Anyone worked for a Naval Hospital?

Trauma Columnist · Nov 19, 2008

Can't help you with L&D per se, but I have worked at the 121 Evac Hospital in Seoul (made famous by the TV show MASH). I worked in a specialty care clinic where the docs rotated on a daily basis - we had ENT, ophthalmology, GI, surgery, OB/GYN, you get the idea. I was a military wife so knew the terminology and was instantly accepted. Since it was overseas there were no real civilians to hire, just us wives, so there was a common bond. The benefits were awesome and I still treasure my 2 years there. That's the other thing: this is a very transient population: both patients and staff. Do you have any military experience or know someone who has worked there? They might be able to help you get over the hurdle of being a "real" civilian. This isn't meant as a slam (please don't take it that way), just that the military and their families have a special language and a common bond of multiple separations, being forced to be very independent, etc.. You will find many women giving birth w/o any visitors at all. Their spouses may be deployed, TDY (temporarily away), or they may have had to move before their families. This adds to the stress of being pregnant.

Good luck!

HM2VikingRN, RN · Nov 19, 2008

I have worked for a variety of Naval Hospitals as a reservist. (I currently work for the VA). Take the job and as Trauma put it be prepared for a culture shock but the people you meet will truly be some of the best you will ever encounter.

Sandwitch883RN · Nov 19, 2008

Thanks for the replies. I really hadn't even considered the "culture shock". Although I did consider the possiblity of not being accepted as a civilian. I have no idea about the lingo but can appreciate the stress of seperation on the families involved. I've lived in this town all of my life which as always revolved and grown around the military base. I also have a sister that lost a husband in Iraq a year ago so in a very small way I can relate to the stress and pain these families worry about and deal with because we brought my sister and her two young children home to be with us when she lost her husband. I have worked with young military families in L&D at our local hospital as they accept tricare and the base sends them over to us to deliver when the base has no room to fit them into their prenatal clinic. Between our civilian hospital and Naval there are 500+ births into our county per month! If you have any other info to add please feel free. Thanks so much!

Butterfly62 · Nov 19, 2008

I have many years experience working for military hospitals. By your log, you would be a wonderful asset to the military medical community. You have the heart and compassion. As a civilian, it is a little bit stressful that being military because the formality of your job would be lesser. It would be a great, lifelong experience for you. Although it would not be without challenge, I believe the rewards will be many. Best of luck to you!