New Grad RN (civilian)and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton???

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Hello All!!!

I have been able to sit for my boards since January 2010. Why did I wait so long to take them? Well, I am still in school (BSN program) and the job pool is FILLED (I still work as a Nursing Assistant at a San Diego hospital after 1 year). I am about to take my boards before I graduate in December. I am interested in working as a nurse at Camp Pendleton in San Diego. Does anyone know if new grads are welcomed there or if ya'll have any advice on how to "break into" an entry-level position to possible build my skills? I am a single mom with 3 HUNGRY teenagers and I need a good job now. Thanks in advance :D

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Camp Pendleton does not normally take new grads (military or civilian). Exceptions can be made, but it's usually on the military side. Balboa (like Bethesda on the East Coast) has a new grad residency program because that is where they send new Navy nurses (I think they might go to Portsmouth, too, but I'm not familiar with that area). I know that Bethesda actually does a civilian new grad program, but I'm not 100% sure about Balboa. Pendleton does not have a ton of RN openings in general (though I think it also depends if you are looking for a GS position or a contractor one).

Good luck in San Diego. I just graduated from nursing school out there, in May, and I know that I still have classmates looking for jobs- it's definitely a really tough market.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

I left Camp Pendleton in 2005 where my husband was stationed as a Marine. I worked in Pendleton a hand full of times as a civilian nurse during the 10 years we were there. First, they did not at the time I was there hire civilian nurses. Nurses were through a contracted agency and mostly in the ED/urgent care. I worked through an agency in Carlsbad. To work through an agency you must have 3 years experience. Secondlly the staff at the Naval Hospital is Navy nurses and corpsman. The majority of direct care is provided by corpsman, but under an RN supervision.

In my experience to train as a civilian in a military hospital unless you are in the service is not feasible. Training is for those in the service. Why would they spend money on civilian nurses. there are plenty of military nurses.

Your option as a civilian nure is the VA in San Diego. That is much more feasible.

Hope this helps.

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Thanks for the advise; yet I claim a job at Camp Pendleton as an RN in the NAME of JESUS and I know that I can and will.:yeah:

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

Well if you want it that bad you'll join the military as a nurse and guarentee your position in the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton.

Good Luck

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Okay, normally I do not respond to negativity and if this is the atmosphere, I will never post on this forum again. Nurses REALLY do eat there young; thing is I AM NOT YOUNG AT ALL.

Goodbye, allnurses...

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

My response was not meant in anyway to be hurtful. You asked for an experience and an answer to your question. I am sorry if giving you the fact of the matter is negative. If the hospital does not hire new grads or civilian nurses and you want a position there; you alternative is to join the military and ensure your spot.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I think the OP took your comments wrong Lucy18 - no need to apologize. Since OP states they are done with this thread, I'll close it.

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