Air Force Reserve and pre-nursing???

[Jason2311]

Hello everyone!

I'm currently a pre-nursing student and a former Marine with aspirations to make a smooth transition into the health field. Lately I find it difficult to get a job in the medical field without any depth of experience in health and I would like to get my feet more wet than just volunteering at the ED at hospital. The only experience I have is being able to handle traumatic environments, CPR, and first responder training( Combat Life Saver Training).Now it has been running through my head lately that if joining the AF Reserve or Army Reserve would be a good idea in gaining significant experience in health. Now before I seek out a recruiter I would like to get some insight from nurses and pre-nursing students alike, should I make this move?On the plus side, the money wouldn't be bad and the job security entailed with it while our economy goes down hill. Please let me know what all of you think or suggest. Thanks for the great forums on Allnurses.com and lets keep it up.

Jason

USMC 03-07

[pnut0911, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hey Jason2311,

I was in the Air Force for 10 years (intel career field - Predator) and it has always been my dream to get my Nursing Degree! I would love to give you advice, but before I do.... what did you do in the MC?

Michele

[Jason2311]

I was an ammo technician with an artillery battery(Fox and Echo Btry 2/11),but due to the war, I became more of a provisional rifleman/gunner and military police. But during that transitional training, I got combat lifesaver training. So basically I didn't have a high speed job like yours but I believe I benefited from the training I received.

[pnut0911, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

So what job are you looking to do in the Reserves? Also, remember GI bill should help with finances significantly! Are you seriously interested in nursing or have you ever considered becoming a Paramedic. Just trying to get a feel for where you are coming from to know the best advice I should give!!!!!

Also, have you noticed how much you miss the military! Mainly the benefits!!!!! Real world insurance sucks and civillians are a whole other breed..... I am sure you understand!!!!!!

[Jason2311]

Well first off, I want to become a nurse. Paramedic or EMT was on my mind at first but, I rather do my service as a nurse. It's something I feel real close to,almost as if it were a calling. And yes I agree very much about the whole civilian world breed, and it reminds me how much I miss the military.