Two Year RN with volunteer experience only

Published

Hello,

I'm new to allnurses.com. I passed my NCLEX in October 2007 and a few weeks later moved to Italy because my husband is in the military. I have been here for two years this October, and haven't had a nursing job. I have been volunteering here at the Naval here but my volunteer work isn't really nursing work its more like blood pressures, temps, and using the doppler to find a fetal heart beat. I have been really discouraged here; I keep getting turned down for jobs because I don't have my BSN or I don't have 2 years experience. I have my ADN and working on my BSN; however, getting my BSN is hard for me being overseas because I'm not one that learns well over a computer. Since I've been here, I got my ACLS, PALS, and NRP. I'm not sure what to expect when I return to the states in a few months to find a nursing job, or if I will need to take a remedial class.

I would like to know if anyone can give me some advice as to how to prepare myself before returning to the states to get a job.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

You ARE doing nursing work dear, don't fool yourself! Make sure that when you come back to the states that you keep a list of contacts from there who can help sell your list of abilities. Especially where the military is concerned, many employers will understand. Good luck, and thank your husband for defending our country for me! I was married to the Army years ago, so I understand everything you're going through.

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Hi! I don't really have any advice for you but I wanted to "meet" you because I am in a similar position. I graduated with my ADN in May 2008 and passed the NCLEX in June 2008. My husband and I PCS'd to the Azores and I was only able to gain 3 months of experience in Med-surg before we moved. There is no American/Military hospital where we are so I can't even volunteer in the hospital. I started taking classes online towards my BSN through Chamberlain College of Nursing and hope to finish up around the end of April next year. I'm very nervous about my nursing future and would love to hear about what you end up doing and how people accept or don't accept your circumstances. I never imagined there would be another person "out there" with such a similar problem. There are probably more than just the two of us, too!

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Hello,

Thank you and I will thank my husband for you.

Nice of you to share AKnightRN. In Azores is there a school nurse, WIC nursing? I know here there's NMCRS Home Visiting Nurse and FFSC New Parent Community Support Nurse, but here they all want a BSN. Many military base have these resorces available to the military family, and you can try to volunteer there to get you foot in the door or at least some hours. I'm sorry that there isn't a military hospital there, is there a clinic? I'm glad to have met you. I will stay in touch, so when I'm in the states I'll let know how getting a job worked out of me.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

op: when you get back to the states, you may qualify for extra employment assistance services via the priority placement program (ppp) and other programs because when you return to the us you will be a "dislocated spouse."

go here:

http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/tf/spouseemployment/benefits

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Specializes in medsurg.

Hi, I am also a nurse but I am currently working on BSN one class to go but will have to wait until I return to the states next year. The skills you are using will come in handy because it is still experience. Do you know the next assignment location, google local hospitals send in resume before leaving and also what area of nursing do you want to work in. Start to tailor the resume for the floor your interested in ex. med/surg all age groups if you can show flexibility and perform well under pressure highlight this.

military spouse also

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