Army or Navy

Specialties Government

Published

I have been a nurse for 12 years, only a BSN since May 2017. 9 years of that have been in either ICU or the cath lab. I am married, have 2 children, 1 of which is from my previous marriage. Not prior military. Ultimately I want to go to CRNA school, but that is only part of the driving force behind joining the military.

No crazy background issues other than a foreclosure that finalized a few months ago.

Army: direct commision as O1 during school, obtain DNP, 5 year ADSC. If it sucks as far as my family goes, its 8 years. But school is paid for and complete.

Navy: direct commision as ICU RN, $30K for a 4 year contract, $20k/year as CCRN (I currently have), after 3 years eligible to apply to USUHS, but most likely won't get in until contract is complete. If it sucks, its 4 years, then use the post-9/11 GI bill to pay for CRNA school.

Haha this all being said, I can't rightfully tell you which service to join because I'm insanely biased:)

*whispers* Go Navy!;)

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Specializes in Cardiac, CVICU.
Military life is very hard on a family as you will all feel as though some external force is calling the shots and directing your life as a family unit (which it is, to an extent). That being said, I didn't get married and start a family until the last year of my 10 years in, so I didn't see the long-term effects that it would have on ours. I don't want to discourage you though, serving in the Navy was an absolute honor for me and when the day comes and I'm nearing the end of my time on this planet, I have no doubt I will look back on my time as a Sailor as one of the most meaningful periods of my life.

Good thought. The last part of what you said is my reasoning as well. Serving, even if I hate it, could be a meaningful experience. I'm thinking Navy because it's a 4 year deal and not 8, if it does suck then I'm out sooner.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Have you looked into the reserves? This might be an option for you. You would be able to stay close to your daughter, serve your country, and get the GI Bill. The reserves also have tuition assistance which requires a pay back in time for officers. There are other programs that the reserves offer for education like the STRAP program for the Army. They change from time to time so I can not give you accurate information on them. It is possible for you to start your CRNA education quicker this route versus active duty.

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Specializes in Cardiac, CVICU.
Have you looked into the reserves? This might be an option for you. You would be able to stay close to your daughter, serve your country, and get the GI Bill. The reserves also have tuition assistance which requires a pay back in time for officers. There are other programs that the reserves offer for education like the STRAP program for the Army. They change from time to time so I can not give you accurate information on them. It is possible for you to start your CRNA education quicker this route versus active duty.

I asked about it, but both recruiters said something along the line of "if grad school is your goal, the reserves don't really have good programs to help with that".

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I was an Army brat and I loved it! I got to live all over the world and all over the U.S. That said, some military children are bitter about having to move around. It just depends on the person.

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