FNP and military wife

[jollie]

I am finishing up my last year as an FNP in the state of California and am looking to move with my husband when I complete my program (Don't know exact locations at this time). As a military wife I am concerned about moving state to state (possible abroad) every 2-3 years and the affect it will have on my ability to practice. I know how the licensure works for an RN (more specifically for the compact states) but I am worried about the road blocks I might hit as I try to get certified as an FNP in different states. I am hoping the military will help me advance my career by giving me preference to institutions such as the VA, but that is not guaranteed. Does anyone know the hoops an FNP has to jump through to be able to practice in different states? I really wish our scope of practice was nationally recognized as opposed to state by state...thanks in advanced for your help and much needed advise!

[mosarn1]

jillarnp,

Thank you for your feedback. Credentialing seems very complicated... and you are right, schools fail to mention this very important step!

It is sad that more employers are not supportive of the military members and their spouses!!

Do you know if it is difficult to have your APRN endorsed in different states?

[zenman]

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.

No, ex military but did do some NP clinical on Marine base in Okinawa. Why did military affiliation come up in your interviews? That's no one's business

[CRF250Xpert]

The VA pays well and has a great PCMH program. We are a mil family and my wife and I are licensed n multiple states. Just start getting your licensure done as soon as you find out where your next assigment will be. Many AD folks like to be stationed in Europe. We decided that we can vacation anywhere if we stay in the states and make top dollar from having two profesional incomes. You could work as a contractor in each clinic on base where he gets assigned, but that is never garunteed work.

[graceofone]

Zenman,

Unfortunely, it does come up. Especially in areas where there aren't that many NP's and someone new comes in. I'm in South Dakota and a FNP. And while I know it is illegal, I have been asked in EVERY interview if I'm a military spouse. I've even just simply stated that we just relocated to the area when asked and they still dig it out of you. And I agree, I so wish I could say it's none of your damn business but they still ask it and with a VERY limited job market I just smile and go on. I would be up to relocating away from my spouse, however, we have children and so I'm getting ready to start a RN job just to keep up with the profession and hope to network this way. It's especially frustrating because we were in NW FL and it seemed like the hospitals there viewed being a military spouse as an asset. Here, it's apparently a fault. :/

[zenman]

Turn their butts in so they will learn something!