that I really loved. But it would be quite an experience and something to think about...

For now, I have to stick with the Northern Hemisphere...

An update: I was actually surprised that they responded. They asked me some questions and asked me if I could go in February. What the..? I reminded them that I do lack the required experience and would not be the ideal candidate, but they could still contact me... And even though it is for 8 months, this would mean I would be spending a WINTER in Antarctica. Get out those light boxes! The likelihood of me going is still very, very slim. It was an interesting thought...

5 comments:

Ms. Liz said...

Oh my word Janette! GO!!! GO and do it. I would in a second. Talk about an adventure! And when would you have a better time to do something so ridiculously fun? NEVER! Its so breathtakingly beautiful down there. I'd go in a second if I could.

Mary P said...

Wow. Do it! Apply anyway, even if you don't have the experience they want, they probably don't get a lot of applicants.

And it's only for the short term!

My only concern is the cold....would they outfit you with snowsuits etc....or would you have to pay for your own gear....hmmm.

WOW....It's just....so COOL!

Jennette said...

Thanks gals,
I emailed them to say that though I lack the required experience, I would be interested in similar, future opportunities and I gave them my resume for my contact info and training background. I have nothing to lose...

Mr. Hall said...

I would be disappointed if you didn't! How can one pass up a trip to Antartica???

Heather said...

I'm sure you know I have no desire to live in the cold...but even I'd be excited to get that job!!!