I am an RN and have ten years of prior military experience (enlisted). I am seriously considering going back into the military as a nurse. If you are a military nurse, active duty or very recently retired, let me know. I'm looking for info on what a duty day is like, what shift work is like, how many days a week is a duty week, what is staffing like, is the equipment from the stone ages, etc etc.
My interest is really in the Air Force since i could apply my critical care focus in flight nursing at some point. I'd like to hear from anyone with knowledge of the military nurse world, though.
Hi. I was prior enlisted (4 years Active Duty/Army) and have received my BSN. I also looked into the Air Force for nursing. I definitely recommend getting in touch with an Air Force recruiter. In 4 years, you could be a Captain making $60,000/year, or more since you are prior enlisted. They have loan repayment for school loans. You can choose where you want to get stationed. After talking with my recruiter and getting information sent to me, I would recommend it. I have 2 children and a husband and that is what is keeping me from doing it. I don't know much about their work days, schedules, equipment, or so on, but it would be such a great way to get into flight nursing. Good luck.
keep in mind however you will not have the freedoms you have as a civilian nurse. i was a captain in the air force, and every time i felt unwell, i had to dress up in my uniform, drive to a clinic or have a friend drive me, wait to see a doctor who turned around and told me i was unwell i should be at home resting. i'm 34, i am not a child. i know when i don't feel well. today, as a civilian, i pick up the phone and say "I won't be in today" no questions asked. I also make up my own schedule, something you can't do as military personnel. i can tell my boss to take this job and shove... well you know what i mean and not worry about prison or a court martial. Just because you want to go to flight school doesn't mean the military wants you to go to flight school or if they do, they decide when. i guess i'm playing devil's advocate but these are serious things you want ot consider before signing over controll of your life again, believe me, not all the officers have as good as the pilots.
Hi folks,
I was USAF enlisted right after high school, then got out & went to college on my GI bill & got my BSN. Then I took a commission in the Army Nurse Corps & made Captain in 3 years so I've seen a bit of both the USAF & Army. I've been a med evac nurse (UH-60's), taught nursing, been in charge of a 150 patient a day ER at Ft Polk, been a DON, worked NICU, ICU, and 12 years ER. I've worked military ER and worked at a civilian level 1 trauma center & teaching hospital's ER and in my humble opinion one has WAY more freedom as a military RN than civilian RN's will ever dream of!
I never had to "go in to sick call" as an Army nurse- of course being in the position I was in in the ER I had a great relationship with the docs on the team , but all the same, all I had to do was let someone know I was sick and stay home.
Where else will someone let you see & treat patients pretty independantly (unless you're a practitioner?), will you ever write your own orders as a civilian nurse? Get to suture up patients yourself as a civilian? Have the opportunity for extremely interesting advanced courses and advanced degrees at your employers complete expense? Get career advancement opportunities like the military can offer? Get pro pay incentives in addition to base pay & benefits? Get to retire with outstanding pay once you have 20 years? Not as a civilian for sure!
Depends on where you are applying. Are you going to apply in the Phillipines, or are you coming to the United States?
If you're coming to the US, you'll need to get officially licensed here, and be legal to work first.
You can learn more about Air Force Nursing here:
Air Force Nursing Specialties:"The Air Force Nurse Corps offers a variety of specialties from Anesthesia to Pediatrics. You may enter with specialized experience or you may get experience after joining our health care team. Each program offers you an opportunity for certification or an advanced degree." http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ofcr-cpguide/New_Folder/ch6-5.htm
******************************************************
Do you think that the desire to get out of the military and become a civilian RN pretty strong? Or do most RNs appreciate the military and decide to continue their careers with the military?
I'm currently an Active Duty Army Nurse Corps Officer (CPT/O-3/7yrs 66-H M5) working as a staff RN at Ft. Hood's ER. What rn02861 and medi stated are correct. My suggestion is to look at your proffesional and personal goals in life before making decisions about joining. Also I would suggest stopping by the nearest Active Military Hospital. Request to make an appt.to briefly speak to the Chief Nurse or Assistant Chief Nurse of the hospital. They will be able to give you somewhat of a run down about the nurse corps to an extent. I would then stop by which ever area you would like to work and speak with one of the active duty staff nurses to get their perspective as well. Also check out the Service's Nurse Corps personnel website. Speak to the branch manager of the area you would like to work in and ask about opportunities. Once you get these individuals perspectives and do all your reading, then go to the branch recruiter armed with knowledge so you do not get misinformation or half truth. I can tell you as a staff nurse having worked med/surg and ER, day to day work is similar to other RNs. The Military Nurse Corps are geared to get their officers into Administration/Management very soon, even as a O-2, 1st Lieutenant. They will expect you to lead others and set an example to other soldiers. A few requirements are noted for Active Duty Nurse Corps Officers. #1 You must have a BSN from an accreditedNursing School. #2 You must be a US Citizen #3 You must meet height/weight and basic physical standards. #4 There are age limits. Active Reservists may gain their commision with an ADN degree.
