Military hiring nurses as civilian employees

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An Air Force base here is advertising for RNs to work as civilian employees in their on-base health care facility. I know that the military has always had a number of civilians working in support areas, but this is the first time I've seen them hiring civilians into what would otherwise be technical-skilled positions held by officers. Is this something new? How well does it pay? Is it worth looking into?

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Specializes in ER.

That is exactly what I do. It's worth looking into, but it isn't like a normal job. I don't know the specifics of what they are offering, but I am a contractor. Which means that I had to bid on the job and submit my resume etc. There may have been others more qualified than I, but I won the contract because I underbid them. Keep that in mind. Also with contracting, you will have to pay your own taxes, earn no seniority or retirement plan, etc. Then again, if it's not a contract but a GS position, go for it with all your might. That's a sweet gig right there.

I love my job and 99% of the people I work with. The day to day stuff isn't much different than the civilian world, just a lot more lingo and acryonyms to deal with. AHLTA, MEB, PCS, TDY, and PRP will become second nature to you too!

Look into the job, for sure.

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Had a friend who worked for the Navy in NC for about three years. She did it to get on her feet after a nasty, totally devastating divorce. She was not in love with the job, it was her extra one, but she was able to get on her feet, bills paid, and move to another area in 3 years vs 10 years. He really left her with bills, bills, bills plus 3 kids. He ran to Mexico with an older, wealthy woman who fleeced her husband out of a million dollars. Nice guy.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It's not new. I've known lots of people to do it over the years. They describe it as a hybrid of military and civilian life.

Most of the people I know who did it were satisficed with their experience, but be sure you understand the details of any contracts you sign.

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It is worth looking for. The GS positions usually pay well and have great benefits. And include a high level of job security. You have to have at least one year experience as a Nurse though.

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I don't think its new, Im a military spouse and there is about a 50/50 split of civilian to military doctors and nurses who work at the hospitals and clinics. I'd look into it for sure, I want to try to get into a military post facility when I graduate, although yes I have heard you do need 1 year experience to work at most places.

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I have a few friends that work as RN's in GS position and they have told me, 1 year experience as RN is the minimum requirement. However, they all love their jobs and do not want to get out of the GS system anymore.

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Specializes in LTC-MDS.

How do you get information on this program. It sounds good.

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They have a website where you can apply for GS positions. www.cpol.army.mil

However, you have to make sure you follow all the guidelines, so read the instructions carefully!!

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Specializes in Labor & Delivery.

I am a civilian nurse in a military facility. I went through a contract company because there were no GS positions available in the unit I wanted to work in at that time. I really like working at a Naval hospital. My unit is well staffed and I work with great co-workers. My contract company pays very well. I declined the insurance through them because it was very expensive. They do take out taxes, but don't offer retirment. I do get night shift diff, paid holidays and sick leave. I am considering taking a GS slot when it becomes available but I don't know how long i'll stay where I am full time because i'm going back to school.

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