For those who wanted information about joining the Army Nurse Corp, this is for you.

I am a current RN student that will graduate in Dec. 2008. I was interested in joining the nursing corp RESERVES(not sure if army or AF is the way to go) . The problem is I will only be graduating with a diploma in nursing, but I already have a B.S in Chemistry and minor Biology. I was told that positions are not always available in my field. What options do I have? Will I be able to work as a nurse in the reserves with only a diploma (RN)? Will having a B.S in Chemistry only allow me to work as a line officer until I receive a BSN? I was told by the recruiter that I will not receive help for school unless I go for my MSN because I already have a B.S degree

I am not sure how you might transition, but there are many "fast-track" programs that allow individuals with a BS/BA to earn a MSN in about 2 years. But it might be a path to consider.

Brain

Nice post. I wish it had more detail as to the many programs offered for tuition assistance and loan repayment. I am an LPN working toward my BSN but havn't quite found the vehicle to get there yet. The army and USPHS is looking pretty good though. I wish someone would post a comparison of the many branches. One that could be updated by the community, like wikepedia does. I think it would help a lot of us with general questions to compare and contrast the many different options available through each branch of service! Hey thanks againg for taking the time to post that insightful bit of information to us noobs
Dave

Wow, that cyber-recruiter really sugar-coated the whole Army Nurse Corps thing. It is a rewarding profession to be in the ANC, but there are quirks to it you won't find in the civilian world. At times the Nursing and Military perspectives collide or do not compliment each other. It's par for the course. Medicine and military make for strange bedfellows at times. Accept it for what it is, and it won't be a problem. Like any nursing career, be prepared for the good and the bad. Think hard about this decision before you make it. Can you see yourself way out on the front lines in the war with limited supplies, a few people, and the knowledge in your head as the only tools you have to save horribly wounded troops? Are you willing to live dirty when needed and give up most creature comforts you are used to? Can you handle 6-12 months away from your loved ones? Are you ready to accept whatever hardships are necessary to be there for our troops? If you join now, you will go to war. Active duty or Reserves, it makes no difference. You will be witness to tragedy, sadness, and life-threatening situations. You will be asked to work long hours for days on end. At times you will be pushed to your breaking point and be forced to make life and death decisions, sometimes on your own. Will you break or will you persevere? Look deep into yourself before you take the jump. Once you are in, you are all in. There are no take backs, no second guessing. The men and women of the United States Military need nurses who are willing to follow them into hell and back. Sometimes it takes a lot to be there for the soldier. It takes sacrifice, dedication, and a willingness to work through any situation. When you join the Army Nurse Corps, it's not about you anymore. So, if you think you can shoulder more than your share of the burden and are ready to jump in and get your hands dirty, get in touch with your health care recruiter. We need good nurses in this fight. The war isn't going anywhere anytime soon. That's reality. Join us in this effort. Together, we will make sure that our service members make it home.