what do spouses do?

Specialties Government

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I'm thinking about military nursing. While it would be all good for me, my concern is what do your spouses do? Would my husband follow me, or would we be apart? If I am moved around a lot, it seems like it would be difficult for him to keep a good job because he would have to keep starting over in each new location. It seems I should have done this when I was younger and didn't have other committments. (I'm only 32, not exactly old.)

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My wife is going to be a military doctor. I started thinking about career options for myself being that we would probably be moving around quite often. I came to the conclusion of becoming a nurse. Whether I join the military or work as a civilian nurse I would almost certain have a job. It seems like you would live on or near a base so your husband could live there as well. I have heard that the military helps spouses get employment but not sure to what extent.

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A spouse does anything a spouse can do. It would be just like a normal civilian move. You look for a new job. Overseas is tricky. You might get a job - you might not.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

your spouse would move with you unless it is an unaccupied assignment which are 1 year in length for most tours. The only difference is that your spouse would be moving every 3-5 years vs. staying in the same area as in most marriages.

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thank you for your replies :nuke:

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, Home Care, Med-Surg,.

I have also been told and read that spouses get preference in government jobs. Also there is a career center at the post that will help as well.

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Specializes in L&D, mother/baby, antepartum.

My husband and I discussed this at great length before I commissioned. He has a career that affords him flexibility with moving so he can get a job just about anywhere. We have also discussed the possibility that he will have to be a stay-at-home dad if the need arises. In areas that are highly populated by military employers are quite used to the process of losing and hiring new people. Granted, if your husband is in a field that limits his prospects you should be prepared that finding a new job where you get stationed may not be a possibility.

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Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.
My husband and I discussed this at great length before I commissioned. He has a career that affords him flexibility with moving so he can get a job just about anywhere. We have also discussed the possibility that he will have to be a stay-at-home dad if the need arises. In areas that are highly populated by military employers are quite used to the process of losing and hiring new people. Granted, if your husband is in a field that limits his prospects you should be prepared that finding a new job where you get stationed may not be a possibility.

Most definitely.

I am newly commissioned Active duty.....and my husband has a PhD in a very obscure limited field. He has applied for "federal jobs" for the last 12 months with no success. Basically, he has forfeited his career for mine. We both understand this. It is difficult because of the economy, luckily Tx has a better economy than other places. But, he has taken 2/3rds pay cut to work here, compared to when we lived in an area where he had connections in his industry. And he has to work in a completely different field......

the military is a sacrifice. The "spouses help" is very limited........

I still love my choice of serving, but you should be informed of the hardship for spouses that work.

good luck

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