Army Nurse Lifestyle

[dizzyelizzy]

I posted another topic recently but this just has to do with lifestyle. My main concern is my 1 year old dog I recently rescued. I won't graduate until around Spring 2014 (most likely) so this is a far off concern. But if I do go military, what will my days be like? Will he be left alone for long periods of time or can I work my schedule to be able to come home at a decent hour. Also, what is traveling like? Do you have time to get adjusted to the area you live in or is the PX as far as you travel ;P ?

[nmlahti]

I have a dog and I'll be taking him on base once I go active duty. I'm told the army will usually allow two pets. However this rule from what I hear can vary from base to base, some might allow more or less than others. I wouldn't think one would be a problem unless he or she is one of the breeds not allowed by the army. As far as days go I'm not sure. I hear working in an army hospital usually feels the same as having a normal job, minus of course deployments or any kind of special training that might come up.

[Wisconsinbee]

I would suggest a dog walker to let the pooch out during the day. Your dog will likely be home alone a lot if you start on a med/surg floor which most all new grad nurses do. Many of the hospitals do 12 hours shifts. It's unlikely you'll be able to go home for lunch as then someone else needs to cover your patients and running home likely won't be a 20 to 30 minute (including actually eating) affair. Asking someone to cover for longer than that on a daily basis will not be welcomed, and you may be seen as "getting over" and will quickly gain a negative reputation. The previous poster is right about up to two pets in gov't housing. However, as a single officer you will likely have to get an apartment off base as there are very few bachelor officer quarters on any base.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

What do you do with the dog when you deploy? If you board it for a year you're going to rack up a serious bill, and who's to say the dog would even remember you?

I'm not trying to be mean. I like doggies, lol.

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

You need to plan ahead by establishing someone who could provide long term care for your puppy for when you attend training, go on field exercises, have overnight CQ duty, deploy etc. It will require a shift of priorities and you never want to tell your CO you can't do something cause of your dog...