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.
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.
Good to know -- thanks! I'm meeting with an AMEDD healthcare recruiter this Tuesday, too.
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.
Yep, total coverage of the arms is what got ya. No more the 3/4 of exposed skin is allowed--in the AF at least. I'm not sure what the Navy's policy was but if the Army says yes, and that's what you want, press on! I work with several ex-Army RNs who went AF (got out of the Army then couldn't get back in years later). All speak highly of their Army experiences and one keeps threatening to go back if the AF doesn't give her what she wants :). Best of luck to you!
Little tattooed RNs rule! (Sorry, it had to be said).
Yep, total coverage of the arms is what got ya. No more the 3/4 of exposed skin is allowed--in the AF at least.
I think they may have revised that further -- the recruiter with whom I spoke told me no more than 25% of the exposed body part can be covered. But whether it's 25% or 75%, I still have too much, either way.
It was hilarious -- my husband and I walked into the Army recruiting station a few weeks back, and all eyes went to him -- he's a big guy, and he has facial tattoos (there's a picture of us on my profile page). I said, "Hi! My husband wants to sign up!" Their faces were priceless. Ha ha!! Even for the Army, that's too much coverage.
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
Good to know -- thanks! I'm meeting with an AMEDD healthcare recruiter this Tuesday, too.
I appreciate the input from everyone!