new Army Nurse going Landstuhl, Germany

[Pink-Rated]

Hello. I'm new to this but I just wanted to get some get some more information. I am a nursing student (RN-BSN) and Army ROTC cadet on my last semester of nursing school and Army ROTC. In May, I will be graduating as a nurse and commissioning as a 2nd LT in the Army. Anyways, I just found out that I got my first choice for my First Duty Station and it's Landstuhl, Germany. Of course, when I found out, I completely freaked out and it's probably the best early Christmas gift ever!

I don't know anyone who has been to Germany as an Army nurse and was wondering how the area was and if you liked living there. So far, I've read only good things. Are there things to do around city? Is there a beach or something? How's the weather? Is it a big city? congested? Also, how was working in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center? I know there will be a lot of injured soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan so maybe a lot of critical care cases. Was it stressful? big? Did you feel lost? Did people help you? Are the native people there friendly? do they speak English? Do I have to learn how to speak German or is English good enough? Is housing easily available and is it affordable? How about the cost of living there? I know the Euro is more than the American dollar. Will I have enough time to travel through Europe while working as an Army nurse? How about a car? Do I need to buy a car? a little off topic, but are Mercedes or BMW's cheaper there? Is there anything else that I should know? Anything that I need to steer clear of?

I know these are a lot of questions but I've never been too far from home and on my own, plus living and starting out a whole new life in a foreign country (I'm single, so no family or friends in a big, foreign place! lol.). Just really want to know any information that you have or any of your own personal experience living there. I kind of need to prepare myself for this whole new life and adventure before it happens. Thanks!

[LDRNMOMMY, BSN, RN]

My husband and I are currently stationed at Ramstein and I am about to go back to the states for an accelerated BSN program. When I come back I want to try to get a civilian job at Landstuhl. I am wondering if they generally hire many RN's who are fresh out of a program, or if it will be extremely tough for me to get a job. I know we have spousal preferance here, but I am not sure how far that gets you. Anyone with insight?

It can be done, we hired a new grad in L&D she was a wonderful nurse. She spent a year putting her resume out there and introducing herself to several of the nurse managers. The L&D manager at the time had to jump through quite a few hoops but she eventually was hired. I'm not going to lie, it will be a challenge getting a job as a new grad as a civilian.

I came to Germany with L&D experience. I simply called the L&D nurse manager and asked if there were any open positions. After an interview the hiring process started. It took a while since the funding was not immediately available for the position. Prior to that I had applied for a few jobs via the CPOL website. I was referred for one job, but was never called for an interview.

[estursa]

It can be done, we hired a new grad in L&D she was a wonderful nurse. She spent a year putting her resume out there and introducing herself to several of the nurse managers. The L&D manager at the time had to jump through quite a few hoops but she eventually was hired. I'm not going to lie, it will be a challenge getting a job as a new grad as a civilian.

I came to Germany with L&D experience. I simply called the L&D nurse manager and asked if there were any open positions. After an interview the hiring process started. It took a while since the funding was not immediately available for the position. Prior to that I had applied for a few jobs via the CPOL website. I was referred for one job, but was never called for an interview.

It's good to know that it is a possibility. It has been weighing heavily on our shoulders lately, but we have decided to give it a rest for the time being. I need to make it through the initial step first...school. I have been looking into the Nurse Transition Program and I am going to see a recruiter about it when I get stateside. I am not sure how things would work since we are currently on orders though. The GI bill would be a great thing for me because I want to get a Masters in Nursing, but like I said, first step first :) I tend to get ahead of myself. Thank you so much for your reply. I truely appreciate it!

[LDRNMOMMY, BSN, RN]

Thank you so much for your reply. I truely appreciate it!

You are very welcome! Good luck in school.