MILITARY NURSE VS CIVILIAN NURSE ... who will get the job?

[cookie91]

Does serving as a nurse officer in the military make you more competitive when you apply to a nursing position in a hospital compared with a nurse with no military experience a bsn and clinical experience ?

[kesr]

probably, because many places have preferential hiring for veterns.

[FOCKER0014]

Very opened ended question. An officer in the military WILL have experience and a four year degree anyway. So the real question is what type of experience does each canidate have. Military experience will count for squat unless it is related to what they are applying for. Just as a civilian who has a bsn and clinical experience...depends on where, how long...etc...

although there might be places who "like" to hire veterans...i couldn't imagine the person with more experience and better resume doesn't get the job

[JoMark06]

At the VA and DOD hospitals/clinics, your military experience will count a lot. You will get either a 5 or 10 point veterans preference that will be added to your level of degree, certifications, experience, interview, etc. In my experience, most civilian hospitals will take the most experienced nurse regardless of military background.

[LegzRN]

Like Focker said, that is a very open ended question. A military nurse who has served a tour overseas in a trauma environment will have an edge over the civilian nurse with med/surg experience when applying for the ED, but that same military nurse might not have the same advantage if applying to, say, a med/surg or OB unit. It's all about the nurse's experience.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Id say yes, b/c in my workplace (private, not-for-profit) we would absolutley prefer a former military nurse b/c they are highly professional with outstanding credentials and experience in our (annecdotal) experience.

[EmergencyNrse]

Too many unknown factors just to say military vs. civilian.

Each realm has their strengths & weaknesses. My experience is that I have worked with lowsy Army nurses and certainly some lowsy civilian nurses.

Depends on the individual and how they carry themselves. That's why we have an interview process.

May the best canidate get the job based on what they bring to the ward/unit.

[giadys]

Who knows of a currently practicing military nurse in V. luna? I need to interview one for my professional adjustment subject... hope anyone here can help me..

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

In government jobs, being prior military can give you an edge.

In civilian jobs, however, it could be anyone's game.