Diplomatic Spouse/Military nursing in South Korea??

Specialties Government

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My fiance (soon to be husband) is a diplomat in the Foreign Service, currently employed by the State Department. He has recently been assigned to a post in South Korea, beginning early next fall, and lasting for three years.

I'll be graduating with my A-BSN about the same time & I'm concerned about giving up my new career before it has even begun.

Would it be possible for an American civilian/trailing spouse to work as an RN on a military base in South Korea? I would be interested in joining the service myself, but I'm not sure if I would have any chance at being assigned the same posting/area, or how we could keep our family together.

My fiance assures me the State Dept. will help facilitate things (we'll be married before he leaves), but I'm not so sure & can't seem to get definite answers.

Does anyone have (or know someone who has) experience being a practicing nurse AND a diplomatic spouse? Or any stories about working as an RN on base in South Korea?

I'm excited for this adventure, but very concerned about my own career. Any help is most appreciated! :D

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

The US has a lot of military still in South Korea with Yongsan Army Post in Seoul being the biggest. The 121 Evac Hospital is there (made famous in the MASH series as the place they always sent injured soldiers too).

My info is very old as we were stationed in Seoul from 1988 to 1990. The 121 Evac hospital at that time had contract RNs that bid on jobs - the cheapest bid got the position - the nurses were then working for

Good luck - many things have probably changed.

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I was wondering if you ever got an answer to your question. My wife and I are moving there next summer as part of a military Change of Station and she too is in nursing school. She is getting nervous that she will not be able to find employment. I was hoping that you could shed some light on the process if you have gone through it already. It would really ease any doubts we may have about the move.

-Mike

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