Roll Call for all Military and VA Nurses and those considering the Service

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As the moderator for this forum ... I am interested to know where everyone is from, their background, branch of service (or VA VISN) and what they like the best about Military or VA Nursing .... this forum generally has some really good traffic, and I would like to pull all of us together and get to know one another a little better. :rolleyes:

Hi. I'm considering joining the Navy as an officer. I was looking into nurse corps. I'm torn between that and forensic nursing. I've always wanted to be in the navy though.

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Specializes in ER, Critical Care.

Hi. I want more than anything to join the Army Nurse Corps. I have recently found out, however, that due to the economy and the current job market, there is not a nursing shortage in any branch of the military. I have 14 years experience as a nurse, four years of those in the Emergency Department. Could anyone please give me some information regarding this issue? Becoming a member of the armed services has always been a dream of mine and I am wondering if it will ever happen. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Hi. I want more than anything to join the Army Nurse Corps. I have recently found out, however, that due to the economy and the current job market, there is not a nursing shortage in any branch of the military. I have 14 years experience as a nurse, four years of those in the Emergency Department. Could anyone please give me some information regarding this issue? Becoming a member of the armed services has always been a dream of mine and I am wondering if it will ever happen. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

You should definitely contact your closest AMEDD recruiter ASAP: GoArmy.com Find a Recruiter

If you want to go in with the ED RN, having your CEN is the gold standard, from what I've been told. The next Army Nursing Board will consider applicants in October, so getting your paperwork in before then would be important. I'm in the process of working on it myself. It's true that it is more competitive now than before, that's for sure! But never say never. :)

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Specializes in NICU, 1yr away from BSN grad.

I am so glad I found this forum! I am a very experienced NICU nurse, 1 yr from finishing my BSN, and thinking very hard about joining the USAF as a neonatal nurse. I have my critical care specialist RNC-NIC and am certified to perform advanced procedures. I would be very interested to hear from other NICU nurses in the USAF and to hear from nurses who have recently entered the USAF, completed the officer training school etc and what experiences you guys have had. I am very very excited about this possibility in life... I can't seem to find out if there is a need for experienced NICU nurses in the USAF or not. I'm waiting on a reply from a healthcare recruiter as there are not any in my town. Can I commission as a NICU nurse and be guaranteed to stay a NICU nurse and not take care of adults? I really have no clue about adult care hehe.

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Hello all,new to this forum. Currently a Lt in the AF and plan on getting out in a couple years to get my BSN. Planning on doing the accelerated track since I already have a BS in chemistry. Love the AF so far, but I really want to be a nurse. Plan on rejoining the AF once I obtain my BSN. I would love to travel, do humanitarian work, and also really want to deploy as a nurse. I'm excited to see where everything takes me!

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try the navy reserves. there are bonuses and also ways to be activated from a reserve status to work in Navy Hospitals. Only the best

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Specializes in healthcare12 years.

I am looking into that program how is it going? I will finish my BSN in March, I been RN for over 4 years three of which in ICU/CCU I also work in the ER and as a flight nurse. I would like to be a civilian, but I am afraid that I might not get accepted and have to go in the service

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Specializes in healthcare12 years.

I went there last march toured the VA, my mom lives down the road works as switchboard operator, I have my RN from NY state and will have my BSN in MARch did they offer you relocation bonus?

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Specializes in ICU, ER, OR, FNP.
Does it make sense to leave the Air Force when you are making a Major's pay and only need 9 more years for retirement? I understand there are problems with AF Nursing (also in civilian nursing), but walking away after 11 years seems (to me) somewhat shortsighted.

I know CRNAs that have walked away from the military with more than 11 years in. As soon as they pay back the school - they leave. Getting paid twice as much for half the work seems to be some sort of incentive for advanced practice folks - weird I know.

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Specializes in ED, Cardiology.

I am a ED nurse at a VA hospital (VISN23)

I guess what I like

- That I can help pt how protect or have protected me in the past

- Not to worry about charging the pt for everything. If they need some supplies for a dressing change, I just give it to them...

- Great benefits for nurses

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I am currently a BSN student who will graduate in December (2010). I'm in the process of applying for the Air Force, but have had some difficulties. My Recruiter won't get back with me lately and I fear it's because they have pulled a hold on recruitment for FY2011 (that's the rumor). Any advice or insight?

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Kata,

Where are you located? Im not sure about the AF but the Army doesnt have a freeze, only limited spaces available.

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