Can you study to be an RN with the army without being shipped off to Iraq?

Specialties Government

Published

Sorry for my ignorance, but can a person sign up with the army and train to be a nurse and work as one -without having to travel overseas? I have a Bachelor's in Business and this is a second career for me. Among other reasons, that I won't go into, I have a newborn son that I would like to come home to each night.

Any info would be appreciated!

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Yes, check w/the hospitals and also don't over look loans and grants!!!

GOOD LUCK!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The military is going to station you where they need you most, and most of the time they need medical personel near where there is fighting.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

As far as the commitment and the money. The Navy helped pay my way through the last 2 years of school. If there was any reason I could not complete my commitment to the Navy, I had to repay the money for school plus interest. Being active duty now, I agree with the above, this is a 24/7 gig, there is no such thing as "overtime" or too many hours. We have a guideline of needing to work 180 hours a month. However, lots of times you work over that, because of other duties you have above and beyond just being a nurse, don't forget your an officer too.

LT Dan

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Is it possible to get out of the service after you get your bsn? Or would you still have a commitment to them?

lol. they cover their assets pretty well. typically you are obligated to complete a 4-5 year committment. but bear in mind, it's 4-5 years of great experience and great pay. once you complete your obligation to them, you can resign your commission at any time.

if you (not YOU, but anyone) just don't want to travel at all, then it's not for you. if it's about being shot at, you should know that it's not in the best interests of the military to put their nurses in the line of fire. it is one of the safest jobs the military has to offer. but to reiterate, NO. you can't just leave after they pay your way through school.:rolleyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.

2spr0ut02 - Upon acceptance of direct commission into the Army Nurse Corps, no matter the initial committment length, you can not resign your commission until eight years have been served as an officer. My point being, once you've pinned on the officer bars as a member of the Army Nurse Corps they have you for at least 8 yrs.

scoobysnax - All Soldiers must sign a famliy care plan, which basically states you have someone designated to take care of your minor children in case getting deployed unaccompanied OCONUS. Please, put your honorable interest in becoming a member of the US Armed Forces on the back burner until your newborn is reaching for college textbook rather than a baby bottle. BTW, the cut off age for entrance into the Army Nurse Corps is 46 yrs old.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Trauma.
BTW, the cut off age for entrance into the Army Nurse Corps is 46 yrs old.
Ahhhh, so I have even mroe options now :D
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Originally Posted by Corvette Guy

BTW, the cut off age for entrance into the Army Nurse Corps is 46 yrs old.

---

Ahhhh, so I have even mroe options now :D

As an Army Nurse, you'll have the chance to gain education and experience in advanced practice nursing roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Anesthetists. Regardless of what specialty you choose, you'll be caring for a diverse patient population in state-of-the-art medical facilities using the latest technology. Here are the specialties found within the Army Nurse Corps:

  • Advanced Practice Nurse
  • Community Health Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • CRNA
  • Emergency Room Nurse
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Medical-Surgical Nurse
  • Nurse Anesthetist
  • Nurse Midwife
  • OB/GYN Nurse
  • Operating Room Nurse
  • Perioperative Nurse
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse

s1_requirements.gif

To qualify for an appointment as an Officer in the Army Nurse Corps, you must:

  • Meet the prescribed medical and moral standards for appointment as a commissioned Officer
  • Be a United States citizen or have a permanent visa
  • Have an associate's degree in nursing or a three-year nursing diploma or a bachelor of science in nursing for Reserve; have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited school of nursing for Active Duty
  • Have a valid, unrestricted RN license
  • Be 21-46 years of age

Link

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Thanks for the info Corvette Guy. I must also say they will waive the age requirement if they need your nursing specialty. I'm fat, old (47) but I'm healthy with 10 years of level one trauma experience, many certs, an advanced degree and somehow the good ole Army wants ME!!! lol

My hubby is retired Air Force and I don't particularly want to get back into the military but have received multiple emails and several phone calls...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Thanks for the info Corvette Guy. I must also say they will waive the age requirement if they need your nursing specialty. I'm fat, old (47) but I'm healthy with 10 years of level one trauma experience, many certs, an advanced degree and somehow the good ole Army wants ME!!! lol

My hubby is retired Air Force and I don't particularly want to get back into the military but have received multiple emails and several phone calls...

Roger that! The military will waiver anything with just cause [and suits there needs, LOL].

BTW, your still young at 47 yrs old cause if I told my wife she was old at her age [pssst, same as your's], then I'd be sleeping on the couch. :chuckle

Be advised, with your experience & educational credentials you'd be a high asset to the ANC. However, you will have to be under the max allowable percent body fat standards for your female age group [34%], as well as pass APFT female standards [10 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, and 24:00 min. 2 mile run].

Up Vote Up Vote ×
2spr0ut02 - Upon acceptance of direct commission into the Army Nurse Corps, no matter the initial committment length, you can not resign your commission until eight years have been served as an officer.

what about if you've already done 8 years as enlisted? do they just roll back the clock on inactive-reserves time, or do you get a new 8 year deal when you re-up?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Originally Posted by Corvette Guy

2spr0ut02 - Upon acceptance of direct commission into the Army Nurse Corps, no matter the initial committment length, you can not resign your commission until eight years have been served as an officer.

---

what about if you've already done 8 years as enlisted? do they just roll back the clock on inactive-reserves time, or do you get a new 8 year deal when you re-up?

I resemble that question...

I accepted direct commission in 2003 as 1LT in USAR Army Nurse Corps. My obligation was for a three year committment due to already served my initial period of obligation in USMC 1980-1988 [7 yrs active duty enlisted & the rest inactive reserves]. However, like I posted all Army Nurse Corps Officers will hold there commission for at least the mandatory 8 years as an officer. After much discussion with my wife, I decided to transfer from the [RC] to [AC]. So, on April 3rd I report for active duty with another 3 year committment. My intention is to stay [AC] until I've reached 20 yrs active duty service.

I hope that answers your question?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

good luck with that 'vette! it should be good times. i miss the military.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment