Considering the military, just accepted to a BSN program, but have children

DanznRN, RN · Dec 13, 2007

Been in the Navy for 10+ years, have 3 kids and the Mrs. is active duty as well. What are your concerns regarding being married with kids in the military? You state, "I have heard this may not be an issue...." What do you mean by that? Most military members have families. Let us know what you need, specific questions and we'll give you the answers. May also consider what branch you want to be in, they all have their quirks.

LCDR Dan

fmrnicumom · Dec 13, 2007

Thank you. :) I know many in the military have families. I was an Army brat myself. This may sound terrible but I don't know how it works when it is the mother who is active duty and I have heard there is a preference for women coming in to not have children at that time. (Not my thoughts, just what I have heard at various points over the years.) However, I've also heard the whole process is different when going in as a nurse. I know I likely have been misinformed on a number of things and as I am just beginning the research, I know very little and have a lot to learn.

I am not completely sure which branch at this point. I initially thought Army, because that is what my dad was, but I want to find the best fit. Is one branch more "family friendly" than another? I know the Army and Navy have programs that can help while one is in school, and I think I saw that the Air Force has a scholarship program. I would be interested in something like that and am looking for more information about that. I signed up on the Army, Navy and Air Force's sites yesterday to receive more information and am supposed to be contacted by a recruiter.

Did anyone go in at a time other than straight out of high school? How does that impact things? If I continue along my current path, I will be 32 when I graduate from nursing school. I don't know anyone who went in after they were 22, so I don't know if that matters or changes anything.

How can I determine if Iwould be a good fit to serve?

Do you know anything about the programs offered for those still in school, specifically those related to nursing?

What is it like being a nurse in the service? What benefits and/or drawbacks have you experienced?

How does stationing work? I don't remember much about how it worked for my dad, we just went where he went.

How is family life on base? Are efforts made to keep the family together? How much time would I likely have to be away from them completely?

Any other insights you can give as to military life? I have experienced it as a dependent, but know that doesn't detail what it is actually like to serve.

How long would I need to enlist?

What is the likelihood I would be stationed overseas? Are some specialties within nursing more likely to go overseas? Are some more likely to be utilized in war?

What if I decided to become a nurse practitioner or CRNA?

Do those that go in as nurses tend to become career or serve their time and then work as civilians? Is it difficult to transition to a civilian role? I have heard military nurses tend to have a little more autonomy than civilian nurses.

What are my options as far as specialty within nursing? Do I choose or does someone else decide based on what is needed and ability?

Are promotion opportunities for nurses different between the branches? Do pay rates and benefits vary?

What about basic training? I read yesterday on one of the sites that it is different for someone coming in as a nurse.

For those serving, what do you wish you had asked or known before you signed up?

I'm sure there are other things I need to know. I am planning on writing it all down as I research. I would really appreciate anything you wish to offer. Thank you! :)

The Little Greek · Dec 13, 2007

thank you. :) i know many in the military have families. i was an army brat myself. this may sound terrible but i don't know how it works when it is the mother who is active duty and i have heard there is a preference for women coming in to not have children at that time. (not my thoughts, just what i have heard at various points over the years.) however, i've also heard the whole process is different when going in as a nurse. i know i likely have been misinformed on a number of things and as i am just beginning the research, i know very little and have a lot to learn.
hi there! i'm 34 years old, almost 35. i am married with two children. while i am not ad yet, i am in the final stage of the application process to the air force as an ob nurse. you will be asked during the application process if you have dependents (something that would be strange, if not illegal in the civilian sector) but they ask this only because they want to make sure you have a plan to care for your dependents when you are deployed. i know several men and women who have been accepted to various branches of the military all of whom had children upon entry. no worries for you here!
did anyone go in at a time other than straight out of high school? how does that impact things? if i continue along my current path, i will be 32 when i graduate from nursing school. i don't know anyone who went in after they were 22, so i don't know if that matters or changes anything.
again, i'm almost 35 and i'm just beginning. there are several people here that are second-career nurses who are happily commissioning at ages beyond their twenties! i did clinicals with a maj in the af who had herself not commissioned until she was 39. she is the person who peaked my interest in the af. because i am not yet a member of the af i can't speak to how it is different from commissioning when you are younger, but i know for myself personally it is challenging me to get back into shape and that in itself is a much needed self-improvement.

sorry i can't answer your other questions. there are many nurses here that can give you excellent insight. until then, try searching this forum in previous posts. there is a wealth of information!

best of luck to you!

