Navy FNP

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Specializes in Plastics, Bariatric, Orthognatic, Rheumatology.

I am considering applying for a job as a civilian FNP for the Navy . I am in my late '50 , I never worked for a Governmental institution,  only private Hospitals . 

I would appreciate if someone can give me some input on what is the culture like , given I am a civilian would that be a problem with co workers ? 

What have you found are the pros/cons of working for the Navy?

Any information appreciated ! 

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Navy has age limit 40 y.o. You are very old for them

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Specializes in Operating Room Nurse.
21 hours ago, Gumercinda said:

Navy has age limit 40 y.o. You are very old for them

Not the correct response, and rude. Civilian aka GS positions don't have a age limit. keep it classy!

I currently work on Fort Sam as civilian. I'm not a NP but can tell you the culture of military hospitals are very different from private. for one you'll always be precepting because most are teaching hospitals. Because your advanced you'll get to pick what specialty you want to go into and will stay there. If you go GS than you can transfer overseas like a deployment for two years and come back. Pay for GS is pretty good with awesome benefits and you get an additional step every 3 years. 

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Specializes in retired LTC.

FWIW - I didn't think the PP's response was rude. Maybe awkward, but I believe that for that poster, English is 2nd language.

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Specializes in Primary Care.
On 7/26/2021 at 1:15 PM, livingmydreams14 said:

Not the correct response, and rude. Civilian aka GS positions don't have a age limit. keep it classy!

I currently work on Fort Sam as civilian. I'm not a NP but can tell you the culture of military hospitals are very different from private. for one you'll always be precepting because most are teaching hospitals. Because your advanced you'll get to pick what specialty you want to go into and will stay there. If you go GS than you can transfer overseas like a deployment for two years and come back. Pay for GS is pretty good with awesome benefits and you get an additional step every 3 years. 

Civilians can deploy? I didn't know that. I always thought that you had to be enlisted

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Specializes in Plastics, Bariatric, Orthognatic, Rheumatology.

Thank you for the great info, I really appreciate you all taking the time to answer .?

You mentioned that once someone chooses a specialty then it's hard to move to another , I also heard from another group it is hard to transfer to another location . I don't know if this is true or not but I am sure someone can shine light on that ?

Finally to the person who told me I am old , I don't take it personally . Old is someone that gives up , and I don't .

 I can see you are frustrated because you worked hard for your NP license and you could't find a job . Don't dispair , there is room for everyone and you are probably making a lot more money as an RN .

If you want to practice as an NP,  keep trying , but you have to be willing to be flexible or go to other locations to practice . I wish you good luck 

Thanks to all and stay safe !

 

 

 

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Thank you for such kind words. I feel frustated because I did a lot to immigrate to the states in my 30s, it was so hard learn English and study until get the MSN. I am close to 50s, and still looking ....my friend started on labor and delivery, after 5 years she tried to move to peds, but the hospital did not let her transfer. He found a job on ped in another state, but she returned for her kids after 6 months. The hospital received back to her former unit. Now she is going to be 17 years in labor and delivery.....hospitals see people like pieces of furniture that must be on the place of most experience. It is never what you want. It is always what the facility needs. I wish the best for you. 

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Specializes in Plastics, Bariatric, Orthognatic, Rheumatology.

Do not despair my friend , I would suggest if you have your license as APRN start volunteering so you practice your skills until you find a job . it is very different to be an RN than NP role .  If you are an FNP you have choices , they need PCP everywhere . Look into https://connector.HRSA.gov/connector/ you will also have the chance to have your student loans paid ?

You have to keep and open mind , you probably will make less money than an RN initially but we all need to start somewhere and you need the experience 

You might need to move as I said but that is also OK , who knows? you might be happier somewhere else ! I had to move for my job but it was a blessing .

Wishing luck to all the fellows nurses and thank you for your dedication 

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