Need MORE help with a decision! :-)

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi All!

I need some advice from those who have been in the field for a while. I just graduated and landed a job at a pretty good hospital near an installation (I start on the floor pretty soon), and I am utterly excited :-). I told my manager that we would be stationed here, and I wanted to at least be here for a year. So all was well, and I was excited about being able to finally settle down and have my first nursing job AND keep it for a while. Well.... During my first week of orientation, my husband received his new duty station that he will be PCSed to in November... and I am not at all happy about where it is...

Hawaii...

Many, many, MANY, people have said "Oh my, you lucky one," or "Wow, that's amazing!" However, I already know how the job situation for nurses is down there, especially for new grads...

Hawaii is beautiful! We've been, and I love it... but EVERY SINGLE AGENCY/HOSPITAL that I have contacted in the past few days won't even bother to look at you unless you have 1 year of experience (and that's still really not enough).

I would love to have some advice from anyone who has had experience with a situation similar to this, or just anyone in general... I don't want to quit a job that I JUST started (and I really love this place), but I don't want to be separated from my husband :-/ , AND I would love to have at least 6 months experience before I just leave a job, which we all know is quite hard nowadays for a new RN to find.

Please help, and thank yal' soooo much!:redbeathe

Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.

I'd have to say-stay and get that experience under your belt. My daughter is married to a career Special Forces guy...it's his job...they knew when they married that there would be times they would be apart-this is not so different-this comes with the territory. The time will fly by. It's terrific that you got a full time job anywhere...the nursing situation is dismal in the entire country--in Hiawai it's impossible..so just hang in there and learn your craft, as you do get experience you can perhaps work with travel agencies, network, look into clinics or other venues to get hired there. You do need to work and sharpen your skills right now, that's what will make you more marketable in the future anywhere you go;)

(and a good marriage will weather time apart...don't worry about that..you have the "rest of your live to be married")

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Long distance relationships are hard. I was in one... He was only 2 hours away, but it was still hard. I made him move to my city and move in with me after awhile. Now I wouldn't give him up for anything.

I personally would try to find a job in Hawaii. A nurse with some hospital experience may be able to find a place in LTC or where ever else out of the hospital. I don't know though, I don't live in Hawaii and I'm not aware of their nursing hiring circumstances.

I just know long distance sucks... a lot.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Would there be a long term care facility, health department, docs office or something like that you could start at until you get the experience?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Another thing you need to consider is housing. If you decide to stay where you are now -- you'll have to stretch your housing allowance to cover both locations. And Hawaii is very expensive -- check your budget before you make any decision. You may only be able to afford one option.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical/Surgical, Ambulatory Care.

Aaaaahhhh! So much to consider! We still have about 5 weeks to decide upon it, but I am really considering staying here to at least get 6 months out of my position. My first day was today, and I absolutely LOVE IT!!! (even though the nurse/patient ratio is like, 8-13 pts per nurse). I feel like if I can master this job, I can master ANYTHING

@ deborahclark82, YES! I have heard that, and I always have that in the back of my mind, but I really feel that our relationship can bear a few months. Yes, the distance is a HUGE factor, and we won't be able to see him that often (maybe q5 months).

@ cyclone67, we also considered that as well, as we want to save money and all, and obviously paying 2 rents/mortgages would be sort of wasteful. We can afford it, but I feel it is SSSSOOOO much of a waste.

Again, thank yal, and if you come up with anything that I may not have though of, please let me know. Also, do you all think that volunteering can be count as experience???? I dont think so, but I may be wrong.

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical/Surgical, Ambulatory Care.

Oh, and I want to add that he is to be stationed over in HI for 3 years... Does that change any of yal's opinions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.
Oh, and I want to add that he is to be stationed over in HI for 3 years... Does that change any of yal's opinions?

I don't think volunteering will count at all other than being a good citizen. Since you will be there for 3 years, I don't think there is any rush. Do some time here and get your experience all of the time networking for a job over there. Can you work in a military hospital over there? Do they use civilians? Could your husband start investigating some venues once he gets settled. Like clinics, LTC, offices. I know it is very hard to get a hospital job over there but you have about 2 years to try. I really don't think you can put a price on the experience you are getting at a hospital job. And this isn't forever....no one said you had to stay there...now would also be a good time to pick up extra shifts if you can get them and stash some money away. Can you maybe just rent an efficiency instead of an entire apt?

My son in law left last Friday for Afghanistan...he will be gone for about 1 year...so my daughter knows what that's like. Not optimal, but part of the job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment