volunteering for iraq?

Specialties Government

Published

Specializes in OB, Cardiac.

just wondering, if i can volunteer to go to iraq right after ois or do i have to work @ a naval hospital for a yr first???

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER,ICU and Progressive Care Unit,Peds.

You have to work in the hospital at least 6 months before you will be deployed anywhere. At least that is what the navy tries to do.

LTJG PM

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Crazy-

I agree with LTJG PM, more often than not you will work for about 1 year before you get deployed anywhere. Keep in mind that's not an absolute, there were 2 ENS in my wife's facility that got deployed after only 4 months after OIS, so it can happen.

LTJG PM-

Glad to see you're up and about, haven't "seen" you in a while. How's everything going?

LCDR Dan

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, Cardiac.

I'm doing great. still waiting for the recruiter to call me back & start by drawn-out waiver process!

i have another Q---how hard is it to get on the comfort or mercy? also, if i specialize in ob can i still manage to get deployed on them? THanks! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Crazy-

There are generally no nurses stationed permanently on the Mercy or Comfort. When in port there is a skeleton crew on board that keeps the lights on and the water running. When they get ready to deploy then the nurses show up and start readying the units. So to get on one of them you need to volunteer for a deployment when they go. As for being OB, that's actually a benefit to get on there. Most of the missions they do are humanitarian and they go to underprivileged areas that don't have regular medical care. So they like to have OB nurses on board to go out to the communities to provide care to pregnant women and do education, etc.,. My wife is OB and volunteered to go out on the Comfort this past summer, but they didn't take her. In other words, the OB thing won't hurt you getting on board. LTJG PM was on the Mercy this past summer and would be able to give you more firsthand info.

LCDR Dan

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, Cardiac.

that's good news!!! that would definitely be a goal of mine while serving. ever since i was a child i've admired the hospital ships. thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER,ICU and Progressive Care Unit,Peds.

I was actually on the USS Pelieu (sp) LHA-5 this summer; not on the Mercy. So my experience was a little bit different since I was on a gray hull; after being on a gray hull I don't think I would be able to stand being on a hosptial ship. It was nice hanging out with other rates (people non-medical types). And I really didn't mind being on the gray hull at all...what's that joke..."I felt like I was in the "real" navy"...you know what I mean LCDR Dan. Ok...now I'm rambling...LOL

But any who...we had a wide variety of nurses on my deployment...I think it just depends on what deployment needs bodies when you say you want to be deployed. I got lucky with my deployment. I would be glad to answer more specifics about our mission, ship life, etc.

LCDR,

Well...I've been sort of busy here lately. Only 1 more night in peds and I finally get to go to the ER. THank goodness...I didn't think this day was ever going to come. My 1st day is Monday. I'm getting a little nervous about working on big people again; its been so long since I've taken care of someone with Chest Pain, etc. So I hope I do well down there. I feel like some of my skills have gotten kind of rusty up here on 2east. Other than that...the other thing I discussed with you didn't work out...so it's been a difficult time for me. As a result of that I've been trying to find a new place to live which isn't so easy right now b/c I have to wait for someone to take over my lease before I can move. So my life is a little crazy right now, and I'm begining to feel a little stressed and overwhelmed. :wtosts:

However, this too shall pass...or I hope at least...

LTJG PM

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, Cardiac.

k, once again, i have another question! if i do get commissioned i really hope to get stationed @ SD. I was wondering if any of you have nursed @ the hospital there & if you could tell me how many mos you were homeport & how many mos you deployed (how long & where). i know every person's experience is different but i always enjoy hearing what you all have done.

as i understand, i will prob being working medsurg for at least a yr since i will be a new grad. after that i am going to try & get ob. any experiences there in SD???? THANKS!!! You guys are all wonderful for answering all my questions!!!:urck:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, Cardiac.

lol, too funny that you said being on the ship was like "being in the real navy". I was a seabee for 2 yrs so i when ppl ask me about being on a ship & such I have to tell them i wasn't in the real navy!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU- adults, Flight RN peds/neo.

" It was nice hanging out with other rates (people non-medical types). And I really didn't mind being on the gray hull at all..."

:wink2:

Augghh, navynurse06---I concurr. As I recall, you and I spent a few shifts together, watching a peds pt or 2 on the Peleliu off of Legaspi.....

Do you recall an "old ngo rn" (the only one on the ship at that time).

Good to hear from you------I just joined the army reserve as a 66H8A --right now I am a flight nurse in portland or.........

1LT CB

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment