Future BSN RN marrying into the military

Nurses Career Support

Published

Hey guys, off, thanks for the advice and taking the time to read my post.

I am currently in a generic BSN program in Florida, I graduate next year (May 2016). My boyfriend is a Marine and we have been planning on getting married and me moving with him to his duty station in Colorado once I graduated and took the NCLEX in Florida.

My question is, how hard is it to find a job as a new grad with no nursing experience? I know that on base there is a hospital but from what I have read, they usually require 1-2 years of experience and I will be fresh out of school. Also, how difficult is the process to get my license accepted since it is not from that state?

It would be great to hear from other RN military spouses that can share their experiences in the job hunt. I want to make the transition into married life and my nursing career as smooth as possible.

Uncle Rico

130 Posts

As a former Navy Nurse and a current military spouse your best option is to seek employment off base and gain some meaningful experience. Unless you're at large Military Treatment Facility (MTF) like Walter Reed (Bethesda) your patient acuity levels at MTF's are normally low while higher acuity patients are normally transferred to higher level care facilities because most MTF's can't support severe illnesses like MI and CVA. MTF's and VA hospitals tend to avoid new grads because the military personnel could be deployed with a moments notice and the government depends upon seasoned medical staff to provide sustained quality medical care. Also contact the MTF human resources office about employment information and options; the MTF's in my area assign contracts to several agencies for experienced nurses.

shanicep93

5 Posts

How difficult would you say it is to find a job for a new grad off base even? I don't want to be stuck with my degree and no job to show for it.

Uncle Rico

130 Posts

Honestly i have no idea, some new grads find employment within days of graduating while others are unemployed years after acquiring their License. I'm not overly familiar with the nursing job market in Colorado but the Colorado nursing board would be a great place to start.

https://allnurses.com/colorado-nursing/

Specializes in PACU.

I think Colorado is hit or miss. I've seen a lot of people say it's hard for new grads in CO, especially in Denver, but there are people that have also had no trouble.

shanicep93

5 Posts

Thanks for your input everyone, hopefully it works out

+ Add a Comment