what is army nursing really like?

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I am in the process of joining the reserves as a critical care nurse. At 44 years of age and 23 years of critical care experience I have finally decided to do what I wanted to do when I first graduated nursing school. I do not have my bsn but will work on it once I join. One doctor I talked to recently told me horror stories of being an army nurse. Is it so much different than working at a regional hospital or city hospital? (I am currently at two regional hospitals working with cardio-thoracic surgery and other general icu patients at the other hospital ie vent care, neuro disorderes, sepsis etc. I hate to say this but he really discouraged me from joining on a number of reasons. But, he was a military M.D. in the approx years of mid 1970's to 1980's. (I am guessing by his experience for he is about my age or slightly older). So, can anyone please tell me what it is really like!! I have already contacted a recruiter and have all the info and paperwork to enlist. This is the last thing holding me back. Thank you!!

p.s. I did not want to talk to my recruiter about this due to a biased opinion.

Hi 2 soliders,

When I was at OBLC, we had several who were 45+, one of my friends was 54. She is a midwife so perhaps that is why she got a waiver for her age? I guess it really depends upon their needs, but I am sure you will do fine! Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hello 2Soldiers44:

You can obtain an age waiver to enter the Reserves. Once that age waiver is granted, and you then decide to go over to the active side of the house, you wouldn't need to go through the whole "waiver thing". As many have previously stated know that you would not be eligible for the full 20 year retirement thing....HOWEVER IF you have a critical skill set (M5, 8A) and you are physically and mentally capable one MIGHT be able to obtain an age waiver up to and including 68 years of age... [got this directly from MG Pollack (RET)]

IF this is where you see your life heading (becoming a Commissioned Officer in the ANC) Reserves or AC, then start the process.

And, as always, use the wonderfully supportive people on this Forum! {{like Just_Cause, GetnPhD, OlderthanDirt2, Jbrecon2 and others!!!}}

athena

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Specializes in MED/SURG ICU, CT ICU.

Hello Athena,

I may not always post but I do read rather often and I agree that there are many wonderful people on this forum!! It is the best way I have found to find info! Thanks to all of you for your wonderful support. And I agree, Justcause,GetnPHD ,Older etc are all wonderful references too!!!

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Thanks Athena,

I try to pass on any information that I may have. As you know, there are many different considerations in Army nursing, just as there is in civilian nursing. I thank each and every one of you who has made the decision to become a military nurse and wear my nation's cloth, no matter what branch of service you enter and whether or not it is Active Duty or Reserves.

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