Gas Chamber - Asthma

Atheos · May 27, 2008

After reading the thread about the gas chamber, I think I understand why the military does not allow people with asthma to join. Seems like if you have asthma, going into the gas chamber could be life threatening.
I've asked about this before, because I do have asthma, but is there no waiver? I've been told conflicting things by people at work.
I'm not trying to dodge the requirements. I'd like to serve in the military, as a nurse. I know that if I had to go into the gas chamber, it would be a very, very bad day. Maybe I just have to face the facts that I've got bad lungs.
Any input is appreciated.

There is no waiver. My brother's friend just went to the Corps recruiters and they would not let him in. However, nurse or not, being stuck in a combat zone without an inhaler would make a soldier useless and a strain on the others. When I went in, a couple of people that hid it were put out when they were found out.

Gottago · May 28, 2008

Yep, just my luck.

allnurses Guide · May 28, 2008

After reading the thread about the gas chamber, I think I understand why the military does not allow people with asthma to join. Seems like if you have asthma, going into the gas chamber could be life threatening.
I've asked about this before, because I do have asthma, but is there no waiver? I've been told conflicting things by people at work.
I'm not trying to dodge the requirements. I'd like to serve in the military, as a nurse. I know that if I had to go into the gas chamber, it would be a very, very bad day. Maybe I just have to face the facts that I've got bad lungs.
Any input is appreciated.

I wasn't going to comment, but yes as a medical officer/nurse sometimes waivers are granted for asthma (it is actually fairly common). The Army I think tends to be the most lenient and they look at your performance as an ashtmatic...basically they look at your potential ability to do a pt test and all the other things a deployed nurse can do. If you regularly use a rescue inhaler then the military is probably not the place for you.

Gottago · May 28, 2008

Thankfully, I do not use an inhaler. I was diagnosed with asthma after an accident. I believe the test they used as the diagnosis was the methylcholine stress test. I failed.

Yet, as of today, I have not had to use an inhaler on a regular basis.

Thanks for the advice.

allnurses Guide · May 28, 2008

Thankfully, I do not use an inhaler. I was diagnosed with asthma after an accident. I believe the test they used as the diagnosis was the methylcholine stress test. I failed.
Yet, as of today, I have not had to use an inhaler on a regular basis.
Thanks for the advice.

It sounds like you have good chance of getting a wavier, but each branch is going to be a little different in their requirements. The AF is probably the most strict about asthma, but that will also probably depend on what your speciality is.

Gennaver, MSN · May 30, 2008

Yep, just my luck.

This wouldn't prevent you from trying to go in as a GS employee, (http://www.usajobs.gov)

Dont' give up until you are denied several times over, right?

Gen

Gottago · May 30, 2008

Thank you. I've looked into usajobs. I plan to pursue the military, since I feel this is something I want to do.

Gennaver, MSN · May 31, 2008

Thank you. I've looked into usajobs. I plan to pursue the military, since I feel this is something I want to do.

Hello Gottgo,

Well...then do not give up until you have been denied several times, (they denied me more than twice due to oversight and error and paper mistakes on the part of others beyond my control). Had I taken the first or second denial then I wouldn't be in.

All that said...I wish I'd have known about usajobs.gov sooner and would rather have, in hindsight, test drove working as a Military nurse first.

Best,

Gen

caliotter3 · May 31, 2008

I worked with a soldier who had asthma. We never discussed it, so I don't know if she came in with a waiver or not. But there she was.

Gottago · May 31, 2008

You made an interesting point. I wonder why you would've preferred a test drive? Culture shock? I would think going from civilain to military life would be an adjustment, to say the least. Personally, I'm getting a little long in the tooth, and I've always wondered about service in the military.

At least you have tenacity concerning the denials.

olderthandirt2 · May 31, 2008

Hello Gottgo,
Well...then do not give up until you have been denied several times, (they denied me more than twice due to oversight and error and paper mistakes on the part of others beyond my control). Had I taken the first or second denial then I wouldn't be in.
All that said...I wish I'd have known about usajobs.gov sooner and would rather have, in hindsight, test drove working as a Military nurse first.
Best,
Gen

Hi Guys,

Just thought I would interject here on the subject of "test drive".

Another way to see if working with the Military is compatible for you------is to volunteer with a medical mission overseas!

I did this twice in the last 2 years on the USNS Mercy and the USS Peleliu, both in Southeast Asia. It was a blast. Costly, but a great learning experience and really rewarding as well.

I worked as NGO volunteer, side by side with Army, Navy and Air Force nurses and MDs. It was through those experiences that I realized how cool it was to be involved with the military. Watching the logistics of a mission AND helping populations in need.....very cool:)

cb