Husband's International Opportunity vs. My Career

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I've had a somewhat rocky start to my nursing career. I've been a nurse for over 2 years now. I strongly disliked my first few nursing jobs. At several points, I considered leaving the profession. Recently, I just started a new job outside of acute care that I like much better. I'm happy in this position, but I don't plan on staying for more than a few years because I also have finally found a graduate program that I really enjoy. I spent a semester in an FNP program and decided that wasn't a good fit for me, so I transferred into a different program. I now love my classes and what I am studying.

The dilemma is that my husband has had an opportunity come up that would require an international transfer. We would be living abroad with all expenses paid for two years. It is really the opportunity of a lifetime. I would not be able to obtain a work visa, so it would be like a vacation for two years! We would learn another language and experience a new culture. It seems great, but it just happened at such a bad time. With my career, things are just coming together and I'm finally in a good place. If my husband takes this job, I'm not sure I could find a job when we return. I've had 4 nursing jobs in just 2 years and I don't think anyone would hire me again. I will definitely NEVER return to the bedside. Also, I don't know what I would do about school. I could probably take a leave of absence, but I'm not sure for how long.

If anyone has any perspective or advice to offer, I would appreciate it.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Go, enjoy, and send us lots of postcards!

I don't mean to diminish the importance of your job satisfaction or plans for school, but all of that will still be here when you get back. This opportunity will not likely be offered again. Even if it is, there may be children to consider, elderly parents needing care, or health issues of your own. You never know what tomorrow will bring, so don't pass up a wonderful opportunity!

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I agree . . .go!

The truth is there will always be jobs. Always.

And the opportunity to work overseas like this and have a great adventure doesn't come along very often.

If you don't go . . . can I go in your place?;)

steph

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Specializes in Staff nurse.

Since you can't have a work visa can you volunteer at a health facility? Maybe you can't perform duties an RN would, but you would still be around health care, maybe doing what would be nurse aid here in the U.S. but it would show potential future employers you still wanted to be connected for the 2 years abroad. Are there any Americans already where your husband is going that you can talk to about it?

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By the way . . .why can't you get a work VISA?

I like psalm's idea of volunteering.

steph

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Which country are you going to

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Specializes in ER, Teaching, HH, CM, QC, OB, LTC.

Wow! What a great op! Is there any way you could do an online program?:typing I would think it would be worth looking in to see what is out there. I know that there is a lot of military members in my classes in Liberty U some are not in country. You may not be able to do complete it all, but you would not be 2 years behind, and you would still be employable when you get back!!!

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Thanks for the replies. We would be going to Germany. The idea about volunteering is great. I'm not sure exactly why I wouldn't be able to get a work visa. The company just told us that the process is too difficult and spouses just aren't able to obtain visas.

I thought about doing an online program, but I've already spent a lot of money on the program that I am in now. Plus, I really like the material and it is not something that you can find in online programs (health policy).

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How much longer is your program? Could you possibly swing 1/2 the year in the US studying and working and 1/2 abroad with your hubby? It may not be possible, but sometimes there is a third option. It doesn't make it any easier to decide but what a wonderful dilemma to have!

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Specializes in neuro, ICU/CCU, tropical medicine.

Someone told me that U.S. military bases overseas are required to hire a certain number of U.S. civilians, and that nurses are a shoe-in. I don't know if that's true or not, but you might want to check it out. Last I heard, the U.S. still had military bases in Germany.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

GO!!!

I would. In a heartbeat.

If you don't, maybe Stevie and I can arm-wrestle or something to decide who goes in your place!!!

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.....and what did you say your flight number was?..........lol

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