Considering joining the Military

dreamon · Oct 20, 2003

That is a really great question Bayushi-- I would also like some information on nursing in the military.

I was in the Army for a few years- but I didn't work in a hospital/clinical setting.

Also, I have a question to add if you don't mind-- is there any advantage to becoming an officer over an enlisted soldier in Nursing?

Special thanks to whoever answers!:)

Todd SPN · Oct 20, 2003

There was a post on this subject a while back (maybe 3 mos?).

I didn't follow it so I can't lend any info, but you might try a search and see what comes up.

dreamon · Oct 20, 2003

thansk Todd-

I think i know the thread you were referring to Todd-- as I tried to do some research about it a while back.

If I am correct- most of the threads about joining the military all seem to center on the threat of war. And if you sign up- its a possibility you will be deployed.

But what I was looking for and maybe Bayushi too-- is some posts telling us what it is actually like day to day. I haven't been able to find much on that.

sjoe · Oct 20, 2003

The forum "government employed nurses" might be useful for this kind of question.

I was not in the medical field when in the military, but I would say without hesitation, the USAF is most likely the best branch in which to serve.

dreamon · Oct 20, 2003

Yeah-- I agree with you about the Air Force..but sadly I joined the Army. I don't know if I can join USAF.

Todd SPN · Oct 20, 2003

Originally posted by dreamon
But what I was looking for and maybe Bayushi too-- is some posts telling us what it is actually like day to day. I haven't been able to find much on that.

The post I was thinking of was answered to by I think it was a Navy nurse who was still active. She mentioned all the traveling and different countries she had been to and invited the poster to PM her with any questions. I know at our school we had a poster on the bulletin board inviting nurses to contact the local recruiters. If only I was younger.

MishlB · Oct 20, 2003

The only problem with joining the military is the additional duties that are required. You are an officer and a nurse, and the military can use you for anything they like. The doctors I worked with wore BDU's, but some wear scrubs as well. You are signing a commitment, and may or may not have a say in where you are stationed.

Gomer · Oct 20, 2003

A few years ago I worked with an RN who just finished a 4-yr commitment to the AF. His only ***** was the scheduling. He said the rule was you had to worked 10 days out of 14 but there was no rule on which shift you worked. So he would start out on 7's then have a couple 3-11's assigned and finish with 11-7's. Other than that he loved it. Oh, also he was stationed in TX and hated that too.

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 20, 2003

plan on being on call a LOT--often 4 hours before your scheduled shift and 4 hours after. NO overtime working over, on holidays, etc....you are salaried. Bennies can be GREAT, esp if you want to continue your education ----

Also REALLY plan on being deployed overseas...often the first ones gone after the planes...

so if you have little kids you don't want to leave behind, don't go in.

And yes, as an officer in the military, you will have social obligations above and beyond your nursing duties.

As USAF veteran, I agree, USAF IS BEST.

Best wishes.

Dixen81 · Oct 20, 2003

My ex-husband's sister is a Nurse Practitioner in the Air Force. She is about to make rank as Colonel. She has told me that the Air Force has been VERY good to her. They sent her to school to complete her master's, and they are about to send her again for her Doctorate (All of her schooling is paid for by the Air Force). She said it is a lot of hard work, but I've watched her for years and she is very smart and disciplined. She is also single with no children; I can't imagine doing what she does if you have small children at home unless you had a TON of help. Might want to check into your possibilities, though. Good luck!

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 21, 2003

My friends husband was enlisted (not in a medical area) in the Navy...he entered a program where he finished his BSN. He then became commissioned. He loves it. He was able to rotate through each specialty and then choose his top 3 picks of where he wanted to work. Ended up getting his second choice--Oncology--but likes it none the less.

My hubby has been in the Navy for 13 yrs....some days I wish he'd get out...other days I'm thankful that he's in. All in all, I wouldn't trade the military experience for anything....