Giving serious consideration to ANC

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I've been an RN since summer 2008, working in an ER, and I'll be graduating with my BSN in June. I'm giving serious consideration to going active duty with the Army. I grew up in a military family (overseas), and I find myself really missing the military environment. I had some kind of epiphany a few months ago -- it dawned on me that when I graduate, I won't be too old (almost, but not quite!) for active duty, and the more I considered it, the more I wanted to do it. My husband is all for it -- he's former Army himself (infantry, 11B!), and he's now a professional tattoo artist -- also a fairly portable profession. :)

Anyway, I'm meeting with a healthcare recruiter this coming Tuesday. I've come up with an initial list of questions for her about various things (timing, planning, documents I should start to gather, etc.), but I'm sure I'll be back here with questions. I know from past experience that the wheels turn slowly, so I expect this to be quite a lengthy undertaking. But I'm 99.9% sure I'll do it, if everything works out. I'm also too tattooed for any other branch of service except the Army. :D

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Sounds like you're doing all the right things and that you've done all your research. Listen carefully to the recruiter and be sure what you're being told makes sense (and this is true for ANY recruiter; I'm sure your husband is a valuable source of information on that!). Question anything that you either don't understand or don't quite see as possible (or plausible, for that matter). Get anything and everything they say or claim in writing.

You sound pretty sharp so I don't think that will be a problem.

I got out of the Air Force and spent several years trying to get back in. I missed it. This is the smartest decision I ever made. I think (and I hope, anyway) you'll be happy with your decision to go into the military.

And a tattoo artist? How cool is that?? :0)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I think it also helps that my stepfather was Army, I have a lot of friends who have gone on into the military, and some of the docs I work with in my ER were also military. I have many sources of information! :)

Funny -- when I was 18 and graduating from high school many years ago (at Ramstein AFB in Germany), my stepfather told me I should join the military. I think my reply was something like, "I'll never join the *&^%$#@ military." :D I haven't told my parents I'm looking into it until after I meet with the recruiter on Tuesday, but they are so going to remind me what I said way back in the day. Ha ha!

Thanks for your response. :)

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Make sure you come in with the M6 (i think that is it) Emergency Nursing Additional Skill Identifier. Or, you may get screwed and have to "try" to take the course to work in the ED. And getting a spot in the course is a pain in the ass.

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

To help you qualify for an ER spot, get your CEN while you are waiting! It's a touch test, but it'll really do well for you. In the civilian world, our certifications don't do alot for us, but in military they really matter.

I was in Miesau, West Germany 1986-1989. It's about 15 minutes from Ramstein and Lahnstul. When I got out of the Army I felt free and ready to start my life... now I'm begging to get back in. Military is a way of life and a mindset, sounds like you already know that one!

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Specializes in L&D, mother/baby, antepartum.
I'm also too tattooed for any other branch of service except the Army. :D

Don't let your tattoos limit you! I'm quite tattooed (two half sleeves and my back is 3/4 covered). My tattoos show in my AF blues uniform. I came into the AF with my tattoos. They took pictures and verified that nothing was gang related and I was good to go. Mind you, I can't get any more work done on my arms, but that's okay because I have plenty of space elsewhere!

That said, before I went AF I was also accepted into the Navy Nurse Corps but I declined my commission because the AF was a better fit for me. Same deal with the Navy, they took pictures and verified they were not gang related.

I actually love the reaction I get from my patients when they see my tattoos (although most of the time I wear a scrub jacket so they are hidden). I get comments like "You are the coolest officer I've ever met" and "Are you really a Captain?" It's a quadruple whammy--people don't really expect to see all those tattoos on a nurse, let alone a woman, an officer, and someone who works L&D. Top it all off with small stature and big personality--lets just say I'm somewhat a novelty in my hospital!

Go Army if that's what suits you, but don't let the tattoos hold you back from exploring your options. Good luck!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
To help you qualify for an ER spot, get your CEN while you are waiting! It's a touch test, but it'll really do well for you. In the civilian world, our certifications don't do alot for us, but in military they really matter.

I've already got my CEN. I'm hoping that helps! That's among my list of questions. Thanks!! :)

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Specializes in US Army.

ER Nurse is 66E M5, your CEN certification is the gold standard, so you should be able to come in as an ER nurse. Also ask them about the critical skill bonus, you may qualify for that as well. Speak with the AMEDD/Health Care recruiters, not a regular Army recruiter: http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/index.jsp

Check and recheck everything, and don't sign until you know exactly what you get.

Good luck.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Go Army if that's what suits you, but don't let the tattoos hold you back from exploring your options. Good luck!

I explored them, and was told I was too tattooed! :) My tattoos cover both arms, pretty much shoulder to wrist -- those were the issue. Back, chest, and legs they didn't seem to care about so much, but the arms were too much coverage. Ah well! You sound like me -- small and tattooed. :D

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Specializes in US Army.

Interesting ref. the tattoos. Who said you had too many and which regulation did they get that from??? AR 670-1 covers the Army's Tattoo Policy, the latest change is that thy now allow tattoos on both hands and neck. But here is a copy of the policy ref. tattoos:

AR 670-1 Chapter 1

e. Tattoo policy

(1) Tattoos or brands anywhere on the head, face, and neck above the class A uniform collar are prohibited.

(2) Tattoos or brands that are extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist are prohibited, regardless of location on the body,

as they are prejudicial to good order and discipline within units.

(a) Extremist tattoos or brands are those affiliated with, depicting, or symbolizing extremist philosophies, organizations,

or activities. Extremist philosophies, organizations, and activities are those which advocate racial, gender or

ethnic hatred or intolerance; advocate, create, or engage in illegal discrimination based on race, color, gender, ethnicity,

religion, or national origin; or advocate violence or other unlawful means of depriving individual rights under the U.S.

Constitution, Federal, or State law (see para 4–12, AR 600–20).

(b) Indecent tattoos or brands are those that are grossly offensive to modesty, decency, or propriety; shock the moral

sense because of their vulgar, filthy, or disgusting nature or tendency to incite lustful thought; or tend reasonably to corrupt morals or incite libidinous thoughts.

© Sexist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on gender,but that may not meet the same definition of “indecent.”

(d) Racist tattoos or brands are those that advocate a philosophy that degrades or demeans a person based on race,ethnicity, or national origin.

I have had soldiers come in with more stuff than you... Another thing to consider is to ask for a waiver. There is always a waiver to the rule. You should explore that possibility as well. Don't let this initial "no" stop you, take it up a step...

If all else fails, talk to your congressman/senator. Tell them how much you would love to serve your country, how much you'd love to be an Army nurse, etc., etc.

Good luck.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Air Force said I had too many. Army will allow a waiver. :)

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Specializes in US Army.

Cool. The Air Force can be very picky. You'll blend right in in the Army, just about everyone has tattoos...

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