Army Reseves

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Hey all.... I have been lurking and searching on these boards for a while. I am hoping someone can give me some real life insight. I am seriously considering joining the Army Reserves. I have already spoken with a recruiter and she is eagerly awaiting my information. What I would really like to know is, what being an Army Reserve Nurse is like? According to the recruiter, I would go in as a critical care nurse (my current specialty). I know it depends on unit, mission, etc... But what is a standard reserve weekend like? I'm onboard for all that comes with it, especially deployments, but are they a year in length? Please tell me any and all experiences you care to share! It doesn't seem as though other branches are interested in even talking to me. They don't even call back for initial contact! I just have no experience with the Army, which makes me more nervous. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Don't mean to poach you- but have you considered the Air Force? I don't know if it matters to you but deployments are much shorter and that is a big deal for those of us with family. The Air Force is also well known to take really good care of its troops (true). Drill weekends are all about keeping up your readiness through classes, education, and other training. If you are used to 12 hours shifts, it is a piece of cake. I'm assuming you have a BSN which is required. Don't be nervous, you will be trained in what to do, and taking care of Wounded Warriors is a great mission. Good luck.

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The Air Force was actually my top choice, but the recruiter I spoke too doesn't return calls or emails. He encouraged me to do flight nursing, which I would do. But it just seems to have hit a wall with moving forward. I am familiar with the Air Force so it's much more comfortable. I can't even get a Navy recruiter to talk to me aside from the online chat, so I gave up on them. I'm not getting any younger and want to get it going, that is why the Army is appealing. I am nervous because I know nobody who is an Army nurse, so I really have to go on what the recruiter is telling me. Which I am wary about anyway!

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Where do you live? Maybe I can help you find an Air Evac unit. I'm totally biased but I think it is the best mission out there... A personal contact will go a long way. Call the unit and find out who does their recruiting. That recruiter will be familiar with how we work.

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