Published Feb 21, 2012
luckynurse_1234
62 Posts
Anyone out there in the military? So far, I've only seen questions about joining the military. I would like to talk to some other military nurses to compare nursing in the Army, Navy, Air Force and different types of jobs in military nursing.
luvbug080688
201 Posts
i am in the air force currently working as a nurse : )
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
Army! :) HOOAH
So, luvbug080688 and LunahRN, what do you guys "do" as nurses? Med-Surg? ICU? OB? Peds? Do you enjoy your jobs/where you work? Do you feel like you are given leadership opportunities?
I'm an ER nurse, and I work in an Army ER at an Army community hospital. It's a lot of the same stuff as being a civilian ER nurse, but I wear a uniform to work and have some other collateral duties. I have been given leadership opportunities, yes -- I'm currently the head nurse for our ER Fast Track. I came in with three years of ER nursing experience, though.
nurse2033, MSN, RN
3 Articles; 2,133 Posts
I'm an Air Force flight nurse. We transport patients around CONUS and back from the war (and other places).
LLLovely, BSN, RN
101 Posts
I'm an Army nurse, have worked post-partum and am moving to L&D, both by choice. After about six months on the PP unit, I was assigned as charge about once a week. The civilian nurses are not all required to work in leadership roles according to their contracts, but military nurses are definitely given leadership opportunities.
I have worked primarily at a large medical center, but just recently moved to a smaller community hospital. Both are the same in terms of opportunity.
stacynicole08
5 Posts
Hi Nurse2033,
I was trying to find someone on here who was currently serving as a Air Force flight nurse and I came across your post. I started my BSN last year so I could join as a flight nurse this Fall. I do not personally know any flight nurses in the military so I wanted to ask what you think of it? Also, if I join an officer is it difficult to get a flight nurse position? I have researched as much as possible online, but it's better coming from someone currently serving. My husband is in special ops in the Navy so I wasn't sure if it was better to go Navy for the sake of our marriage.. if we even get to see each other. Although, I prefer Air Force over Navy. If you get this msg, thanks ahead for any helpful info.
navyman7
125 Posts
If flight nursing is where your heart is then don't do navy. It is painful hard to get your wings in the Navy. You have to do a very long tour in Diego Garica unaccompanied. That is the only billet as of now that you can become cerified as a flight nurse. Forget getting them while in Afghanistan too, despite all the flight time there you won't get em. Good luck in your search.
GucciBeaR143, BSN
48 Posts
Thank you navyman7, that helps! Good to know.