NPs married to the military

Trauma Columnist · Feb 9, 2009

My husband is retired military. I did NS while he was on active duty. Wasn't fun - went to two different schools and repeated multiple classes. Best bets:

1. Try to get some clinical time scheduled with the military clinic/hospital where you are stationed.

2. If you are stateside, try to get clinicals in the VA. Both will deal well with military spouses.

3. Keep a good log of your courses: always make a copy of the syllabus of the classes you are taking as they can change thru the years.

Good luck.....

lsutigerrn · Feb 19, 2009

I am married to an active duty service member in the Army. We were living in Germany when we received orders to our next duty station. I immediately researched FNP programs in the area we were headed and applied to a program there. When we arrived in May 2006, I found a job and began working at the Army clinic. I started my FNP program in August 2006. I graduated with my MSN, FNP track in May 2008. I never skipped a beat.

My suggestion is to start AS SOON as you get to your next duty station. Then you won't have to worry with having to disenroll and transferring credits. I did have challenges of not knowing anyone in the area, but I found that once I found several preceptors, they were great and worked with me. My professors were instrumental in assisting me with finding preceptors and clinical locations for my clinical experiences.

It will all work out. If you have questions, feel free to ask away!

graceofone · Feb 21, 2009

Thanks for your reply...but it sparks another question. How in the heck were you able to get a job in an Army clinic-we are Air Force and I can't ever seem to find a job on base--I would love to have those hours (I think!) and the benefits. I am in my first semester at the University of South Alabama and we don't start clinical rotations until the third semester (Fall 2009) for me. Luckily, it's an online program with clinical affliations pretty much everywhere, including a lot of military installations. Are you all still AD? Where are you working now? Sorry, for so many questions, just excited to find someone who was in a similar situation. Thanks again! :yeah:

lsutigerrn · Feb 24, 2009

I was actually very pro-active in obtaining a job at the military post. I started working for the government when my husband was stationed at Fort Campbell. I called the Director of Nursing office and let them know of my interest. In order to obtain a job with the Army, you have to go through their Civilian Personnel office (CPAC). In addition, you can search www.usajobs.com to find jobs in the area you're stationed.

I accepted a temporary position (not to exceed one year) to get "my foot in the door" so to speak. I didn't get benefits like TSP, etc, but I was able to earn leave time during this time. My husband received orders to Germany, and I was able to directly transfer into an ER position there. Once you're in the system, the process if MUCH easier! Contact the civilian personnel center at your post for more information!

My husband is still on active duty. He's actually stationed at Fort Rucker now. :) I absolutely LOVE working for the US Army. I don't make as much money as my counterparts on the outside, but the benefits more than make up for what I would be earning. You can't beat it.

USA is a great school! I know several people that graduated from their MSN program in our area. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. I've been working for the US Army for many years, and the retirement options is unbelievable. The good thing to remember too is that even if I'm working for the Army, all of my time would transfer if I decided to begin working for the Navy, Air Force or the VA. That in itself is awesome in my opinion! PLUS, who can argue working 0730-1615 every day?