Help! Graduated in 2011 and had to move overseas :(

[CMBB]

Hello All! Looking for some advice/ thoughts, etc...

Short story:

I'm worried about my likelihood of getting any kind of nursing position as "new" BSN graduate. My issue is I graduated in August of 2011 and my husband got military orders to Germany right after I graduated and can not get a job here! ( but I've volunteered and subbed at the area schools)

Long Story:

I thought I wouldn't have that big of a problem getting hired on over here because we are stationed in the largest American community outside the U.S. with a large military hospital plus multiple clinics. Knowing that I still didn't take that information for granted and did some research and called the nursing recruiter over here directly. I did find out that I would have to volunteer...she said with a BSN, I could probably get picked up in about 3-6 months, if I would work a med surg. floor. I was totally fine with that and set up my orientation with the American Red Cross for as I arrived in Germany.

The week I got here, I called the recruiter again to touch base and was given the news that they were closing down I med surg floor...so it was going to be more difficult to get hired on as a civilian. Still not deterred, I went to my ARC orientation and was told to get in touch with floor managers to see if they would take a volunteer. Unfortunately, none of the med surg floors would take volunteers (especially new grads bc they needed experienced nurses to teach their new Army nurses) Luckily, one manager was able to get me a spot in the Pre-procedure unit.... Well then life got in the way; it took forever for my security clearance to go through and in the meantime I found out I was pregnant ( surprise!) and it was high risk! And my 10 yr old son broke his femur and had to be homeschooled for 3 months bc the school here was not equipped to handle him! After all that, I was able to volunteer at the PPU for a couple of months before I had my baby. I started to apply for various positions around the area and I was told the criteria had changed and the hospitals would not hire any civilians without a year's worth of experience ( they really need 3-5 yrs). I've had no luck with the "contract" positions outside the main hospital either. With 3 kids, student loans, no real daycare options ( this is another story in itself) and a husband's terrible military schedule, I can't do full time volunteering anymore plus when I went to talk to my old boss, she informed me the hospital was going to combine 2 more floors, so they really don't need extra people!!! It really sucks bc she would have hired me last summer if she was allowed!

I have been able to sub as a school nurse ( and teacher) but as you can imagine the schedule is sporadic and unpredictable! I actually really like it, but I'm not getting any " clinical" nursing experience.

So I'm scared to death I will not be able to get a job as a new grad 3 yrs removed! I've thought about continuing my education, ultimately, I would love to be a nurse practitioner and maybe one day be a nursing instructor! I'm just not sure if I could even work on my education being over here and not having experience to apply to my studies as well not being able to do clinicals at this hospital.

I have about a year and a half left here ( my husband goes away for six months in February, so I could possibly leave Germany early) and now I'm running into the next issue... They ask when your official departure date is in interviews ( I can't and wouldn't lie about this) so now I won't have enough time left for them to even hire me

When I finally get back to the States, I'm afraid a hiring manager will just go straight passed my résumé because of lack in experience since graduating. And I don't want to appear " lazy" or look like a crazy person explaining all of this in an interview!!! I know there are refresher courses in different parts of the country and I wouldn't be opposed to doing that if it increases my likelihood of being hired!

So any thoughts, advise or comments are totally welcomed!

Thank you!

[swoodard]

Don't be discouraged. When you get back to the states employers will recognize military spouse situations so don't worry at all. I make sure to always expain my situations to employers and they embrace it. Keep your head up. You'll be fine