DanznRN, RN · Dec 13, 2007

I have been Navy for the past 10+ years and the Mrs. joined 4 years ago. I'll give you my perspective from the Navy side as best as I can. Keep in mind, we all have different experiences, both good and bad.

Is one branch more "family friendly" than another?

Every branch has it's goods and bads. I think the Air Force spends the most on its families. The Navy is O.K., not great. We have plenty of activities on the bases and there are family oriented organizations you can join.

I signed up on the Army, Navy and Air Force's sites yesterday to receive more information and am supposed to be contacted by a recruiter.

Those sights will get you an enlisted recruiter and information accordingly. You need a Medical/ Officer recruiter if you are trying to come in as a nurse. DO NOT EVEN TALK TO AN ENLISTED RECRUITER, THEY CAN NOT HELP YOU. If they call tell them you are a REGISTERED NURSE and need an OFFICER RECRUITER, can't stress this enough, trust me.

Did anyone go in at a time other than straight out of high school?

Didn't join until after 6 years of college and 2 Bachelor's degrees, I think I was 23 maybe 24. I didn't come in out of high school though. How does that impact things? Didn't really have an effect.

How can I determine if I would be a good fit to serve?

Ask yourself this questions first, " Can I be away from my family for 6 - 12 months?" The operational tempo of all the services as increased significantly over the past 3-5 years and there's no sign of slowing. Every member is having to be deployed at some point, so if you can say "yes" WITHOUT hesitation, then move on to the decision process. If you can't say "yes" don't waste your time, you'll be miserable.

Do you know anything about the programs offered for those still in school, specifically those related to nursing?

Navy has the Nurse Candidate Program. Pays for the last 2 years of school, gives a sign-on bonus and has obligated service. That's how I came in in 1997, the program is better now, other people can give you better details.

What is it like being a nurse in the service? What benefits and/or drawbacks have you experienced?

I think I make a ton more money in the Navy than civilian world and don't work to hard for what I get paid. That plus 30 days vacation per year, medical benefits, job security, I could go on. Drawback, see "..away from family 6 - 12 months." Small price to pay for I get in return, but that's me.

How does stationing work?

As a Navy Nurse Corps officer you will have a detailer. you tell them where you would LIKE to go and they will TRY to see if they can get you there. I have always made it where I wanted to go, but you have to be a little flexible. For instance, I wanted East coast one time, got Chicago, from being in San Diego it was an improvement, so I was fine with it. Still got us closer to the extended family.

How is family life on base?

This really doesn't apply unless you are overseas. You are still a normal person and the military is just another job, you're not sequestered. When you are overseas things are different, you spend more time on base. Overall, life on base overseas was great. Had sports programs for the kids, schools, commissary (groceries), exchange (department store), a small slice of home.

Are efforts made to keep the family together?

How do you mean "together?" Most duty stations, aside from deployments, allow families. There are "unaccompanied" ones, but you normally have to volunteer for those, in the Navy.

How much time would I likely have to be away from them completely?

See "deployment" talk above. The Navy Nurses generally do 6 months, generally. Some deployments last 12 months, depends on who you are with. We (the Navy) have been supplementing the Army from time to time and those have been 12 - 18 months. I have heard some Army deployments lasting 12 months to 2 years, but depends on what you do. I have a friend who is an Army nurse and he couldn't say whether nurses were doing 2 years or not. Lastly, the Air Force does 4 months to 12 months, depends. Probably not what you want to hear, buit what you need to hear if you're considering the military. you need to come in with your eyes WIDE OPEN.

Any other insights you can give as to military life?

I could go on and on about why I like the Navy vs. Civilian. I actually got out of the Navy after 5 years and worked as a civilian, thought the grass was greener. I was wrong, stayed out 11 months and scratched and clawed to get back in. Actually decided to get back in 82 days after I got out, just took 11 months to process the paperwork. I'm never leaving until I retire.

How long would I need to enlist?

Nurses don't enlist, we get commissioned, big difference. You are an officer as a nurse, huge difference from enlisted. Your initial commitment all depends on what you sign up for. MOst initial tours are 3 years or so.

What is the likelihood I would be stationed overseas?

If you mean just stationed overseas, that's up to you. We chose to get stationed in Italy for 3 years, do it again in a heartbeat. Traveled all over Europe and the Navy paid to get us there, can't wait to go back over somewhere, maybe Spain or Guam next time around. If you mean deployments, refer to the above.

Are some specialties within nursing more likely to go overseas? Are some more likely to be utilized in war?

In the Navy, when it comes to war time, we are all basically the same. Everyone WILL get their turn, not a matter of if, but when.

What if I decided to become a nurse practitioner or CRNA?

Good idea. The Navy just put me through CNS/NP school, took the last 2 finals yesterday. Now I'm off for 5 weeks until I have to go back to work. Did I mention the Navy paid for school and I got my full pay and benefits just to attend school. Didn't have to work for a year and a half, talk about SWEEET!! I had to apply for a program for the Navy and compete, but it was worth it, not everyone gets selected mind you.

Do those that go in as nurses tend to become career or serve their time and then work as civilians?

Everyone is different, no stereotype for this. I'm gonna be career, it works for me. As for my wife, some days it works for her, some days it doesn't. It's a totally personal choice.

Is it difficult to transition to a civilian role?

From Navy to civilian, yes, was a bit hard for me. there is a lot of structure and order to most things in the military. When you go back to civilian, it's not there and everyone plays by their own rules. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. Se below for more...

I have heard military nurses tend to have a little more autonomy than civilian nurses.

I would have to agree with this statement. In the civy world doctors are well, doctors. They continue to believe they are invincible and that nurses need to serve them. In the Navy I am the same rank or outrank some doctors, so you don't have to take that crap, that's where the military is great, in my opinion. That and there is always someone higher ranking than who you are dealing with, if you can't get through to them, go to the next level, works beautifully. Don't have a rank structure in the civy world.

What are my options as far as specialty within nursing? Do I choose or does someone else decide based on what is needed and ability?

Needs of the Navy, that's what you will hear. If you already have experience in something, that MAJORLY helps. I'm ER/Trauma by choice and have been able to work either ER or ICU my whole career. If you are certified, that's even better. My wife had 4 years experience and was certified in L&D, so she's an L&D nurse like she wants.

Are promotion opportunities for nurses different between the branches? Do pay rates and benefits vary?

Pay and benefits are the same for all 3 services that use nurses. Advanced Practice nurses get a bonus, but not much. As for promotions, they work differently in all the services. In the Navy you're an ENSIGN for 2 years and then a LTJG for 2 years and then an LT for 4-6years, these are automatic, don't kill anyone and you will get promoted, basically. After that you have to start working for it. I'm a LCDR or 04, got promoted in August on my first try. Do a Google search for "military pay chart" to see how it all works pay-wise.

What about basic training? I read yesterday on one of the sites that it is different for someone coming in as a nurse.

Yep, no basic. Navy has Officer Development School. You go to Rhode Island for a 5 week "vacation" (Ha-Ha) to get taught how to be a Naval officer. Mind you it's done with drill instructors yelling at you, but it's only 5 weeks. Enlisted basic is 13. No biggie, my wife wishes she could go back, she lost like 10-15 pounds while she was there. I think I lost 8, best shape of my life ever.

For those serving, what do you wish you had asked or known before you signed up?

Why didn't I hear about it sooner, honestly. Did you know you can fly internationally for virtually nothing? Made a few trips back and forth from Italy to the States, cost my family of 5 $125 for food. It's called an AMC flight, I can explain later. We plan on going back to Spain this summer for vacation.

I hope this has helped. I don't want you to think I answered certain things to discourage you, lord knows we need more nurses. However, we need nurses that are going to be happy in the military. Ask anyone on here, I tell it straight so you're not blindsided if you come in to the service. Good luck and tell me if I can answer anything else, take care.

LCDR Dan

fmrnicumom · Dec 13, 2007

Thank you so much for all the information! I really appreciate it. :) I also appreciate that you are straight with your answers. I definitely don't want to be blindsided

When I asked about "keeping families together" I was referring to them being able to go where I go. I realize deployments are different and that is something I need to talk over with my husband and think long and hard about. At this exact second, if I had to go away for 6-12 months, it would be too much. However, this is largely because my son was recently diagnosed with epilepsy and we are working to get it under control. In 3 years, when I'm done with my BSN, my hopes will be that it will be under control. At that point, he will be a month shy of 6 and my daughter will be almost 13.

As I said, my dad was an officer in the Army. We were stationed in Panama for 5 years. (2 tours) I know the experience overseas is different from stateside. I suppose I should have clarified that in my post. My dad always spoke highly of serving and I know it is extremely important to him. He's actually in Iraq right now, although as a civilian. He's just happy to be able to serve our troops.

I just received a call from a Navy recruiter and he asked me a few questions and gave me the number for an officer recruiter and said I would need to talk to them and that nurses are definitely needed.

Again thank you for all the answers.

Tiffany

DanznRN, RN · Dec 15, 2007

Tiffany-

As a side note about your son. The Navy has the EFM, Exceptional Family Member program for families that have kids with special needs, such as his Epilepsy. In these cases, they try and keep you stationed near a large medical facility so he can receive the care he needs. They also generally don't station you overseas because there are rarely the large facilities that provide the specialized care he may need. It all depends on what his care will require. Just something else to consider in your decision process, think of the money you'd save on his care? Wow, might be worth a deployment.

LCDR Dan

Gennaver, MSN · Dec 15, 2007

Thank you. :) I know many in the military have families. I was an Army brat myself. This may sound terrible but I don't know how it works when it is the mother who is active duty and I have heard there is a preference for women coming in to not have children at that time. .... Thank you! :)

Hello,

The cohort group of new nurses that I started with at my hospital, (Army Nurses) included five prior service, five men, ten women, five ROTC and five direct commission.

Of this group five of the women are mothers with children ranging from toddler to teens.

Gen

fmrnicumom · Dec 15, 2007

LCDR Dan, thank you for that information! I had no idea anything like that existed. Medical costs can be so high! We've been so fortunate to have pretty good insurance, but it changed after he was released from the NICU. (Thankfully not before he was born!) We've already spent over $5,000 on his care this year and are waiting for some bills to come in. Do you know anything about the Navy Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program? I received an email giving a few details about the program.

Gen, thank you. I figured some of what I heard was not true. Having just started the research process, I don't know enough yet to know what is and is not true. How are things going for you?

Thank you so much for all the information! I appreciate it. :)

Tiffany

DanznRN, RN · Dec 16, 2007

Tiffany-

Unfortunately I do not know much about it, it may be the same as the Nurse Candidate Program, but I truly don't have experience with it. The Navy changes it's program names all the time and trying to keep up with it is not easy. Some other of the newer nurses Navy nurses may know, should here back in a day or 2.

LCDR Dan

fmrnicumom · Dec 16, 2007

Thanks. :) I'll have to ask the officer recruiter when I call. I'll post what I find out so others can have an idea. The email basically said that for up to three years prior to graduation, you'll receive a monthly income including "military salary, a food allowance and a housing allowance that is based upon the location of the school you attend." It says the money is "paid to you to use however you want" and you will also receive health care coverage. It also says "there is no commitment until you graduate." I don't know the specifics of what they ask in return.

Thanks again! :)

Tiffany

KDRUS22 · Dec 16, 2007

LCDR Dan-

You said that in nursing school the Navy paid for your tuition, plus gave you a salary. I have heard the same from many other Navy nurses. I have been in touch with an officer recruiter and when I asked him about this he said he had no idea what I was talking about. He continued that they do not PAY for school. When I apply to the NCP (if I am accepted) they give me an initial 10k sign on and then $1000 per month to put TOWARDS school. So this means that wherever I go to school ( I'm looking into the accelerated BSN programs) I have to pay rent, pay for whatever costs of school that aren't covered, PLUS pay for my undergraduate loans monthly. Is this true? I felt like a benefit of the Navy was that they help you financially, not make you go into more debt? Should I be more demanding in what I want? I was SO passionate about Navy nursing and I'm afraid the financial situation is discouraging me, which I DO NOT want to happen.

I have been Navy for the past 10+ years and the Mrs. joined 4 years ago. I'll give you my perspective from the Navy side as best as I can. Keep in mind, we all have different experiences, both good and bad.
Is one branch more "family friendly" than another?
Every branch has it's goods and bads. I think the Air Force spends the most on its families. The Navy is O.K., not great. We have plenty of activities on the bases and there are family oriented organizations you can join.
I signed up on the Army, Navy and Air Force's sites yesterday to receive more information and am supposed to be contacted by a recruiter.
Those sights will get you an enlisted recruiter and information accordingly. You need a Medical/ Officer recruiter if you are trying to come in as a nurse. DO NOT EVEN TALK TO AN ENLISTED RECRUITER, THEY CAN NOT HELP YOU. If they call tell them you are a REGISTERED NURSE and need an OFFICER RECRUITER, can't stress this enough, trust me.
Did anyone go in at a time other than straight out of high school?
Didn't join until after 6 years of college and 2 Bachelor's degrees, I think I was 23 maybe 24. I didn't come in out of high school though. How does that impact things? Didn't really have an effect.
How can I determine if I would be a good fit to serve?
Ask yourself this questions first, " Can I be away from my family for 6 - 12 months?" The operational tempo of all the services as increased significantly over the past 3-5 years and there's no sign of slowing. Every member is having to be deployed at some point, so if you can say "yes" WITHOUT hesitation, then move on to the decision process. If you can't say "yes" don't waste your time, you'll be miserable.
Do you know anything about the programs offered for those still in school, specifically those related to nursing?
Navy has the Nurse Candidate Program. Pays for the last 2 years of school, gives a sign-on bonus and has obligated service. That's how I came in in 1997, the program is better now, other people can give you better details.
What is it like being a nurse in the service? What benefits and/or drawbacks have you experienced?
I think I make a ton more money in the Navy than civilian world and don't work to hard for what I get paid. That plus 30 days vacation per year, medical benefits, job security, I could go on. Drawback, see "..away from family 6 - 12 months." Small price to pay for I get in return, but that's me.
How does stationing work?
As a Navy Nurse Corps officer you will have a detailer. you tell them where you would LIKE to go and they will TRY to see if they can get you there. I have always made it where I wanted to go, but you have to be a little flexible. For instance, I wanted East coast one time, got Chicago, from being in San Diego it was an improvement, so I was fine with it. Still got us closer to the extended family.
How is family life on base?
This really doesn't apply unless you are overseas. You are still a normal person and the military is just another job, you're not sequestered. When you are overseas things are different, you spend more time on base. Overall, life on base overseas was great. Had sports programs for the kids, schools, commissary (groceries), exchange (department store), a small slice of home.
Are efforts made to keep the family together?
How do you mean "together?" Most duty stations, aside from deployments, allow families. There are "unaccompanied" ones, but you normally have to volunteer for those, in the Navy.
How much time would I likely have to be away from them completely?
See "deployment" talk above. The Navy Nurses generally do 6 months, generally. Some deployments last 12 months, depends on who you are with. We (the Navy) have been supplementing the Army from time to time and those have been 12 - 18 months. I have heard some Army deployments lasting 12 months to 2 years, but depends on what you do. I have a friend who is an Army nurse and he couldn't say whether nurses were doing 2 years or not. Lastly, the Air Force does 4 months to 12 months, depends. Probably not what you want to hear, buit what you need to hear if you're considering the military. you need to come in with your eyes WIDE OPEN.
Any other insights you can give as to military life?
I could go on and on about why I like the Navy vs. Civilian. I actually got out of the Navy after 5 years and worked as a civilian, thought the grass was greener. I was wrong, stayed out 11 months and scratched and clawed to get back in. Actually decided to get back in 82 days after I got out, just took 11 months to process the paperwork. I'm never leaving until I retire.
How long would I need to enlist?
Nurses don't enlist, we get commissioned, big difference. You are an officer as a nurse, huge difference from enlisted. Your initial commitment all depends on what you sign up for. MOst initial tours are 3 years or so.
