Military Wives in Nursing

[mypixiedust]

I am very frustrated at my current situation, and I was wondering if I am not alone. You see, I have been a nurse for 10 years; however, only 8 of those years have been active nursing, even though my license stayed active. The 2 years I didn't work was because my husband was in Iraq. I have 3 children, and was stationed away from any family members. So when my husband was deployed, I was alone. It was impossible to send my kids to daycare or find someone who would be willing to watch my children. As many of you know our hours and schedules can be unpredictable.

Now I am being penalized for this. We have moved yet again, and my job bases my pay on actual nursing years. It seems my career has always come second or even third due to the military. I have nothing against the military. I am about as patriotic as they come. My issue is that the civilian world does not take that into account. It's frustrating enough not being able to stay at one hospital and benefit from years of service, but to constantly start at the bottom of the totem pole. Can you imagine? I am now making $6-$8 less than nurses with less experience. I am unable to take a full time position because my husband is frequently deployed. I just wish that there was a clause somewhere for the military wife. I mean it's bad enough to be without your spouse while he is serving our country.

Anyways, I needed to vent.

[ADreamersWife]

I work in a military hospital. I would really recommend getting into the GS system if you can. It might take a while, but once you are in-you are in, and as a spouse, you have preference. You can transfer to the next post when you PCS, and you do not lose any years of service. And a lot of times, someone that you work with might know someone where you are going that can give you a heads up on that particular hospital or unit. Also, you have the advantage, that most people working with you understand what you are going through. In my area, we have several spouses that are deployed. Anyway, just something that maybe you can think about.

[mommyX2]

I am part of the waiting for retirement club. I am fortunate though that I am able to pay someone to come to my house and watch the kids while I work (he is currently deployed). I can see how your situation would be hard and very frustrating.