GucciBeaR143

Thank you. I emailed them these links and worded it more like an inquiry, like I needed more info on the pay rates. I will update with their response. Keeping fingers crossed...

In their previous job/my current job, we're considered Title 38. We received night shift diff and weekend diff. No union

Hello, all ? Background: Civilian RNs currently working for AirForce Hospital in GS pay grade is NOT receiving the night/weekend differential they used to when they were working for the Army Hospital. Everything is the same, only different "branch." The VA employees they work with in the same AirForce Hospital ARE receiving night/weekend differential that most RN civilians considered as GS/Federal employees everywhere else. They asked other hospitals nationwide. As far as they know, they are the only ones "missing out on the differential pay." The Civilian Personnel for the AF told them that is the rate. Furthermore, they do not know the best recourse on how to resolve or even what to inquire about to get more info (ie: memorandum?) to help their cause. It doesn't seem fair/appropriate that they are not receiving the same as they used to. There is no actual nurse representative for the civilians except over the phone in Texas and they do not have a union. The hospitals outside the base pay their employees night/evening/weekend differential. Any advice/insight would be much appreciated as I may end up with the same challenges my ex-coworkers/fellow milspouses are currently face with.

new nurse - check zero seniority - check working ALL holiday shifts - check

Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of resilient military spouses \^~^/ I can't reveal much about my situation d/t OPSEC but this is my advice. It has always been regardless married/single/military/looking for fulfilling career. EDUCATION will always benefit you =) With that being said, please go to nursing school NOW, especially if you do not have kids yet. If you do, then do an online course if possible. 1. Married to the military have many benefits. a. you do not have to pay for out of state college fees b. you do not have to use his GI bill and apply for many scholarships c. mycaa can help you fund for your prereqs d. "easier" for you to get a job on post/military hosp/VA as civilian -- it's in brackets for later advice 2. BSN = more pay; work harder now so you can play harder later schpeeel 3. Being apart is hard; I know. Multiple deployments later, it never gets easier. Look at the BIG picture... what will benefit YOU (and sure, him) in the future? He should accept your choice to get your school because isn't he doing the same thing with his career? There are many milspouses (men and women) I know that went through online programs without much difficulty. Duke, WGU, and UT Arlington are very supportive with milspouses. I hope this helps =) Good luck to your endeavours!

were you able to get a job there?

Agree ^_^ I've been a preceptor for years if I'm not in triage or charge role. I ask every student/new grad the same thing: "what is your short term goal for today?" It can be as simple as: answering/transferring phone calls, down time forms, IV/lab sticks, EKG performing, troubleshooting machines, etc. Sometimes, I use the new employee check off list and expand from there. If you're constantly the preceptor, why not start your own checklist and re-assess goals/progress like a careplan. Congratulations and welcome ~

Left Texas and sad to find "Safe Harbor" isn't available to most states. Sure could use it up here...

WOW! I have to say that I think I pretty much had a little bit of your life while working FT and going to school then straight to 1 year trauma internship, all the while driving to & fro from Houston, TX to GA to see my husband stationed there. It was more than challenging at times, but I did find balance doing yoga, adopting 3 cats, and leaving work or school where they belong. The thing is, I agree with you. 100 % In regards to re-evaluation goals and going to work a "monster." I saw that with my co-workers. They would work ALL the time and miss out on living in the house they are trying to pay for and not spend quality time with the kids. I grew up being told this is the sacrifice, though... I am a hardworking NURSE's daughter. She worked nights for 40+ years of critical care and just recently went to day shift in a clinic. I don't think she realized how much she was missing out until us kids told her. Although I have a lot of respect for those who can hold a second PRN or agency let alone one FT position, like you, I don't think they are living healthy or happy. On another note, congratulations on having more fun ;P with the hubby and family/dogs. Time to catch up on all the reading/movies you missed =)

All male & female doctors/PA/NP I've worked with ask for female chaperones. I always chart if I'm the chaperone. It's not just for billing purposes; it's also for legal & ethics I was told. I hope that helps.

Thank you, this has been most helpful =)

I'm so glad we have several sage advice from more life-experienced milspouse out there =) I wasn't married yet when I finished nursing; so, take advantage of the scholarships and MyCAA, if there's still funding, for your basics. Don't use his GI Bill because you will also qualify for tuition reimbursements when you start working LPN or ADN while taking the LPN-BSN/ADN-BSN bridge. Nursing will take you places. Good luck to all.

I hope you feel better soon. I've personally experienced being a patient in my own unit =( it's no fun and the aftermath of appointments, paperwork, missed work days, etc can be overwhelming and challenging. Like you, it made me less judgmental and more understanding with pain management. Quick question: are you still keeping tabs of what each HCP/RN/MD/tech do when taking care of you? Are there new phobias you've developed?

Was there an exit interview?

Good luck to you. I wonder if there's another student you can carpool with?