Published
Hey, I work at WRAMC and the civilians there were just talking about this this last week. Apparently there isn't a loophole. They were moaning and complaining because the Army still takes in new nurses (VERY few, I might add, but they still do take in noobs) but they don't hire people with under a year's experience that are civilians.
Yeah, I've applied to many nursing homes in the area, too. Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, home health, county health departments, dialysis centers, plasma collection agencies...I know you mean to be supportive, and I appreciate it, but I have exhausted my search just about everywhere. I draw the line at correctional facilities as I do not want to put myself in harm's way. Trust me, I'd love to be able to get that 1 year of experience under my belt. But, out here, it just isn't happening. And I've realized it because of these simple reasons. 1) I'm not from here. 2) I didn't graduate from any of the colleges here. 3) I don't know anybody here. 4) I don't plan on staying here (military). I'm a realist -- I know any HR person can look at my resume and figure out within 2 seconds that we are military and not give me a second thought because it is easy to assume "Well, they won't be here but for a couple of years." At the same time, it makes me very bitter, as I feel like it is an acceptable form of discrimination. Sorry, I'll leave it at that before I really get up on my soapbox.
You might be able to find the job you want and do volunteer work for them, then when they realize how wonderful you are and there is an opening - it's yours! As a volunteer you would not be working as an RN but a volunteer so therefore it will not get you the experience you need - BUT - it may lead to a job. Good luck!
psycheab
53 Posts
In just about every RN job that I've come across for military installations, they have all indicated "Must have 1 year experience."
Can anybody tell me if there is a loophole or a way around this?
Or, is there a way to get your foot in the door -- do military hospitals/clinics hire nurses through agencies and then maybe you can get hired on at the GS level?
I just cannot find a nursing job in the local area. I apologize if anyone has come across my moaning and bellyaching about not being able to find a job here in Utah. But, as the hubby is in the military, my goal is to just get hired on at the base and then when we move, hopefully do an easy transfer. LOL, yeah, I know...it might not be so easy.
Thanks for any suggestions!