The military can offer a lot of opportunity but it won't come easy. You will have experiences and make friends for the rest of your life. Be prepared to deploy and be separated from your family for possibly a year.
One more thing. The Military does offer a lot of unique positions and jobs such as Flight Nursing, Brigade/Division Nurse as a medic educator, Recruiting, ROTC advisor, Forward Surgical Teams, Command Opportunities etc. Check out the web sites.
The Navy Nurse Corps is fantastic. I was prior enlisted then went back into the Navy. Left the service at a Lt. Commander (Major).
I think you will love it. The best of luck to you. I am always honored to find someone who wishes to serve his/her country.
Hi Tom_B I suppose H2OHead is pretty much long gone from this board. This thread was started in 2002. As a matter of fact, outside of the administrators and a few diehards, we're pretty much it for posters. Lots of lurkers though. If you work in the units why not come over to the Critical Care board and we'll talk ICU stuff.
I am thinking about joining the Navy as a Officer nurse. They will help me out while I go to school by paying me $1000/mo and $10,000 signing bonus. I then have to commit to the Navy for 3-4 years. They pay around $28,000/ year plus housing and food. I know I won't get rich but from what I understand the first few years of nursing is all learning anyway, and how many people can say they were an officer in the Navy?
I do have a few questions though. Will i get enough experience in the Navy to get a high paying job as a civilian? Will I have enough exp. for travel nursing?
Can anyone share some stories with me about what to expect as a Navy nurse.
I think it sounds exciting, I guess the first few years
Expect that others will assume you are gay, expect they'll chide you about why you didn't become a doctor instead of "just a nurse."
Gender Discrimination In Nursing, Malenursemagazine.com:"The following paper examines the history and evidence of discrimination of the male side of nursing. There will also be further examination of the evidence of male discrimination including statistics, organizational issues, and communication channels. Also discussed will be several barriers that must be overcome by male nurses, including administrative, peer, and patient issues. For the nursing profession's "men in white", discrimination is a daily occurrence in a female dominated profession." http://www.malenursemagazine.com/gender_discrimination.html
******************************************************
I am not a military nurse, but I work in a military facility in Texas. The military nurses I work with do not write orders, do not suture (unless it is in there scope of practice). They most definitely go to sick call, and they work long hours with mandatory overtime. If you are a single mom, this is not the place to be. If they say go to Iraq, you better be prepared to leave your babies with father, family, or friend or get out of the military for not having a family care plan. There is no utopia for either military nurses or civilian nurses.
Hello My name is CPT Tirado and I am a Army Nurse. I work in the OR. I was recently stationed in Hawaii for 4 years. I grew up in Chicago and graduated with a BSN in 2001. After graduation I went to work for a civilian hospitol in IL for 1 year. A classmate of mine joined the Army out of school and we kept in touch for that 1 year. While she was being charge nurse, assitant head nurse, traveling, getting education opportunities to help her grow both professionaly and leadership skills, I was stuck on a oncology ward with older burned out nurses complaining about everything and not mentoring me. Also she was making far more money than I was. Joining the Army has been one of the best decisions i have made in my life. If you need any more questions answered about what incentives the Army has to offer nurses please email me ar usarec3434@yahoo.com and I will be happy to inform you, and dispell any wrong information floating out there. thank you CPT Tirado
pudge7272 wrote:Hello My name is CPT Tirado and I am a Army Nurse. I work in the OR. I was recently stationed in Hawaii for 4 years. I grew up in Chicago and graduated with a BSN in 2001. After graduation I went to work for a civilian hospitol in IL for 1 year. A classmate of mine joined the Army out of school and we kept in touch for that 1 year. While she was being charge nurse, assitant head nurse, traveling, getting education opportunities to help her grow both professionaly and leadership skills, I was stuck on a oncology ward with older burned out nurses complaining about everything and not mentoring me. Also she was making far more money than I was. Joining the Army has been one of the best decisions i have made in my life. If you need any more questions answered about what incentives the Army has to offer nurses please email me ar usarec3434@yahoo.com and I will be happy to inform you, and dispell any wrong information floating out there. thank you CPT Tirado
CPT Tirado,
Thank you for that excellent post... and your military service to the AMEDD & ANC!
