Deploying as a military RN

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I have been an ICU RN for 6 years. I recently have been thinking about joining the military as a RN. My question is how likely are my chances to deploy to a combat zone? I know that's part of the deal, but I am a single parent and I worry about my child. I do have a family plan in place, but I'm hoping for assignments I can keep him with me. How realistic is this?

Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Wow. That statement about child or military really hit me hard. Thank you for already apologizing. Here's my point of view as a parent:

I'm rejoining the military. I got out to have a family. I had wanted to stay in the army, but the situation was best for me to ETS. I'm finally rejoining at this late hour. My youngest is 14. I'm leaving him here with his father, by his choice. He knows he can come with me if he chooses to at any time, and his dad is my biggest supporter right now. Believe me, choosing to leave my kids is the hardest thing I will ever do. But I have their support and I know it is the right thing to do. Luckily San Antonio is a nonstop flight and I will see my kids plenty. And of course, the internet lets us see each other as we talk.

Be careful to judge others too quickly. One day you may find yourself in their shoes.

Specializes in Med/Onc, Med/Surg, Stepdown, ICU.

Just to give you an idea of how it is here at Keesler...we're the second largest base for deployment, behind Lackland. ICU nurses deploy every time our band comes up. Some go even more. We deploy for 6 months, then home for 18, but during those 18 months, there are TDY's for training. I'm still new to the Air Force, so I'm just getting started with everything (I'm by no means an expert)! I've been here at Keesler for a month and a half. I'll be leaving in 2 weeks for a 6 week TDY for Air & Space Basic Course (which is an honor to be asked to go to...you don't turn this kind of stuff down). At some point, I'll have to go to EMEDS and CCAT training, which are a few weeks a piece, and they're not at Keesler. Then you have deployment training (someone correct me if I'm wrong here). I'm scheduled to deploy in Jan 2012 (my band is out right now). If something happens in the world that required Air Force assistance, and they tell me to go, I'm going (not to sound too harsh, but having a hubby and kids that need me isn't an excuse)! We had a group that went to Haiti and have a group in Chile right now. The group that went to Chile had less than 24 hour notice. And for most of them, it wasn't "their turn" to deploy.

Point of the story (and again, not to sound harsh)...you're an Airman first, then a nurse. It's an honor to deploy, and unfortunately, you have to sacrifice time with your family to serve our country. This is what you sign up for, so if you have a plan and you're ready to sacrifice time with your baby, then go for it...it's going to be an experience you'll never forget! You just make the best of your time with family while you're home! You'll be able to support your baby in ways you'd never expect!

Good luck with your decision!! :)

I think you need to decide if you can be seperated from your child for a prolonged period of time. If I was a parent, that would not be an option for me unless I was in true dire financial need and you were doing it for your family.

I'm scheduled to deploy in Jan 2012 (my band is out right now). If something happens in the world that required Air Force assistance, and they tell me to go, I'm going (not to sound too harsh, but having a hubby and kids that need me isn't an excuse)!

Hey - I might actually meet you - that's my band too!

Specializes in Med/Onc, Med/Surg, Stepdown, ICU.

Carolinapooh, that would be awesome!! :yeah:

Specializes in Anesthesia.
Hey - I might actually meet you - that's my band too!

Maybe we will all deploy together. I am up for that band too.

Specializes in Med/Onc, Med/Surg, Stepdown, ICU.

How cool!! It's definitely a small Air Force!!

Holy smokes - it's an Allnurses convention... :)

Thanks for all the info! I definately wanted the harsh reality. My brother is Army and he deploys for 15 months every other year. My friend is Air Force and has never deployed, as of yet. That is why I wasn't sure were I would be and if it was different for medical staff. I'd hate to join without knowing the true facts. Just to clear it up, I would never think that joining the military I would never be deployed. I really wanted to know how long; 6 months vs 15 months. Thanks everyone for the info!

Current Air Force medical deployments are six months. When you arrive at your base, you're put into a deployment "band". My band is set to deploy in December '11/January '12.

Specializes in Anesthesia.
Thanks for all the info! I definately wanted the harsh reality. My brother is Army and he deploys for 15 months every other year. My friend is Air Force and has never deployed, as of yet. That is why I wasn't sure were I would be and if it was different for medical staff. I'd hate to join without knowing the true facts. Just to clear it up, I would never think that joining the military I would never be deployed. I really wanted to know how long; 6 months vs 15 months. Thanks everyone for the info!

There are weird anomalies like myself that have been in the AF for years and never deployed, but it isn't from being on profile or in weird speciality that has caused me not to deploy it is just pure luck of the draw. Although my latest Airman Developmental Plan had these sage words of advice for my next command "Deploy at earliest opportunity". That was the extent of my whole ADP, and considering my new profession I will be lucky to actually make it to my actual band before being deployed....lol

The best advice I can give about deployments is try to be prepared when you get called up, and count yourself lucky if you don't have to go.

There are weird anomalies like myself that have been in the AF for years and never deployed, but it isn't from being on profile or in weird speciality that has caused me not to deploy it is just pure luck of the draw. Although my latest Airman Developmental Plan had these sage words of advice for my next command "Deploy at earliest opportunity". That was the extent of my whole ADP, and considering my new profession I will be lucky to actually make it to my actual band before being deployed....lol

The best advice I can give about deployments is try to be prepared when you get called up, and count yourself lucky if you don't have to go.

Given your new job title I'd say that (unfortunately or fortunately) it's just a matter of time for ya, ma'am.... :p Hopefully you'll be with me, though!

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