Any Army Nurses? Would like some info, please!

live4today, RN · Jun 22, 2003

I've worked many years as a Department of the Army Civilian Nurse which gave me great exposure to Army Nurses. They all seemed to love being an Army Nurse, and loved the pay and educational opportunities just the same. The higher the nurses rank, the better the pay and bennies. Go for it! If I were young enough today to join the Army Nurse Corp, I would. :nurse:

roxannekkb · Jun 22, 2003

I worked as a civilian for both the Navy and the Airforce. The Airforce nurses seemed a lot happier with the military than the Navy ones, but then, I'm just comparing staff at two hospitals.

It really varies, I think, depending on the work you do, where you go, and so on. One thing to consider is that the military really does have a lot of control over your life, and there are a lot of rules and regulations. So if you're more of an independent type, who doesn't like taking orders, then it may not be for you.

I suggest you ask around, hook up with some Army nurses who can give you a real idea what it's like, and read the fine print before you sign. Some people love the military way of life, and it is a good way to get your schooling paid for.

nowplayingEDRN · Jun 22, 2003

Working as a civilian nurse for the Army for the last 5 yrs, I have found that the majority of the Army nurses are looking forward to their commitments being up so that they can return to the civilain sector to make some money. Yes, the exposeure in the military will be like none you have ever had...and it wil afford you the ability to travel a bit, however, be advised that the Army is and has been cutting back the number of nurses that they have so you will start to see lower staffing numbers. I will say that the army is very good about ensuring that you have a safe work environment, however, you will be the one working all the overtime because they do not want to pay the civilian nurses the over time, then there is the extra duty assignments that you will recieve in addition to your job as a nurse. But you will have excellent opportunity to expand your education and career into a leadership position. I would think long and hard about it....if you want your free time, the army life may not be the one for you. If you want to be worked to death yet have unlimited learning experience and a more or less garanteed safe work environment, with free health benefits and the ability to travel, go for it. I might suggest that you go to nursing school, get 1 yr experience and try civil service nursing and see how the military works.....you can always join after the fact...but that is my opinion. I admire the military nurses for what they do and for serving our great country but I do not envy that they are worked above and beyond what would be considered safe hours. Let me see if I can hook you up with a couple of the military nurses that I work with. Good luck in what ever you decide.

sjoe · Jun 23, 2003

Check out the forum "government employed nursing"