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Hello everyone,
I'm a civilian RN working in an ICU unit, as a new grad, and I'm thinking about joining the military instead of continuing nursing as a civilian. I was once enlisted in the Navy, so I know the military life pretty well, but I have some concerns and questions for any military nurse of any branch of service if you would be so kind as to share your thoughts.
My biggest concern is deployments. I'm not opposed to them at all, but I have a strong opposition to the Iraq war, and deploying there would be dangerous for myself and difficult for my family. This kind of information is often left out by the military nurse recruiters, and I'd really love to hear about the way things really are from those that are living it. Obviously I know military members cannot speak against the Iraq conflict, but I would like to know what your experiences are in your branch of service as far as deployments go.
Also, I haven't seen an awful lot about what the average work week is for most nurses. I'd assume its roughly 40-50 hours per week, but I'd like to hear if those numbers are made easier or more difficult in terms of staffing levels. Where I work there are nearly no Nurse techs or LPNs, so we're often on our own and our work week is quite strenuous. Any thoughts on this as well?
Again, any branch of service I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. I would greatly appreciate it.
Pssst...keep in mind some folks don't read an entire Thread before posting a reply.
Yeah, I know, I don't mean to sound so defensive. I get real irritated by all that talk about how "its the military, thus its your job to do whatever and go wherever." Its bullcrap. How many officers are abandoning the military in droves right now? Its not because their country asks them to deploy, but because of what that deployment is, for how long, how many tours and under what conditions. While being military means we may be asked to put ourselves in harms way, that should not prevent us from knowing more about what challenges we will face before we go off to face it. I believe that anyone who is thinking about joining should know the full, in-context reality of what they'll be doing, instead of just rah-rah propaganda.
Corvette Guy, I wouldn't dare presume to lecture you on these things because you've obviously been there and done that far more than I have. I'm just glad there are finallly some answers available to the questions I posed in the beginning of the thread. This kind of info was hard to find.
Yeah, I know, I don't mean to sound so defensive. I get real irritated by all that talk about how "its the military, thus its your job to do whatever and go wherever." Its bullcrap. How many officers are abandoning the military in droves right now? Its not because their country asks them to deploy, but because of what that deployment is, for how long, how many tours and under what conditions. While being military means we may be asked to put ourselves in harms way, that should not prevent us from knowing more about what challenges we will face before we go off to face it. I believe that anyone who is thinking about joining should know the full, in-context reality of what they'll be doing, instead of just rah-rah propaganda.Corvette Guy, I wouldn't dare presume to lecture you on these things because you've obviously been there and done that far more than I have. I'm just glad there are finallly some answers available to the questions I posed in the beginning of the thread. This kind of info was hard to find.
No problema
Originally Posted by Corvette Guy
Pssst...keep in mind some folks don't read an entire Thread before posting a reply.
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Well, am I wrong, or what?
The OP is a Navy Veteran and is well aware of the nature of the beast regards to deployments. The Navy is the most deployable of all military services but you know that...
BTW, the internet msg brds can be tricky regards to how one's intentions are interpreted. Please, I meant no disrespect to your previous post. I was just saying that often times we [self included] are guilty of replying to one or two post w/o reading the entire Thread, which allows insight on where the OP is coming from, thats all.
I don't know what your views are on the war in Iraq but if you join the Army Nurse Corps deployment at some time is vertualy guaranteed.
I was scheduled to deploy in June but had the mission postponed till November.
I have personal opinions about Bush and the war but I am not in the Army for political reasons. I am in the Army to care for the soldiers and civilians who are wounded. I do my job with pride and I hope that if you join any branch of the military you can do the same.
I don't know what your views are on the war in Iraq but if you join the Army Nurse Corps deployment at some time is vertualy guaranteed.I was scheduled to deploy in June but had the mission postponed till November.
I have personal opinions about Bush and the war but I am not in the Army for political reasons. I am in the Army to care for the soldiers and civilians who are wounded. I do my job with pride and I hope that if you join any branch of the military you can do the same.
"I have my personal opinions about Bush..."
I respectfully ask, did you mean to post any of the following?
Nonetheless, you make a very valid point that our reason for serving is not political but to provide healthcare for Armed Forces members, there dependents, retirees, as well as civilians involved in trauma incidents.
BTW, I hope to run into you at Ft Lewis some time in the future for a cup of java. I do hope all is going well with you & your family. Susan & I love it out here in the South Puget Sound area.
HOOAH!
I hope to run into you at Ft Lewis some time in the future for a cup of java. I do hope all is going well with you & your family. Susan & I love it out here in the South Puget Sound area.
HOOAH!
I'm glad you like the Pacific Northwest.I can't imagine living anywhere else. If you and your wife get a chance you should take a drive down the Gorge the falls and the mountains are beautiful.
As for the Java i'm not sure when we will be in the area next. My AT is back east this year.
Corvette Guy
1,505 Posts
Yes, it will be well worth it. HOOAH!
BTW, I guess you know the MOS 91C was converted over to 91WM6.
BTW2, which post are you referring to as being very informative? IMHO, for the most part they have all been great, which makes this an excellent Thread.