[CarmsOU25]

Hello everyone-
I'm just trying to get some information about the possibility of working in Okinawa when my husband and I get to Kadena in April '08. I graduated from a BSN program in July '07 and so I will only have about 7 months experience as an RN in Women's Services when we arrive. I heard that you need at least 1 year of experience as an RN to be considered for any position there and I just wanted to verify if that is true or not. Honestly, I do not "have" to work while I'm there... my husband is an officer in the AF and his salary covered us just fine while I was in school. But because it's so early on in my career, I would hate to not use my RN license for the 2-3 years that we are in Japan. Any advice or information would be appreciated.

Thanks so much and God Bless Our Troops!

-Carmen

[trauma_burnout71]

There is a naval hospital on Okinawa, that might be a starting point. I haven't been there for 12 years so not a lot of info, but definately start with your military installations. It is trult a beautiful island, enjoy!

[lvlytxn]

The clinic at Kadena is mostly run by the military so your best bet would be Lester Naval Hospital at Camp Lester a few minutes away. They do hire civilian nurses so that would be a good place to start. Also, they have RN's who visit new moms and newborns to provide assessments, education, etc. There's also a few schools in the area if you're interested in school nursing. It's kind of hard to get into because some of those school nurses stay forever! But you never know. It's worth a shot.

And you can always start with the American Red Cross. They deployed local RN's to Thailand during the Tsunami Relief a few years back, and they're always looking for CPR instructors. That might be more of a volunteer status, but like you said yourself, you don't really "have" to work.

The important thing is to stay busy and active in regards to your license. I had just graduated nursing school before moving to Okinawa in 2002. I had tested for the NCLEX before leaving TX and unfortunately did not pass. Being overseas, it was difficult to get into gear again. My whole life was put on hold. I am now living at Yokota AB which is in mainland JP. I'm finally picking up the pieces and will take the NCLEX again in April. There's a Pearson Vue center in Tokyo. If only I would have known this 6 years ago!!

Best of luck in Okinawa. Take advantage of all the cultural opportunities. Some people hate it there but it's because they don't make the most of it.

[CarmsOU25]

Thanks so much for the replies.
I work in a Mother/Baby Unit right now and was planning to move into L&D next year, before I found out about our assignment to Kadena. If I could find an RN position to visit moms and newborns to provide education (like you had mentioned), that would be ideal since all of my experience has been on a postpartum unit. Any more info about that would be greatly appreciated. If not, I'm sure I'll find out more when we arrive there and get settled. Also, best of luck with your NCLEX in April!

Thanks again!