[WITerriRN]

Hello,
I have read as much as I possibly can through the threads on the forum. Very good information. What I don't see is what those who were thinking of joining over 40 really thought once they got in. I have been a nurse for 15 years, clincal background is L&D. For the past 5 yrs have been an Educator in staff development as well as have management experience but have stayed in a casual staff RN position to maintain my hands on patient care skills. I am in the process of getting my MSN. I am 42 and have really been contemplating the Navy Reserves now that my children are grown. I was a Navy wife in my very early 20's as my husband was enlisted- I know this would be a whole different ballgame. I would like any information I can get from those who entered service over the age of 40. What is it like being a little older? Would I get credit as far as rank is concerned for my years of experience and education level? Haven't talked to a medical recruiter yet- funny thing is that I know the Navy and Marine enlisted recruiters very well as I tutor kids for the ASVAB. Haven't said anything to them- just want some real advice and no fluff- things I should REALLY consider before making such a decision. I appreciate your help and advice in advance!

[str8fan62]

Hi there, I am also an oldy. Contemplating Army Reserves Nurse Corps. I agree with you, it would be nice to get some input from nurses who joined any branch after age 40. I am an ICU nurse w/ 7 yrs experience, currently working in an E-ICU. Any advice / info/ experience would be greatly appreciated.

[Itshamrtym]

I know that they are out there!!! Guys??????? Also check out old threads. I love to hear it all.... Thanks!!!!

[athena55]

Hello!
Okay, I am one of those 'oldies but goodies" hehehe. I became a Commissioned Officer in the Army Reserve Nurse Corps at the ripe "young"age of 49! Received an age waiver. Yikes, but it is all good. So very glad I did so, should have done it earlier (my only regret) Also I was told (wrongly) that I was too old to go active duty. Could have gone AC at the very start BUT then I wouldn't have had the great experience of being with a terrific TPU. I met so many wonderful people.

OBC was okay, but I entered when it was still only two weeks in length (I was RC at that time) I made the decision to attempt to go AC and with the help of my health care recruiter my packet was accepted and I am now AC at WBAMC, Fort Bliss, Tx.

My family is having a hard time with my decision. Well, not my three boys (actually they are young men now: 24, 21, 19) They are very proud of me. My oldest was AC but unfortunatly received a medical discharge (wounded down range, IED) but my sister* can not understand why I would give up a great paying job (worked at VISN3 VA and lost over $60,000 per year when I went over to "the dark side" Smile. But I didn't "do it" for the money) *I lived with my sister and helped out with the bills, her pay scale much less than mine was

Yes you should get credit or time in grade for your experience. I think it is for every three years FT work as a professional RN in a hospital you get one year. Of course with an advanced degree in nursing and experience working in a hospital setting you could come in as a CAPT. But you must speak with a health care recruiter for all the necessary info. NOT SURE if this all applies to a branch other than Army (Hooah!)

Things to think about: Would you be willing to PCS to a place where your family would not be able to follow? Say, Korea?
Would you be ready and able to deploy, if need be?
If you are accepted into say a critical care course be prepared to "give back" 12 months so if you initially sign on for two years and take the critical care or emergency care course you will be "government property" for total of 1095 days.
Make sure you get a copy of any contract that you sign and make sure, if you are in the Reserves and up for promotion and you do get promoted that that promotion follows you. I only hope you have the kind of health care recruiter that I had, he made himself available to me 24/7. Very trustworthy, honest and caring.

Hey good luck with any and all decisions you make/will make.
Respectfully,
athena

[Itshamrtym]

Athena:

You were one of the ones that I hope responded... thanks.....

[WITerriRN]

Athena55,

Thank you for your reply and honesty!
Not sure what I will do, still thinking about it. I have a very supportive husband. Just found out I will be a granny unexpectedly so not sure how that will have an effect on my decision. It helps to have someone who has been there done that explain the ropes- thanks again!