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Discussion

Any RAF nurses?

Hi there! Wasn't sure which forum to post this thread under, but the military forum seems to contain mostly American forces so I thought it may be best in the UK forum.

I'm a second year student nurse and am looking at a career in the RAF as a nurse. I'm hoping to apply half way through my third year, however I'd love for an RAF nurse to answer some questions for me.

1) Why did you choose the RAF over the NHS?

2) What are training opportunities like? E.g will they fund me to top my BSc up to MSc?

3) How much does it differ from nursing in the NHS?

That's all for now, thanks.

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    I would suggest visiting the RCDM in Birmingham and see for yourself. Its an amazing hospital, its a military hospital merged with NHS and nurses from both areas work side by side.

    They also have student nurses from both areas on placement, they all go to the same uni but some are sponsored by the military and contracted to remain in the service.

    I would say that the main difference is that NHS nursing is a job whereas military is a way of life.

    By that I mean that at the end of the 12 hour shift, the NHS nurse goes home and know when their next shift is. The RAF nurse goes home not knowing even which country their next shift will be in!!

    Yes the pay looks better, but bear in mind that there is no scope for bank or agency working in the military. Be prepared to move on to a different location every few months and accept that you have no life outside of the service!

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    There is also part time / reservist nursing, I can't recall the full title now but its RAF Auxiliary nurses, used to be based at RAF Lyneham but I'm sure they moved a few years back, I just can't remember where. I'm thinking RAF Brize Norton, but I honestly can't recall, so that might not be true : )

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    • Expert

    Have you thought about the RAF reserves to get an idea about what life is like while you train? You may even have a medical unit close by. Google the address.

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    There is also part time / reservist nursing, I can't recall the full title now but its RAF Auxiliary nurses, used to be based at RAF Lyneham but I'm sure they moved a few years back, I just can't remember where. I'm thinking RAF Brize Norton, but I honestly can't recall, so that might not be true : )

    There's a few places nurses can work in the RAF as a reserve, Brize is one of them.

    https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/roles/medical-and-medical-support/registered-nurse-adult/

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