Military Spouse Careers: The Reality of Nursing Amidst Frequent Moves
For many military spouses, nursing represents more than just a job—it embodies hope for a meaningful and fulfilling career that can follow them across states. With healthcare facilities existing nearly everywhere in the United States, the nursing profession seems to present an opportunity for spouses like Lara Morris, who has navigated 18 years of military life and six Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. But as Lara's story illustrates, nursing can come with profound challenges that question the sustainability of such careers.
The Journey: From Single Motherhood to Surgical Nurse
Lara’s entry into nursing began in a way that resonates with many looking for stability. As a single mother stuck in a telemarketing job, she sought a path toward better financial security. Discovering a paid certified nursing assistant (CNA) program sparked her career in healthcare. Little did she know, this would be just the start of a long journey that would see her become a surgical technologist and eventually earn her Associate Degree and Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Adapting to Military Life: New Challenges Arise
Upon marrying her Navy husband, Lara quickly faced the hurdles of military life. She recounts her first move to Whidbey Island, Washington, where finding a new nursing job proved to be a two-year ordeal. Limited opportunities and the uniqueness of her specialized nursing experience made securing work particularly tough during this time. Additionally, operating room nursing requires flexibility, often leading to unpredictable schedules that became virtually impossible to manage during her husband’s deployments without local family support.
The Gap: Employment vs. Career Development
What Lara's experiences reveal is a stark difference between merely landing a job and establishing a sustained career. While Lara managed to find work again, she often faced frustrating interruptions. “It’s nearly impossible to build a nursing career beyond worker bee status,” she explained, illuminating the challenging reality that professional advancement is a constant uphill battle for military spouses.
Finding Balance: A Shift in Nursing Focus
Determined to continue working, Lara eventually pivoted away from her specialty to respite nursing, caring for families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). This work allowed her to stay within the nursing profession while prioritizing her family's needs. Remarkably, when she resumed her role as an operating room nurse, she realized her clinical knowledge was still intact. Reflecting on her skills, Lara shared, “Names of instruments I hadn’t had in my hands in years came right back to me.”
Expert Adaptation: Harnessing the Skills Gained
Military spouses like Lara become adept at handling change. Her ability to adapt quickly to several operating room environments provided her with varied experiences that could work to her advantage. As the fabric of military life calls for resilience, Lara’s journey exemplifies not only the challenges but also the strength and determination typical among those who share similar paths. “Military spouses are experts on change and adapting,” she aptly stated.
Conclusion: The Importance of Support and Resources
Ultimately, Lara Morris's story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for a robust support system for military spouse careers. It underscores the importance of creating pathways that allow military spouses to maintain their professional identities and find sustainable employment. Understanding these issues can help organizations better support military spouses in their career journeys, offering programs tailored to their unique situations. By doing so, we can help turn the challenges of military life into opportunities that can lead to fulfilling careers.
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