Direction regarding Army Reserves

[pedsrn74]

I am currently enrolled in an RN to BSN program and have been getting info here and there regarding the possibility of joining the Army Reserves when I have completed the program. I have spoken to a recruiter a couple of times via phone, I should probably go in and speak with one for better answers.

I have been a pediatric/post partum/nursery nurse. When I look at the jobs, I don't see pediatrics or nursery, but I do see obstetrics - but I don't have labor and delivery experience.

Should I be working in a different specialty if I want to have a career in the army? I also noted on another thread about have a national certification. Is that a requirement?

Thanks for any direction.

[Iworecords, RN]

Ok -- Unless the regulations have changed you do not need a BSN to join the Army Reserves -- but you must complete your BSN before you are eligible for Major (O4). There are various financial programs the Army Reserves offers to RN's who are completing their BSN.

Also all new nurses entering the Army Reserves are considered med/surg nurses unless you have years of experience and certifications in a specialty. And the Army -- after reviewing your paperwork -- will determine if you will carry the designator for that specialty or continue as a med/surg nurse.

Now you will have to do some research. The Army Reserves has retired the flags of many Army Reserve hospitals -- so there might not be one near you. It might mean that you will have to travel 8 hours or more to drill -- which means getting a hotel room for at least 2 nights on your dime -- and paying for your meals. If you are lucky enough to find a Reserve hospital located on a military post you may be able to stay in the VOQ (Visiting Officers Quarters) which are much cheaper than staying in a hotel. But you will have to determine whether joining the Reserves will be beneficial to you financially if you must travel a long distance.

Also realize that the Army Reserves likes to "camp out" in the woods every couple of years on AT. That will mean almost 2 weeks of living in a tent -- using flashlights instead of electric lights -- primative hygiene (you might get a shower once or twice a week) -- etc etc etc. If you are not up for that -- get your BSN and look into the Air Force or the Navy.

Also realize that once you sign on the dotted line, you are owned by the Army!! Once you have finished Officer's Basic you can receive a phone call to report to such and such a place -- find yourself on a plane -- and going off to where ever. Oh the Reserves will train you -- for roughly 4 to 6 weeks -- and then deploy you. Don't think it won't happen to you -- it does!! Now if you are in school, they might make an exception -- but most schools allow you to return and pick up where you left off -- or finish the semester via correspondence -- etc. Check with your school to see how they would handle it.

DO NOT fall for a line some recuiters use -- that enlisting is the easiest way to get commissioned!!!!!!!!!!!! Too many RN's have fallen victim to this and then have had to fight to get commissioned. Now I have heard from friends recently retired from the Reserves that there are more and more candidates for fewer and fewer slots -- mainly because of the educational benefits being offered. Keep bugging the recuiter!!! Make an appointment to see them face to face. When you get to the point of filling out paperwork do not hesitate or procrastinate.

Good luck. I retired just about 10 yrs ago after a career of 30 yrs -- and would do it again in a heart beat. I refuse to sugar coat things tho and will shoot from the hip.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Ok -- Unless the regulations have changed you do not need a BSN to join the Army Reserves -- but you must complete your BSN before you are eligible for Major (O4).

Yes, things have changed, and a BSN is now required. A friend of mine who is a 2LT in the Reserves has also been denied promotion to 1LT until he has his BSN.

And thank you for your service!! :)