I've been considering ANC vs. AF. I won't be able to retire unless they raise separation age to 63. How long does it usually take to process applications before taking the oath?
While I'm at it. Any suggestions to help push me off the fence to either AF or ANC? I understand ANC promotes q18 months vs q24 months for AF. But the AF has 3-4 month deployments vs. 12 months with ANC. ANC has 14 wk basic vs. AF's 5 wk COT.
Has anyone heard that ANC won't likely offer advanced education like CRNA for those who are not retireable (like me)?
Beanseye RN wrote:I've been considering ANC vs. AF. I won't be able to retire unless they raise separation age to 63. How long does it usually take to process applications before taking the oath?
Has anyone heard that ANC won't likely offer advanced education like CRNA for those who are not retireable (like me)?
Thanks for your service and for your assistance.
The application process is very tedious and can take 2-6 months.
The Army Medical Department [AMEDD] is in dire straits for qualified applicants in the Army Nurse Anesthetist [66F] program. Plus, as far as I know as long as you are under 46 years old and meet all other criteria the "not retireable " issue you mentioned is not applicable.
Hi there. I just found this site while searching for some info on Google.
I am currently a sophomore in college, and I'm considering doing ROTC for Nursing. I feel torn between Army and Air Force. Any insight from those who are currently comissioned would be great. Which one is best for Nursing and has the best opportunities and benefits? Also, what are the biggest cons for each? Thanks! :)
PassionateFire wrote:Hi there. I just found this site while searching for some info on Google.
I am currently a sophomore in college, and I'm considering doing ROTC for Nursing. I feel torn between Army and Air Force. Any insight from those who are currently comissioned would be great. Which one is best for Nursing and has the best opportunities and benefits? Also, what are the biggest cons for each? Thanks! :)
Too many ambiguious questions, IMHO. If you want to ask specific questions regards to the Army Nurse Corps I'd be happy to reply.
I'm a psych RN in Chicago for three years. I've been feeling the urge to serve my country since my brother-in-law signed up for the Marines. I'm married, no kids, and don't have much medicine experience. I've not heard of psych nursing in the military, so I would feel a bit lost in an ER or Med-Surg unit. Is the nurse-corp still up my alley, or should I contribute in another matter? Thanks for your time, Marc
I'm a psych RN in Chicago for three years. I've been feeling the urge to serve my country since my brother-in-law signed up for the Marines. I'm married, no kids, and don't have much medicine experience. I've not heard of psych nursing in the military, so I would feel a bit lost in an ER or Med-Surg unit. Is the nurse-corp still up my alley, or should I contribute in another matter? Thanks for your time, Marc
Hello Marc,
As an Army Nurse Corps Officer, you can specialize in one of the following areas; Advanced Practice Nurse, Community Health Nurse, Critical Care Nurse, CRNA, Emergency Room Nurse, Family Nurse Practitioner, Medical-Surgical Nurse, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, OB/GYN Nurse, Operating Room Nurse, Perioperative Nurse, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse.
No need for you to feel lost in the Army Nurse Corps when you could specialize in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse [66C]. If you meet these criteria you could possibly get direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps and specialize as Psych RN. Please, check out the link. Plus, feel free to send me a PM, or email if you further ANC questions.
To qualify for an appointment as an Officer in the Army Nurse Corps, you must:
*Meet prescribed medical/moral standards for appt as a commissioned Officer
*Be a United States citizen
*Have an associate’s degree in nursing or a three-year nursing diploma or a bachelor of science in nursing for Reserve
*Have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited school of nursing for Active Duty
*Have a valid, unrestricted RN license
*Be 21-46 years of age
malestudent wrote:I am thinking about joining the Navy as a Officer nurse. They will help me out while I go to school by paying me $1000/mo and $10,000 signing bonus. I then have to commit to the Navy for 3-4 years. They pay around $28,000/ year plus housing and food. I know I won't get rich but from what I understand the first few years of nursing is all learning anyway, and how many people can say they were an officer in the Navy?
