Civilian Nurse Working on a Military Base, How?

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Alright, I'm a freshly graduate RN who has been dating a Marine for over 4 years now. We are talking marriage, however him being based in various places is one thing we still find issue with. I'm quite used to waiting long periods of time before I see him, though if I can get a job overseas with him we'd both be more happy.

So I was wondering what does a civilian RN go through in order to work on the military base? I imagine it is an individual process depending on the base... However, I am wondering if anyone out here knows if military bases hires civilian nurses to work on or around the bases, and where do I even go to apply for such a job. I plan on getting a years of experience in a state run mental hospital first before even attempting to apply for a hospital on a base, just because I imagine competition is very tough.

ANY BIT OF INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO THIS WILL BE VERY HELPFUL!!

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There are a few options to look into and having some experience will help. Research the RN postings on usajobs.gov. Those can be competitive but they will get you into the GS world. Another option is being hired on as a contract RN at the base clinic/hospital. Talk to someone at human resources there to inquire about any openings. Lastly, if there aren't any openings, you could volunteer with the base red cross chapter to network and get your foot in the door. Ive known a few nurses that started off as red cross volunteers that were eventually offered FT RN positions. Hope this helps!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I know that we had several civilian contract nurses when I was in the naval clinic. It can be done! You might even call the front desk and ask for their guidance.

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I'm glad to know that this is possible, it is something to consider. Thank you so much, and if anyone else has anything else to add I will certainly be glad to read it.

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I am a military nurse (now reserves) and to get into one of those positions especially in the hospital/acute arena you need:

1. EXPERIENCE

2. Veterans points or in the reserves

3. Marriage to a service member helps

As a new grad your chances are slim as it is right now.

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FYI....prior military service is not required to get hired as a civilian nurse. I supervise 4 GS nurses and only 1 of them is a veteran. I think you are definitely on the right track with getting experience before applying, though. Good luck. :-)

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FYI....prior military service is not required to get hired as a civilian nurse. I supervise 4 GS nurses and only 1 of them is a veteran. I think you are definitely on the right track with getting experience before applying, though. Good luck. :-)

It's not required but it definitely gives you a leg up with points. Two candidates with similar backgrounds apply, the one with military experience WILL get the job.

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I'm a DA Civilian nurse working in occupational health. Even though I'm a veteran, I don't qualify for the veteran bonus points and even though I'm a dependent spouse, I don't qualify for spouse preference. What did get me the job was the three years of experience in the field the supervisor was looking for. In addition, DA civilians are not eligible for hire until they meet the one year of experience requirement. This includes LPN's who are going back to school for RN status. Look at USAJOBS for job postings and you can hand carry a resume to the post Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) for direct hire options.

Hope this is helpful to someone.

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