Any Military Nurses Out There?

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I would be great to hear from other former or present nurses or medical people about thier experiences. There are quite a few of us out there and we should really network about good and bad assignments. Good stories are always welcome. Like where and when you served and things you did.

I know I have some goods ones about military life and medical services. Sometimes the two do not mix.:eek:

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:confused:

Hey,

Not quite an army nurse. I do have an ADN and a B.S. in Biology. 14 years in the MN Army National Guard as a medic. Don' t quite understand why I have to have a BSN to be a nurse in the Army. Looking into completion programs so I might be able to boost my retirement.

Stories? Yeah, quite a few good ones, and some that make you just shake your head.

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I agree with you. A cilivian nurse can be employed as an ADN RN and even be a head nurse in a military facility.

What it comes down to is the ANC (army nurse corps) they have such a strangle hold on it that until a large conflict drains thier levels it will be so. You will find the same mentality in real world with BSN and higher nurses toward ADNs. Not all but alot.

I know I had one say to me "You should go on and get your BSN and then you"ll be a full fledged nurse". I replied, "and YOU

should work to bring your skills up to my level".

Good luck and if BSN is what you decide then go after it.

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Hi there. I tried to start a thread like this but got nowhere fast. Lets hope this one goes further........

I'm a nurse in the Australian Regular Army. Got plenty of stories, both good and bad. At the moment I'm on deployment in East Timor but am doing more military stuff than nursing. We get the occasional trauma though.

How do you guys go with courses? Are the majority of your corps related courses recognised in civy street?

Interested to hear more and also keen to swap stories.

Bozo

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I've been trying to find some military nurses - I'm considering joining the Navy Reserves Nurse Corps. Is being a nurse in the military different than in the civilian world? Do you regret your decision to work as a military nurse?

:rolleyes:

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I started my "nursing" career as a hospital corpsman in the USN. I was active duty from 91-93, stationed at Great lakes and Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Those experiences were some of the best time I've ever had, it was a good gig and then I took my GI bill and Navy college fund and got my RN. I've meet many a male nurse who started out as a medic or corpsman. Not too many females, like my self. One thing that is fun, when you meet ex-military (pt's or co-workers) you exchange knowing glances, and feel very honored to have seved. It's definetly a route to consider.

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Specializes in Surgery.

I am currently in the Air Force Reserve as a Nurse. But started in a different way. I did 10 years in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic then when I got out I went to college got my ADN and joined the Air National Guard while I still could. Got my BSN and transfered to the Reserves. I thought about joining the Navy reserves as a nurse but was afraid they would put me on a boat.

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I'm Not a nurse but a Navy (Fleet Marine Force) Corpsman. I have worked with alot of Nurses though. They recieved Great Training, Great Vacation (30 days), Great locations (the navy won't ever send you to kansas) and you will leave with a shiney new BMW (I think its standard issue) a fat officer wallet and a whole lot of pride. I personaly enjoy the medic thing with the grunts but officer nurse in the navy is a sweet thing.

Don't let the grean grass fool you if your currently in a nice spot.

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I'm Not a nurse but a Navy (Fleet Marine Force) Corpsman. I have worked with alot of Nurses though. They recieved Great Training, Great Vacation (30 days), Great locations (the navy won't ever send you to kansas) and you will leave with a shiney new BMW (I think its standard issue) a fat officer wallet and a whole lot of pride. I personaly enjoy the medic thing with the grunts but officer nurse in the navy is a sweet thing.

Don't let the grean grass fool you if your currently in a nice spot.

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I tried to get in the Reserves (ANY branch) but they wouldn't take me because I'm ONLY an ADN RN. Who cares how long I've been a nurse or that I have a strong ER and Management background. I wish the rules would change. I have taken some classes towards my BSN but my main goal right now is to see my son graduate high school. Then maybe I'll go back. By the way, my son enters the Marine Corp June 2003, already signed up on the delayed entry program. Anyway, wish I could at least join the Reserves. :confused:

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.
Originally posted by JedsMom

I tried to get in the Reserves (ANY branch) but they wouldn't take me because I'm ONLY an ADN RN. Who cares how long I've been a nurse or that I have a strong ER and Management background. I wish the rules would change. I have taken some classes towards my BSN but my main goal right now is to see my son graduate high school. Then maybe I'll go back. By the way, my son enters the Marine Corp June 2003, already signed up on the delayed entry program. Anyway, wish I could at least join the Reserves. :confused:

Uhhhh...JedsMom? When did the reserves STOP taking nurses who were ADNs? Last I heard, the ADN nurses DO still join the reserves...at least in the Army they do. :nurse:

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Specializes in NICU, Informatics.

I'm 2 1/2 years in as an RN Active Duty Air Force. Stories... yeah tons... but if I told em, I'd prolly get hunted down by my boss... :)

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