Maybe stationed in Germany! HELP!!!

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 27, 2005

Hello!
I am an Army wife and a nurse. My DH and I are trying to make the best decision regarding our next duty station with one of the choices being 1st Infantry or 1st Artillary Division in Germany. I need all the info I can get regarding working in Germany. Is it very hard to get on with the DOD as a civilian RN in a base hospital or clinic? What if I can't find a nursing job, how can an American girl survive in Germany - I only speak English! Please HELP!!!!!
Again, any info would be great!
Thanks in advance!
Sara

NOW you're talkin' !!!

Sara.. I'm not sure about the opportunities to work as an RN there in the military hospitals, as so much has changed since I was in the AF many moons ago.. but I'll bet there are some folks here who could readily asnswer that for you.

But as far as "surviving" as an American girl over there and only speaking English.. well, I'm here to inform you that 99.9 % of Germans speak English, and quite competently. Feel better now? :)

As far as Germany itself, well, I' quite biased, of COURSE.. as I still consider it my "home". It is a beautiful country, so MUCH to see and do, many, fesitvals and much to explore. The Germans are more than willing to befriend you IF... IF... they see YOU putting forth the effort as well. By that I mean in your wilingness to learn the language (doesn't matter HOW small.. just making the effort is what counts).. learning about the country and its culture, mingling with them in thier own setting.. (not merely hanging out with the Americans on base, etc.).. but getting OUT and taking an interest in the people themselves, and thier country.

Politically, most of them are quite liberal, and anti-war, but do not let that hinder you from befriending the locals. They are wise enough to take you for who YOU are, if you present yourself as simply a friend and not the "American"... understand what I mean?

As far as geography.. the southern part is by FAR more beautiful.. mountains, alps, cowbells, rolling green meadows.. lakes, chalets. Ppl there are "friendlier" there as well, and more relaxed, laid back.

Northeren Germany is very "citified", lots of factories, etc. Pppl all in a rush.. push, push, shove.

Be prepeared for the autobahn.,. yes, they DO drive at over 100mph there ! But they ALL do, so be prepared to get OUT of their way.. they'll falsh those lights at you in a heartbeat, and you had BETTER be moving over ! :chuckle

The food is awesome. You must be willing to try ! You can ALWAYS pm me from there, and I'll translate the menus for you ! :rotfl:

The Rhine River Valley is breathtaking with all its castles, etc.. do some bus tours, etc. over there. The Mosel, the Danube.. all of these and the surrounding vicinities are so lovely. Another benefit is you are only hours away from France, England, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Netherlands.. you can see so MUCH in so little time !

Let me know what you all decide, and SHOULD you end up going to Germany, by all means keep in touch.. I'll be your "virtual tour guide" ! :balloons:

CHATSDALE · Jul 27, 2005

Got some good advise above...make your time there a time of personal growth...if you go to a country learn the language and the customs..you will always be the richer for it

as for dod..if that is your goal try and get a job with them here before you leave...you may be able to transfer and you will certainly be first in line if you have dod on your resume

good luck...i think that you will remember this time for the rest of your life

lalajenn · Jul 28, 2005

My husband and I just left Germany. We moved back to the States at the very end of March. Anyways I had a friend who was a nurse while stationed in Germany and as a spouse you are more likely to get hired. It also depends on how big the base is. My friend was a nurse but she said she does not get paid nearly as much as she would back in the States so she quit and worked in the mental facility. She says a lot of people couldn't get jobs but I heard it is easier if you live near a big base. Good luck!! It is very beautiful in Germany and most of the Germans are nice. You just have to ignore the ones that aren't nice but that is the way even here in the States. No matter where you go there are going to be people who aren't nice. Anyways you will do fine while you are over there. I would be trying to apply even before you leave the States. Good luck!!

Hello!
I am an Army wife and a nurse. My DH and I are trying to make the best decision regarding our next duty station with one of the choices being 1st Infantry or 1st Artillary Division in Germany. I need all the info I can get regarding working in Germany. Is it very hard to get on with the DOD as a civilian RN in a base hospital or clinic? What if I can't find a nursing job, how can an American girl survive in Germany - I only speak English! Please HELP!!!!!
Again, any info would be great!
Thanks in advance!
Sara

LPN_mn · Jul 28, 2005

We spent 3 years in Germany at Rhein-Main Air Base. Germany is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. When you get there be sure that you take a long weekend and go the Cheimsee (sp) it is down Bavaria and you can take a bus tour into Austria. Taste all the food, you will not be disappointed, it is wonderful. When we were there the German people were very nice and wonderful. You will be able to take bus tours all over Europe. Be sure you buy good bicycles when you get there, some of my most wonderful memories are of the bike rides that we used to take when we were there. Have a wonderful tour and keep in touch with us here.

