what if I don't work as a nurse?!?

[momathoner09, BSN, MSN, APRN]

Well my husband decided to get stationed at the one place in the country that really doesn't need nurses (at least not new grads)-- hawaii! I got licensed in NC in July and won't be able to get any experience b/c we soon after had to move to VA for his school and then moving again in the fall for hawaii. Not that it really matters b/c hawaii requires 1 year minimum experience for practically all jobs. Anyways...I have another degree in exercise science so I recently started applying for those jobs as well. I'm getting desperate here! Soooo...I was wondering- what if I don't work in a nursing position the whole time we are there (3 years) and then want to start working wherever they send us next. Will it look really bad to employers that I never used my license? I really really want to work as a nurse but I am starting to realize that it may not happen. I worked so hard (as we all did) to finally have those 2 precious letters behind my name and now it feels like it may be for nothing right now. I know I shouldn't complain and I know I chose this life as an army wife but still...it sucks. Any advice/input greatly appreciated. Thanks for letting me vent.

[picurn10]

I wouldn't give up just yet. As a former military wife, I know just how hard it can be to work with a dh who moves around a lot. I'd still keep applying, surely there is something out there. If you could get hired on at a hospital, even in a less than desirable job, I'd do it and then hope for a transfer. I can only imagine how disappointing it would be to work so hard and then not be able to work.

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

I didn't work for 5 months (former military wife) when we were stationed in GA right after I got licensed..because it would be my first job and I didn't want to get trained then leave. When I got back to TX, employers were kinda weary about that 5 months I didn't work as an RN..I'd try really hard to do it and if there's a MTF nearby, try there.

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

Apply for jobs there anyways. Sometimes the one year experience is just a ideal candidate. Prepare to work all the horrid shifts though.

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

Have you thought to apply to the military installation where you will be stationed. Now that your licensed, they may hire you esp since you have preference as a military spouse. Check out www.usajobs.opm.gov and the civilian personel office for the branch of service he's in. This was, have job, will transfer. Just an idea.