Navy? AF? Army? . . . eventually CRNA

[mestizorx]

Hey everyone, I'm an RN student with about a year and half left of school. I have a couple of questions that I hope someone can help me with. So upon graduating, I'm planning to join some branch of the military, but I'm having trouble deciding. I actually want to become a CRNA, but I know I'll need one year of ICU experience before applying to any schools. Does the navy/army/AF have their own programs for nurse anesthesia school? Which branch is more in need of nurses/CRNAs? As a nurse, which would be the best choice? My last clinical instructor was a nurse in the army for 20 years and she told me to steer clear, she said that she felt that her friend who spent the same amount of time in the navy got so much more respect as an officer. I'm single with no family and dont mind all the travel that will come with being deployed or shipped off for now. I'm leaning toward the navy, but I'm still considering my options. Thanks for all your help!

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Evening,

The army has a great CRNA program. The Navy's officers have a bit more of a divide between enlisted and officers... I served for several years in the army as an officer and never felt a lack of respect. Everyone will have their own bias - mine would be that for the Army - go figure I'd really look at the two options of do you want to work as a civilian, gain exp, get into school and then decide to enter military OR do you want to enter mil, gain exp, and hope to get into CRNA program and if not.. you will stay doing whatever you are doing. Both are good options..but if CRNA sooner then later is your plan - I'd seriously look at doing it on your own first. You can actually apply to the Army and CRNA school simultaneously after you gain exp to meet the pre-reqs - this is another option.

I highly recommend trying to find a classmate or friend whom is in the army/navy and seeing if you can see what the work environment is like and go from there....

congrats on your program and crna goal!! There is a bunch of knowledge in this forum...lots of good posters here

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

All three military branches and the USPHS have CRNA programs. The Navy and USPHS go to Uniformed Services University/USU. The Army and the AF either go to USU or Ft Sam Houston.

My recommendation is to get at least one year of civilian ICU experience and then join the branch of your choice.

[mestizorx]

Thanks for the help, I was all for going into the service right after graduation, not even thinking about working or going to crna school before going in. that actually sounds like a better idea.

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

mest,

one quick note: with the Army - in addition to a financial incentive you are able to guarantee your ability to attend a residency in ICU... it's a 4 month long course and you typically go after after your first year....