What is the likelihood I would be stationed overseas?
If you mean just stationed overseas, that's up to you. We chose to get stationed in Italy for 3 years, do it again in a heartbeat. Traveled all over Europe and the Navy paid to get us there, can't wait to go back over somewhere, maybe Spain or Guam next time around. If you mean deployments, refer to the above.
Are some specialties within nursing more likely to go overseas? Are some more likely to be utilized in war?
In the Navy, when it comes to war time, we are all basically the same. Everyone WILL get their turn, not a matter of if, but when.
What if I decided to become a nurse practitioner or CRNA?
Good idea. The Navy just put me through CNS/NP school, took the last 2 finals yesterday. Now I'm off for 5 weeks until I have to go back to work. Did I mention the Navy paid for school and I got my full pay and benefits just to attend school. Didn't have to work for a year and a half, talk about SWEEET!! I had to apply for a program for the Navy and compete, but it was worth it, not everyone gets selected mind you.
Do those that go in as nurses tend to become career or serve their time and then work as civilians?
Everyone is different, no stereotype for this. I'm gonna be career, it works for me. As for my wife, some days it works for her, some days it doesn't. It's a totally personal choice.
Is it difficult to transition to a civilian role?
From Navy to civilian, yes, was a bit hard for me. there is a lot of structure and order to most things in the military. When you go back to civilian, it's not there and everyone plays by their own rules. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. Se below for more...
I have heard military nurses tend to have a little more autonomy than civilian nurses.
I would have to agree with this statement. In the civy world doctors are well, doctors. They continue to believe they are invincible and that nurses need to serve them. In the Navy I am the same rank or outrank some doctors, so you don't have to take that crap, that's where the military is great, in my opinion. That and there is always someone higher ranking than who you are dealing with, if you can't get through to them, go to the next level, works beautifully. Don't have a rank structure in the civy world.
What are my options as far as specialty within nursing? Do I choose or does someone else decide based on what is needed and ability?
Needs of the Navy, that's what you will hear. If you already have experience in something, that MAJORLY helps. I'm ER/Trauma by choice and have been able to work either ER or ICU my whole career. If you are certified, that's even better. My wife had 4 years experience and was certified in L&D, so she's an L&D nurse like she wants.
Are promotion opportunities for nurses different between the branches? Do pay rates and benefits vary?
Pay and benefits are the same for all 3 services that use nurses. Advanced Practice nurses get a bonus, but not much. As for promotions, they work differently in all the services. In the Navy you're an ENSIGN for 2 years and then a LTJG for 2 years and then an LT for 4-6years, these are automatic, don't kill anyone and you will get promoted, basically. After that you have to start working for it. I'm a LCDR or 04, got promoted in August on my first try. Do a Google search for "military pay chart" to see how it all works pay-wise.
What about basic training? I read yesterday on one of the sites that it is different for someone coming in as a nurse.
Yep, no basic. Navy has Officer Development School. You go to Rhode Island for a 5 week "vacation" (Ha-Ha) to get taught how to be a Naval officer. Mind you it's done with drill instructors yelling at you, but it's only 5 weeks. Enlisted basic is 13. No biggie, my wife wishes she could go back, she lost like 10-15 pounds while she was there. I think I lost 8, best shape of my life ever.
For those serving, what do you wish you had asked or known before you signed up?
Why didn't I hear about it sooner, honestly. Did you know you can fly internationally for virtually nothing? Made a few trips back and forth from Italy to the States, cost my family of 5 $125 for food. It's called an AMC flight, I can explain later. We plan on going back to Spain this summer for vacation.
I hope this has helped. I don't want you to think I answered certain things to discourage you, lord knows we need more nurses. However, we need nurses that are going to be happy in the military. Ask anyone on here, I tell it straight so you're not blindsided if you come in to the service. Good luck and tell me if I can answer anything else, take care.
LCDR Dan