That much needed 1 year of experience...

[psycheab]

Completed nursing school in 2007 (Associate degree.) The Air Force then promptly sent us (my husband is the Active Duty member, I'm a dependent) to Japan where I couldn't work at the base hospital because I did not have a year experience.

July 2010 -- AF then sends us to Utah where it is IMPOSSIBLE to find a nursing job. Trust me when I tell you that I have looked everywhere, applied everywhere, showed up at career fairs, knocked on HR doors, submitted literally hundreds of resumes, only to never find a job.

Present -- Just finished a bridge RN-BSN program. AF may be sending us to Korea next year. Still haven't found a job, and to be honest, quit looking. Finally accepted it as my fate that I won't find one here. So, I will arriving to Korea at possibly either Yongsan or Osan and would love to try and find a position at the base hospitals there, but again, without any experience.

Is there any way around the "Must have 1 year experience" requirement? Other agencies besides AFPC or Army Civilian jobs that I don't know about where I could at least get my foot in the door? While I support my husband's job wholeheartedly, this has made it extremely hard for me to even get mine off the ground.

Advice?? Anybody?

[clarabow]

Psycheab,

Don't give up! I know of civilian nurses who had no prior experience and were still hired. I am AD stationed in Japan. A few places I can think of off the top of my head that hire civilian nurses are the Red Cross, WIC, and Family Advocacy. Also, being a school nurse may be an option. Once you find out for sure you are going to Korea, I suggest getting in contact with the HR office at your gaining base well before you PCS to establish rapport and inquire about future openings. If you havent done so already, try to get your ACLS, BLS, NRP (which ever applies) completed. If you at least want to get your foot in the door, I know the Red Cross is always looking for volunteers. One last thing- keep checking the usajobs.gov website for openings. Everyone has to start somewhere to get experience! Good luck to you and keep your head up!

[nautticca]

Hi Clarabow, this is totally off the topic but I'm going to be PCSing to Japan early next year. If you don't mind me asking where are you stationed? And how is Japan?

[NursePamela]

If you are still in Utah - don't give up. Try volunteering. If your husband goes to Korea take the time to go somewhere else where you know they need nurses and get your experience. If you go to Korea chances of you getting a job there are probably less than Japan and Utah.

Good luck!

[runnergirl86, BSN, MSN]

If you aren't able to get a job, volunteer volunteer volunteer! It's experience and your face/name will become familiar, as well as your attitude and work ethic. That could get the attention of hiring managers and they'll wave the one year experience. Good luck!!