As you read this, keep in mind I was never an officer, but spent 6 years in various enlisted mos's active duty and two years as a reservist. I looked into the officer route, but decided i liked being a civilian too much.
[quote=Drexelgrad07;2337570]Hello all!
I will be graduating from nursing school in one month. I'm interested in joining the Army as an Officer and I want to hear opinions from current Army Nurses.
reserves or active duty? you must have a bsn in order to be commissioned active duty, but as a reservist they only require an associates.
What is the pay like?
You would start as an O-1 in either active duty or reserve status. Pay in the military isn't as great as its cracked up to be...but it is a decent check at regular intervals
http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/2006..._Pay_Table.pdf
Do they really give you money to pay back loans?
Depends...officers don't necessarily qualify for the same programs as enlisted. Contact an officer recruiter for details....note i said OFFICER recruiter, don't talk to a regular recruiter or youll get hosed. I know they do have bonus programs for officers in medical fields that can be used to pay back loans, but yet again, i doubt its like the enlisted loan payback program.
Do you get to choose what hospital you want to work at?
Not usually, for officers its something called "needs of the army", theyll send you were they need you while at the same time fullfilling your career necessities. You can request certain places and theyll have you fill out a dream sheet, but you arent usually guaranteed anything on your first go round (unless you put something like Korea, then your a shoe in, but there are benefits to that as well...pm for more details).
What are the better military hospital in the country?
Personally, I always like Womack at Bragg, a couple hours from the beach and the mountains, and all the high speed units are located there. BAMC and the Hospital in Lewis are supposed to be pretty good as well. Don't just look at the hospital, look at the whole base as well. Just a personal preference: Stay away from Ft. Polk & Ft. Bliss.
Can I work internationally my first year?
Yes, this includes such lovely duty stations as Camp Liberty and Bagram. It is very possible to be stationed overseas. Alot of realignment is going on in the army right now and bases are shutting down and reopening, but vincenza (italy) is VERY nice.
Just a word of caution though: don't limit yourself to the army, check out the other branches. The air force and the navy also have different programs for nurses, find the service and program that is right for you.
If you have any questions, pm me and ill answer what i can.
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