Military Nurses

[wasntbuilt2lose]

Hi !

I am a RPN student (2nd year) and just doing a little research project about Canadian Military nurses.

I'm just looking for some information about where you work, what kind of things you do, etc.

Also, I believe that in order to be a Nursing Officer you must be a RN, correct? So, if I am a RPN/LPN and want to become a Nursing Officer, will they pay for my education to become a RN?

(my husband is in the Military so I know a little about it, but I just would like information from someone who has possibly been through it)

Thanks!!

[Fiona59]

PNs usually are medics. I know in AB, the medics do the ORTech and OrthoTec specialty tags and the units pay for the tuition.

Never heard of one crossing over to the officer corps.

[AirforceRN, RN]

Hey Jenn...yes, if you want to be a Nursing officer you have to be an RN. The CF will pay for the training but you must be accepted to a recognized nursing school in Canada before you apply to the military. If you have more questions, feel free to ask and I'm sure I can give you some answers.

[d_n_r]

Hello AirforceRN, I am looking for something to enrich my nursing experience. I have been reading your responses on here, and it seems to me that CF military nursing has everything I am looking for. I have been out of school for several years, am currently an RN with breadth of clinical experiences(oncolgy, rehabilitation, OR, radiology, continuing care). I wonder how do the application process and training like for currently employed RNs? Would there be a lot of openings for RNs joining the forces? I heard that the aptitude test is hard to pass!

[AirforceRN, RN]

Hello d_n_r!

The application process...though lengthy is pretty simple and starts with going to your local recruiting centre and talking to the folks there. They have all the paper work you will need and will tell you how to get everything started. Expect it to take quite a while (months or longer) to hear back...that's just the way it goes.

As far as training goes, you will have to complete basic training (a couple of months in Quebec) as well as the Basic Nursing Officer Course and the Basic Field Health Services Course (a couple of months in Ontario) before you will be able to work fully as an RN in the CF. I don't know how many nurses we are looking for at this time but in the recent past it has been competitive. Again, the recruiters will have a better idea on this. The aptitude test isn't all bad and I believe that on the CF website they even have sample questions to let you know what you are in for. They also have videos on what basic training is like as well as some vignettes of nurses to give you an idea of what we do. I hope this helps!

[Nat81]

Hello AirforceRN,

Not sure if you still use this site but I will throw this out there anyhow.

I'm starting nursing school this fall (RN) and am also joining a reserve unit to train as a Med A. But here is my dilemma-- I am wondering if I should just try for ROTP instead? My two main fears of going that route are

1) The long commitment once I finish school

2) Will I receive equivalent training (such as critical care or trauma experience in hospital setting) compared to if I just went the reserve route and worked in civi hospital full time?

3) How does an NO's training and experience cross over after serving in the military? Is it hard to get a job in a civilian hospital? Is military training recognized?

I just want to make sure I've explored every option...and that I don't close any doors out of fear or lack of understanding.

Any insight you can provide would be super helpful. I am planning to go back into the recruitment centre this week to chat to someone again about all this, but it's nice to know another perspective.

Thanks!!