[KK7724]

How much edge would I get if I was married to my boyfriend...a Captain in the Air Force to get a job on base as an RN?? I will have my bachelor's this May and he's going to Korea for 12 months....after that he'll be stationed in Charleston, SC...I think there are only clinics at that base, however there is a huge naval hospital in Charleston. What do y'all think?? He says I could get a job as a nurse easier being married to him than just a regular old civilian. I like Labor and Delivery, Nursery, and NICU......

~Kristina~

[traumaRUs]

I am a military spouse. There is spouse preference for on-base jobs. However, each base is a little different. I worked mostly overseas because state-side there are just too many much nicer civilian jobs. For instance, the military has pretty much gotten out of the high-risk OB business and turf almost everyone off-base because it is makes more sense. So, a NICU job on-base in the states may not be possible. The same with pediatric patients. Nowadays, with the military returning so many injured adults, the resources (money and staff) are being spent on adult rehab beds. I would think your opportunities are much better off-base. Good luck. I do want to add though that overseas the spouse preference program is very good and really helps.

[Mulan]

The "huge naval hospital" no longer exists, only a few clinics. The L&D, nursery, and postpartum units were eliminated in 1994 when the Charleston Naval Base was closed due to BRAC. Many RN's were RIF'd (laid off) at that time. No advantage noted in obtaining a job in a Navy facility as far as being a Navy dependent spouse goes.

[cheerfuldoer]

Originally Posted by KK7724

How much edge would I get if I was married to my boyfriend...a Captain in the Air Force to get a job on base as an RN?? I will have my bachelor's this May and he's going to Korea for 12 months....after that he'll be stationed in Charleston, SC...I think there are only clinics at that base, however there is a huge naval hospital in Charleston. What do y'all think?? He says I could get a job as a nurse easier being married to him than just a regular old civilian. I like Labor and Delivery, Nursery, and NICU......

~Kristina~

You don't have to be married to a person in the military to work on a military base, or in a military hospital. I wasn't married when I landed my first job as a RN in a military hospital.

It is true that spousal preference is given when applying for a job, but that in and of itself does not supercede the base hiring more qualified staff.

If you are going to get married right before your boyfriend goes to Korea, why not try and go with him if permitted. Many wives can accompany their spouses to Korea now as long as the military person's assignment is not in a remote area. That would be a better way to start your marriage than apart for one year. I know you didn't ask advice on this matter, but being a former military spouse myself, I can't help but cringe when I hear situations like yours with a spouse going overseas at the beginning of a marriage. Military life is hard and takes a lot of stamina on both partners in the marriage. Okay...I'll quit. I'm feeling the "mother and gramma" coming out in me.

[suzi_h]

Hello,
You will get spousal preference but, I don't know how influential that would be with a job that's not at the BX or commissary. As far as going to Korea with your soon-to-be hubby, the chances of getting command sponsored after the orders have been cut are extremely slim. So, I wouldn't count on that. If you go on your own, you have to finance it yourself and spousal preference is lost b/c you aren't command sponsored.
I agree with cheerfuldoer, I also cringe when I hear about couples marrying right before a remote assignment. And you seem rather casual about it. Is there a particular reason you are hoping to work for the gov't? I don't have any experience with civilian hospitals, but rumor has it, they are the way to go if that option is available.
I hope I'm not coming off as sharp tongued. But, do your research before you make any huge decisions. A lot of wives end up shocked and then angry when they relocate overseas and life isn't a dream. That goes with being stateside too.