ChristinaNcRN · Jul 28, 2005

God it´s so nice how you all are talking about my country :kiss

Germany is nice but also a little different....

If there anything I can do for you send PM

I´m still here between Fankfurt and Wiesbaden so just scream if you need help

Monica

browneyedgirl73 · Jul 28, 2005

God it´s so nice how you all are talking about my country :kiss
Germany is nice but also a little different....
If there anything I can do for you send PM
I´m still here between Fankfurt and Wiesbaden so just scream if you need help
Monica

hey i am german also, and from what i found out, the options of working as a RN are pretty good in the military hospitals in germany. if the pay is less than here in the states i don't know. but besides that you'll love germany, i sure miss it. i am working on getting my ADN right now because whether we stay here in the states or go back to germany one day, i am sure i'll get a job. i did the nursing school in germany too, but it won't do nothing for me over here, it's been too long and it's totally different here.

anyways, good luck in germany and i am here too if you need any questions answered. just email.

do you know where you going to be stationed at in germany?

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 28, 2005

God it´s so nice how you all are talking about my country :kiss
Germany is nice but also a little different....
If there anything I can do for you send PM
I´m still here between Fankfurt and Wiesbaden so just scream if you need help
Monica

Hallo Monica !

I grew up in Wiesbaden. Spent a LOT of time between there and Frankfurt.. but Frankfurt has grown waaaaaaaaay too big for me.. almost like a small New YOrk now, from what I hear. But I sure did love the Kristkindlmarkt there !

Keep in touch !

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 28, 2005

We spent 3 years in Germany at Rhein-Main Air Base. Germany is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. When you get there be sure that you take a long weekend and go the Cheimsee (sp) it is down Bavaria and you can take a bus tour into Austria. Taste all the food, you will not be disappointed, it is wonderful. When we were there the German people were very nice and wonderful. You will be able to take bus tours all over Europe. Be sure you buy good bicycles when you get there, some of my most wonderful memories are of the bike rides that we used to take when we were there. Have a wonderful tour and keep in touch with us here.

Interesting that you should mention Chiemsee. I spent many a good time there every year as a child and young adult on our way to Berchtesgaden every summer.

When my children (raised here in the US) graduated from high school, htey each went over to Chiemsee to work at the hotel/facility there on the lake.

My dd loved it so much, she extended for another year. My son then went to work there as well, four years later when he graduated.

My sister arranged everything for them, as she was working there herself before she took over the management of the travel agency at Bad Aibling conducting tours for American service related folks all over Europe.

She took these people on tours of Austria, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, France... she conducted the tours of the Salt Mines in Berchtesgaden as well as the Eagles Nest, and was specialized as a tourguide of the concentration camp at Dachau...(which is a MUST, by the way, and I made sure both of my kids visited this site.)

So yes... there are LOVELY tours available still, and hopefully you get a oraganizer/guide as good as my sis !

She personally planned out, organized, and arranged these tours herself.. putting great effort and thought into the most minute details, from selecting the overnight accomodations, the tour bus companies, down to the busdrivers themselves...to make it the most marvelous and memoriable experience for her clients.

She recieved many, many compliments form her "guests", and now that she has been in the US for 7 years, she CONTINUES to receive letters and emails from these clients (and owners.. heh), begging her to return to the travel agency and continue providing the unrivaled service they had come to know, respect, and so appreciate her for. :)

Again.. Sara.. if you decide on Germany, there is a WEALTH of knowlege, education, adventure, and beauty to be gained. You have several of us here to walk you through the expereince, so fear not ! :balloons:

Keep us posted.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 28, 2005

PS.. there are some great websites on Berchtesgaden, Chiemsee, and nearly any place over there.. even webcams. Do a googlesearch and see all the great stuff you come up with ! :)

Here's one example:

http://www.moswin.com/berchtesgaden.htm

Savonarola · Jul 28, 2005

Hi to everybody. Thank you for the nice description of my country. :) I live in Duesseldor, that`s nearby cologne in the Rhine area. People are quite friendly there. :)

Anyway, I am a German nurse and want to immigrate to the USA.

I´m looking forward to an interesting conversation. :)

So long, Pia

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 28, 2005

Hi to everybody. Thank you for the nice description of my country. :) I live in Duesseldor, that`s nearby cologne in the Rhine area. People are quite friendly there. :)
Anyway, I am a German nurse and want to immigrate to the USA.
I´m looking forward to an interesting conversation. :)
So long, Pia

Hallo Pia !

Yes, Duesseldorf is quite lovely.. been there several times.. my stepfather was from there, and my mother lived there with him for about five years before they moved to AZ.

We do have an International Nursing Forum here.. you might want to check in there as well, and you will probably get many of your questions answered about immigrating to the US. :)

Don't be a stranger... always good to hear from those overseas ! :balloons: