Am I too old?

Specialties Government

Published

Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Hi there,

I just have a couple questions:

I have 7 years experience as an RN in the ER (I left ER nursing a year ago and do IV nursing now). I also have 17 years of experience in EMS, goring on 18 years, 11 as a paramedic. I will be finished my B.S.N. in a week and have a cumulative GPA of 3.9

I have thought about joining the military for a while now (wishing I did it when I was still young). I am almost 38 and am wondering if I am too old, if not what are my options. This sounds crazy, but ideally I would want to do medivac or work at a hospital in the "sand box".

Do you get to pick where you go for deployments or does the government just tell you, pack your bags your going to the North Pole for 8 months. My fear is that I would join and end up working in a clinic or some other area that does not interest me.

Thanks for any information!

Annie

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

You are not too old for the Air Force, but probably for everyone else, not sure. You could commision as a nurse, and yes you work where they send you. If you join the reserve or guard they can't move you. You will deploy where they send you which depends on the unit you are in. Contact a medical recruiter, your experience is good and they would hopefully be interested in you. Don't delay, once you hit 40 you miss out on your 20 year retirement (mandatory out at 60). Good luck.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

The services will take nurses up to 42 for active duty since the mandatory age is 62 for active but 60 for reserves. As far as units go in the reserves there is some play but not much. They will assign you to the closest medical unit which could be 100 miles or more away from your home. Depending on the unit you are assigned there is the possibility that you could be able to do some of your drill weekends with the closer unit. Its all dependent on the units. After time you can seek out other assignments which is not a bad idea because you will look better at a promotion board if you are not in the same unit for years. Assignment for active duty you speak with your assignment officer and they will try to send you where you would like to go but it still depends on their needs.

Even thou you have 8 years experience and will have your BSN next week your age will be working against you. The reason I say this is because if the board has 2 equal applicants, one in their late 20's the other in their late 30's the chances are higher for the younger one for several reason. The first one is that this is a young persons came and the physical demands on the service member can take its toll by the time you complete your 20 years. Older applicants have more physical issues just because we are older. The second is us who are older have are more difficult time with the BS the service hands us. Ten years ago it was no problem for nurses without experience to get age waivers no it is hard for almost any waivers.

You need to contact a healthcare recruiter ASAP to get the process moving. It can take several weeks if not months from them to get back with you since nurses are not in high demand right now. But it you do not try the answer will be no but if this is something you want go for it because you just might be what they are looking for at that board.

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

On more question.

I have Asthma which requires I take Advair BID, otherwise I end up wheezing and on Prednisone. Will this disqualify me?

Thanks for all the info!

Annie

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

One of our site moderators (PixieRN) had been accepted as an officer in the Army Nurse Corps age age 38 or 39. Her experiential background in emergency nursing is similar to yours, too. :)

You may want to read her blog since she made her journey into Army nursing public.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I have Asthma which requires I take Advair BID, otherwise I end up wheezing and on Prednisone. Will this disqualify me?

Most likely, yes. Asthma requiring treatment after age 13 is a disqualification. Waivers are possible, but highly unlikely in the current recruiting climate. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I would not count on a waiver. Sorry! :(

I commissioned into the Army Nurse Corps at age 38.

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

That is what I heard :( Thank you for the information Pixie and everyone else as well!

I tried to get off the Advair, but I cannot unfortunately! Damn you genetics!

Annie

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I encourage you to consider Federal service: usajobs.gov

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