I worked as a 91c (practical nurse) on a med-surg-ortho ward for several years in an Army hospital oversees. The hospital was a small general hospital, we had a peds, icu, er, l&d, and a med-surg wards. We actually had 2 wards for med-surg, but one was closed down for unknown reasons to me. The ward handled approx. 60 pts. Depending on shift (as in all facilites), you had a ratio of 1 for every 10 pts as a nurse. (Now this can definitely go up at a medical center state-side. Plus you will have to deal with alot of additional bs that goes on.) You also had at least one medic or medical specialist. An NCOIC is the senior enlisted person on the ward. He or she is in charge of almost all of the daily paperwork on operations of the ward. He or she is a licensed nurse too. The OIC is the normally a Colonel or Major registered nurse overall in charge of the ward. Unlike nursing homes, you normally don't have to worry about CNA complaints, refusals, or no-call no-shows. Just doesn't go in a military hospital. There are alot of military protocol you have to get use to (evenif you are not in the military). can get mind-numbing. But overall, compared to my work experience in a state facility for DD clients or at a nursing home - I personally would prefer a military hospital. You as a military or civilian nurse can get almost all of your ceus paid for, trained in other nursing fields, plus you have great access to onbase benefits.
if you have any other questions, please fell free to email me at
rumphrey@hotmail.com And I will do my best to answer them for you.
Chris
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