Deployed to Iraq before my one year of experience.

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Specializes in CCRN, CEN.

I have been informed my Army Nat'l Guard unit will be getting deployed in May and I will have not completed a full year in the ICU where I work at. Has anyone seen this happen and any advise with employeers when I get back. By the way I'm still an MP and not an army nurse.

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USERRA protects you. Let your employer know about your deployment and give them a copy of your orders ASAP.

I would start the package process for getting your commission now. The Army isn't stupid. (Slow process sometimes but not stupid.) Putting the wheels in motion is important in order to help you get to the best job for your skillset.

Thank you for your Service!

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:yeahthat: Get familiar with USERRA too. Many employers realize that they cannot penalize you because you are in the service. BUT there are many things in there that will serve you well only if you are aware of them.

On another note, my husband is a MP in the National Guard also. Keep yourself safe over there and may God see you back home!!! Good luck and thank you!!

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

I have no nurse-to-nurse advice, but please stay safe and come home soon!! We thank you for serving this country!:heartbeat

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Agree with the others. In addition, do not worry about nursing, getting a year of experience, or any of that stuff. Your primary task is to return home. Put the nursing on hold until you are back home. Good luck and take care.

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Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.

Good luck to you and thank you for serving our country.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I have been informed my Army Nat'l Guard unit will be getting deployed in May and I will have not completed a full year in the ICU where I work at. Has anyone seen this happen and any advise with employeers when I get back. By the way I'm still an MP and not an army nurse.

What exactly is your question ?

Your employer has to keep your job for you untill you get off active duty. They also have to give you any promotions or pay raises that you would have gotten had you been their for your deployment. I am a medic in the guard, but work in a ICU as a RN myself, so I feel you. Is this your 1st deployment ? If you are under a stop loss, it is too late now to apply for a direct commision.

Give your employer a copy of you pre deployment orders and notify them when you come back as to when you want to start again. I think you have three months after your discharged that you have to start back. You will accrue 30 days of leave if you dont take a 2 week break during your combat tour.

I am curious though, is your rank high enough so you wont lose money on your deployment ? I lose money when I go to war, but such is life.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

I have no advice for you. However I do know that your employer cannot penalize you for being deployed.

I do want to thank you for your service to our country. Stay safe and come home soon.

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Thank you for your service!

My DD is a combat medic in the regular Army and she is on her second deployment (due home EOM). My husband is SCANG AGR Master Gunner. His son is an MP.

You have been given good advice here. Your employer must protect your position. Keep yourself safe! :D

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