I do have a few questions though. Will i get enough experience in the Navy to get a high paying job as a civilian? Will I have enough exp. for travel nursing?
Can anyone share some stories with me about what to expect as a Navy nurse.
I think it sounds exciting, I guess the first few years
Hello. This is my first time on this website. I am pretty impressed.
I am on here to ask anyone on specific specialties in Navy Nursing.
Which is field or specialty is in high demand in Navy Nursing?
-anesthesia
-surgery
-critical care
-general
-cardiac
etc.
If I have left any out, please let me know. I am aware that the needs of the navy change and the forcasting maybe hard to tell.
A little about myself, I am not an RN yet. I have a long way to go. I am certified firefighter currently in EMT school. I will go into Paramedic school. Then, on my own time I apply for a transitional nursing program to get a ASN. Finally, apply for a nursing program to earn a BSN. I am aware that is the degree requirement for the Navy Nurse Corps. I already have Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
I am not looking to join the Active Duty Navy but the Reserves so I can do both the Firefighting and nursing (civilian and military).
Thanks
too many different kinds of questions for me to try to answer at one time so just let me say for what it is worth that Navy Nursing is GREAT!....You have many specialities to choose from includinng Psych and it certainly does lend itself to the civilian world when you retire or decide to get out.....floating on ships.....not a big chance unless you want to......mostly aircraft carriers.......smaller ships have medical personnel but not so much RN's......mostly corpmen.....Go Navy
Sounds like you have quite the plan layed out there. Since you already have a B.A. you may be able to enter an accelerated BSN program. Where I go to school the accelerated program is 1 1/2 yrs while the basic program is 2 1/2 yrs. Accelerated programs require you meet certain prerequisite course which you could take anywhere. Research some of the options in your area, a school may offer an accelerated program. Just another option for you.
Old_School wrote:Hi Tom_B I suppose H2OHead is pretty much long gone from this board.
Yep, H2Ohead posted over at the military.com boards for awhile. He actually did go active USAF as a nurse. He contributed regularly for awhile and then some time after his first duty station, he flipped out in those forums and was banned. Haven't heard from him since.
Too bad - he must have gotten a really bad assignment because he was extremely negative on the whole prospect. If I remember correctly, he was prior enlisted Army... Seems like it was right around the time we began fighting in Iraq.
Hello all, first, thank you for serving your country.
I inquired about the Navy Nurse program on military.com and didn't get the response I wanted. I'm an RN with BSN and also have my CNOR. I'm only 30 but did six years at a major trauma center in Houston...all of it in the OR. Now in the suburbs but have always been interested in the military option. Started my career in 2000. Even did a stint as a travel nurse. I do miss trauma and where I trained we were required to do all specialties, scrub and circulate.
The contact in the Navy forum stated that I would probably have to do a general orientation and quite possibly do med surg until an opening in the OR became available. I had a hard time comprehending this because as stated above, I've been doing this for nearly 8 years and have my certification.
I know the military is different than civilian land. I was in Army ROTC my first year of college and got injured. The program folded in what would have been my junior year. Luckily, I never committed to a contract or would have had to move to a different school.
Long story short, is the Army like the Navy and would it require me to be a generalist again...I really respect the med surg, icu, critical care nurses but the OR is my passion. I would love an opinion of another Navy nurse as well as any Army or Air Force nurses for that matter.
Would definitely have to get back in shape again but this is just to see if this would be feasible for me at this time.
Thanks in advance for your help.
I posted this on a different forum, but since no one answered I'll give it a try here.
I'm a Navy vet (been out for about five and a half years now). I've been thinking about going the reserve route to help pay for school and also help the men and women fighting. From what I've been told you must have a BSN get a commission. Does anyone know if this is true or not? My situation would be getting a ADN (I'm currently done with a semester and a half) and have to bachelor degrees (one in healthcare administration). Thanks. Rick
OldSquidNewNurse wrote:I posted this on a different forum, but since no one answered I'll give it a try here.
I'm a Navy vet (been out for about five and a half years now). I've been thinking about going the reserve route to help pay for school and also help the men and women fighting. From what I've been told you must have a BSN get a commission. Does anyone know if this is true or not? My situation would be getting a ADN (I'm currently done with a semester and a half) and have to bachelor degrees (one in healthcare administration). Thanks. Rick
Hello,
I think that the only branch which will accept an ADN RN is the Army Rerserves. However, if you are bridging to the BS/BA then you'd be good for Active Duty or the AF or Navy.
Gen
