Active Duty Army Nurse Questions

[B.Long, RN]

I am a RN who recently graduated with a bachelors degree in nursing. I am wanting to go into the Army as a nurse and have already went to MEPS, started paperwork, etc. All the nurse recruiters I have talked to only have positives to say, which I know there are a lot of positives, but everything has it's cons. It is not going to change my decision of joining, but I would like to know exactly what to expect. If there is anyone who is an active army nurse and can answer a few questions honestly I would greatly appreciate it!! :)

How many people really get their first choice location in assignment? I was told it is unheard of for someone not to get their 1st or 2nd choice...

How long are you normally at one location for an assignment?

What is it like living in the Middle East if you are deployed to a hospital in that area? Weekend life, work days, work tasks, hours, etc.

I was told 30 days paid vacation per year...is this true, and how much choice do you have when choosing those days off??

Can anyone elaborate on what Officer Training will be like?? Physical, classroom, etc.

Is there anything I should expect with Army Nursing that shocked you when you first joined that you wish someone would have prepared you for??

[traumaRN1908, RN]

Welcome!

Congrats with deciding to join. It will be a long and challenging process, but I am sure to be worth it in the long run. I can not provide all answers to your questions since I am in the application process as well, but there is an interesting blog that could provide you with a lot of insight to a new 2LT's experiences. I read the older entries, and I thought it was very informative. You should check it out until some one can give you more direct answers.

The blog is: Built to Serve, Trained to Save

I do know the next board is in November for active duty, there are a few of us on the board that will hopefully be selected in that board. I can give some answers about general living conditions in the middle east ( I am prior service, 2 deployments OIF 1&3, currently reserve enlisted NCO), and general army PT.

[chul_soo]

This a side question relating to the ANC.

I have a friend that's a 1st LT. He's prior enlisted before becoming a nurse. He says he feels like an over paid private. He's seen team leaders (E4/E5) in the infantry have more responsibility than a Captain does at his hospital. Anyone else feel that way?

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

i am a rn who recently graduated with a bachelors degree in nursing. i am wanting to go into the army as a nurse and have already went to meps, started paperwork, etc. all the nurse recruiters i have talked to only have positives to say, which i know there are a lot of positives, but everything has it's cons. it is not going to change my decision of joining, but i would like to know exactly what to expect. if there is anyone who is an active army nurse and can answer a few questions honestly i would greatly appreciate it!! :)

how many people really get their first choice location in assignment? i was told it is unheard of for someone not to get their 1st or 2nd choice...many get one of their top 3 choices. i ended up with my 2nd choice.

how long are you normally at one location for an assignment? min 2 years, average 3 years, possible up to 6 years if at a large facility & base.

what is it like living in the middle east if you are deployed to a hospital in that area? weekend life, work days, work tasks, hours, etc. if deployed to a combat zone it is just that. alot of work hours, 12 hour shifts 6-7 days a week. task and off hours activies depend on the base your assigned to.

i was told 30 days paid vacation per year...is this true, and how much choice do you have when choosing those days off?? yes, you get 30 dyas a year. but if you take leave over a weekend those days count not like in the civilian world where it is just your normal working days. when you are able to take your leave is also dependent on where you are assigned.

can anyone elaborate on what officer training will be like?? physical, classroom.

is there anything i should expect with army nursing that shocked you when you first joined that you wish someone would have prepared you for??

like with any job there are pluses and misses that go along with it so go in with eyes open.

[B.Long, RN]

Thanks for the great information!

[s.analia]

Hello

I am thinking about joining army as a nurse also , I noticed that back in 2010 you guys were in the paperwork process, I was wandering if you guys could share regarding your experience so far in the army. Has it been what you expected? are you happy having made the decisions to go that route? are the physical trainings/drills durable to accomplish? What I am mostly worried about is to end up being on the front line as a nurse, I was told by the recruiter that it is pretty safe, that I would not be on the front line, wanted to confirm if that is true.

thank you for your time guys

[nursespouse]

"Usually" nurses are far from the front lines. "Usually" in the rear with the gear. You will be at the needs of the Army though. I suggest if you are a little worried about front line service that you think long and hard about your decision though. You must be willing to give your life for your country and your soldiers, first and foremost.