Finding a Job After Military Deployment

[Medic2BSN13, BSN, RN]

I am wondering if anyone has been in a similar position to mine before and provide a little insight.

I graduated last year (May '13) with a BSN as a second degree student. I passed my boards on my first attempt, but I was on a tight schedule with the military as I was leaving for a deployment. I left the US in August and have not been back yet as I am still currently deployed. I never had the opportunity to really look for jobs as I was so busy with getting everything else in order to be away for a year. The good news is that my military job is healthcare related and I do provide care, but I also have a lot of administrative duties as I am the most senior medical personnel. I am currently BLS, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS certified and I also must maintain an NREMT license for the military.

I bring this all up as I am now looking for jobs and all require nursing experience. My issue is that I don't have "nursing" experience traditionally gained in a hospital and it may make job hunting a little more challenging upon my return. Also, I will be over one year post graduation and need to get back into a hospital. I function in a setting similar to a limited emergency department.

I guess my question is directed toward hiring managers or anyone who has been In a similar position before. Please let me know your thoughts or comments. Thanks in advance.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Are you active duty or activated from a reserve/NG component? ACAP (Army Career Alumni Program) can give you some incredible advice/assistance when it comes to obtaining employment if you're coming off activation back to reserve/NG duty--I mean everything from resume building, MOS to civilian career correlation, veteran's preference info, and I'd imagine they'd be able to help you figure out how to translate your wartime experience into your nursing education to ensure that you secure employment.

[Medic2BSN13, BSN, RN]

Thanks SoldierNurse!! I am part of a NG unit and will eventually redeploy back to the states. I am currently browsing hospitals in my local area to see what positions are available. All state some experience is required. I am hoping I can convince some hiring managers I am worth the investment should I get hired. I have also thought about trying to go active duty, but numbers are shrinking and I am not sure how many nurses are being taken into active duty these days.

I am not familiar with ACAP. Is this something that is available to me while deployed? I am interested to learn more about this should you have the time to send any and all information. Thanks again for your help.