overseas civil service nurses need your advice!

Specialties Government

Published

Hey guys I'm currently about to enter an ADN program at my community college and have been researching going overseas and hopefully working in Italy again. I was curious what's the best route for me to take? I've researched it a bit and I believe it's favorable to have a year experience in nursing spec. so I was thinking the lpn tract may be better to get the exp. and finish the ADN while working. Then I could submit a resume a few months prior to completion and with me being prior service AF I could maybe get the job. Opinions/suggestions?

Ohh yeah I heard civil service nurses over there get COLA, BAH, and a paid move. If this is true the pay cut wouldn't be that terrible I assume?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, FPC, MedSurg, Ortho Trauma, ER, Onc.

I was GS in Germany, but it was pretty different for me since I separated from Active Duty while over there and just stayed at the same hospital! They will only relocate if it is a critical need/shortage job...I know at LRMC the only civ nurses that got Stateside Hire status (which gets you the megabucks housing allowance!) were Cardiac Cath Lab nurses, Onc nurses and I think a Trauma Coordinator position.

You get some COLA, but it's nothing compared to what it was when I was in! It does help offset costs some, just not as much.

I'm not sure if that was much help, now that I go back and look at it! Sheesh.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well i'm more informed now, thanks. Maybe I'll just submit a resume and see what happens.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MED/SURG ICU, CT ICU.

Hello nursemae! It sounds like you are one of the people I should talk to. I am currently debating joining the reserves as a critical care nurse. I have about 23 years cc background so no doubt you have guessed I am getting up in age. I just really need to know what it is like to be a military R.N. I will continue my 2 part time civilian nursing jobs and am very lucky to be able to pick and choose what days I work. Working 12 hour shifts doesn't bother me that much any more but must say sometimes my legs feel like lead when i'm done. I agree about the professionalism in some civilian hospitals. Lets just say that sometimes its not there. What really bothers me is the laziness. Anyway, back to the real questions: What are the hours / week,? What is the housing like both state side and when deployed? What was officers training like? I heard it is mostly classroom education on the military. Do you ever get time off once deployed to either travel or have family visit? As you can see I have no idea what I am getting into just that it is hard work and I need to get back in shape in the next couple months. Wish me luck and I hope to hear from you soon!!

Thank you for your service 2soldiers44

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment