Becoming nurse officer

[Delic]

Hi, I have a question about nursing officer. I having been wanting to join the forces but not sure what to expect. I worked as an RPN here in Ontario for the past 5 years in mental health, just got my baccalaureate degree in nursing, wrote the Canadian Nclex and passed. Currently hold a license with CNO. I really need to speak to anyone who is a nurse officer. Is there anyone here who works with Canadian forces?

thank you in advance.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to our Nursing in Canada forum.

[Kissunshine, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP]

I was also interested in becoming a nurse officer when I was completing my BSN. Even went to an interview with the Canadian force. It was 3 years ago so I don't remember much details, but I was not interested in nurse officer after that...

On thing I remember is they make you go through the physical training just like any other officers, it sounded intense.

[rjfried]

I had alot of interest last year in doing nursing through the forces. I went to the recruitment office in Ottawa. I still am about to go through nursing school though so i haven't experienced it. It would be best to go to an office and talk to someone. I really had my sights set on joining DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) which is based out of Kingston, Ontario. I think that Nursing in the forces would be a wonderful opportunity. Like the others have said, you do go through PT just like any other soldier. The recruiter told me that during training you would do all of the physical exercises, a little weapons training (not compared to combat soldiers) and then would have your own medical/ nursing classes during the training. Usually they keep you in Canada for at-least 2 years after you have passed PT and are officially a Nursing Officer. If you dont speak french they also send you to Quebec to learn (I believe, it is Quebec). You could always look into the reserves if you dont want to go outside Canada/ dont want to do full time :) They have a good measure of skills for the entrance exam/ PT requirements on the website. You should try to be able to pass those requirements fro Physical training before going. I cant really speak to the actual nursing on the job part yet though. good luck!