FNP and military wife

zenman · Apr 8, 2012

If you work as a civilian on a military base you can have a license in any state and not worry about it. However, to get your license in other states you just fill out the paperwork from the board of nursing in that state. It's a pain if you hate paperwork, but easier if it's a compact state as you don't have to worry about your RN license. I'm licensed as a NP in 3 states.

jillarnp · Apr 18, 2012

I am also a military wife with my FNP, this can be a problem. As a RN no big deal if you moved, as RN's frequently move or change jobs. However this becomes a big deal, even in the VA or Tricare arena. Most folks and employers want stability in their providers. At this time many Government facilities are also on a hiring freeze. The first question I was asked on many interviews, once they found out we were military, was how often we move and how long was I going to be there. I honestly did not start getting offers until I stopped letting prospective employers why we moved to the area and that we were military. Getting a job as a new grad is tough enough without experience, throw in the instability of military life and its tougher. I am proud of my husband and our service but the frequent moves required of us are hell on a FNP career. This seems to be true in the private arena, it may be less so in the hospitalist position’s that are opening up for NP's. Many are hiring new grads; one of my classmates was hired right after she passed boards. But I still recommend that you don’t mention your military affiliation until you accept an offer. The time and resources put into training and credentialing a new grad will be considered, they want you to stick around long enough to get a return on their investment. And yes you must apply for licenses in the state you wish to practice in. Many require collaboration agreements. I suggest you do so before you start sending out CV's. It is a long process and requirements are different from state to state. As is the credentialing process so be prepared. Good luck :)

graceofone · Apr 18, 2012

As jillarnp pointed out it is HARD to find a job as a new grad with the added title of military spouse. Even without out right saying you are a military spouse, employers still have asked me (yes, it is illegal but what can you do). We moved abroad (Italy) as I was completing my FNP coursework and I was unable to work there (we were on an Italian airbase, not one of the American bases) and now here I am 18+ months after graduation still trying to find my first NP job. It doesn't help that we are in South Dakota either. Even with the VA, you do not get preference and a lot of the government jobs on base are contracted out and the contractor could care less who you are. Just something to think about. As much as I loved FNP clinicals and as much as I think I will love being an NP, I really wish I had waited until my husband was separating from the service. Right now, I am just in the mindset that I wasted money for nothing. Good luck to you though!

Trauma Columnist · Apr 18, 2012

My husband (retired military now) and I have been married 32 years. For 15 of those years I was either active duty military myself or a family member (don't even get me started on the term dependent). We also moved a lot - three countries and 4 different states.

I ended up postponing much of my education until we were stateside: I did an LPN program, then we PCSd, then did an ADN program and he retired. Then we moved again. 8 years later went back for a BSN, immediately to MSN and post-MSN certificate.

I became an APN in 2006, my husband took a job 165 miles away in 2008 and its been 4 years now and we still live apart. I can't move because I could not get nearly as a good a job as I have now where he lives.

Believe me, I know all about separation but sometimes its an option too....

zenman · Apr 19, 2012

You guys must be in the wrong speciality. I took a permanent job in January after working locums and no one asked me how long I was planning on staying. In order to keep my relocation and sign on bonus I just have to stay one year. You might try working locums for 3 months at a stretch...and visit your spouse in between jobs till you get some experience. There's got to be places that are desperate, even for new grads. Worked for me even, lol!

mosarn1 · Apr 22, 2012

zenman,

If you don't mind sharing, what states do you hold your NP license at? Was it difficult to apply and get an endorsement? I am looking into getting my APN endorsed in TX and heard it could be tricky. Any insight is appreciated!

mosarn1

mosarn1 · Apr 22, 2012

Thank you!

zenman · Apr 22, 2012

New Mexico, Arizona, and Tennessee. I just filled out the paperwork and paid the money. You can get the application off the TX BON site. I only have TX RN license as it's a compact state with NM.

mosarn1 · Apr 23, 2012

Thank you for sharing!

jillarnp · Apr 24, 2012

Zenman, are you a Mil spouse? Life as a spouse is a whole different ballgame. We are not afforded the respect or legal protection Vets are. Mosarn1, I highly recommend that you sidestep any mention of military affiliation if you get an interview. It took me 8 months to get a job and I had multiple interviews. I am an excellent candidate, have an amazing CV and experience. Every employer and recruiter was extremely impressed. I had fantastic interviews, many times was asked to stay on the spot for a second and sometimes 3rd interview. ANY time military affiliation came up I did not hear back. I do not think it was a coincidence. I am not sure I would recommend locum for a new grad. You need support and time to adjust to a new role. It may work for some but for me I held out until I received an offer from a group who was willing to invest that time and support in me. I wanted to be sure I was not rushed, that I had time to get some experience and be safe. I would choose your first position with care. Credentialing is a pain they don’t tell you about in school, it can be a delay of months depending on where you practice and you would hate to choose a job you cant stand/do and have to repeat the process.

Be prepared for this to take some time, job hunting as a NP is completely different then nursing. Good luck!

Coollittleme · Apr 26, 2012

I really think this is relative. I'm a military spouse; 17 years following my husband around in the Army and have never had a problem with jobs when I wanted one. I think in larger military installations people are more familiar with the families that come and go and some States are more military friendly than others like Texas for example is very military friendly State.