Can I get a little information about being in the military and nursing?

[burnoutward, BSN, RN]

Hello all,

So I have been an oncology med-surg nurse for the past 2 years and I am thinking about exploring the world of Nurse Corps although I have a few questions first and hopefully you are able to answer them. :)

What is it like for an experience nurse to enter the nursing corps? If I wanted to explore a new area of nursing like emergency nursing, how is the training/orientation?

What is life like when you are off-duty? What are you required to do if anything?

If you are overseas, where do you stay? Are you allowed to rent somewhere or do they prefer you to stay on base?

Finally, how strict is life it in the nursing corps, as in as you expected to act a certain way?

Are there any sites you'd recommend checking out besides the official Nurse corp sites?

Thanks in advance. :)

[zombie]

I worked in ICU and came in with experience. Emergency nursing is hard to get into because of the training slots. Your not going to be doing it atleast for the first two years and then you have to get into the course. If you really want to do the ER thing get a job in the ER in civillian world and get certification and then join the service with the skill identifier... less headache.

Orientation/training as an experience nurse is minimal once you get out of the general officer course. You shouldnt have to do the residency program.

Off duty is your time.. just act like you have some sense.. no drinking and driving, cheating on your wife, and doing drugs. Your required to let them know if you are traveling a long distance...

If your overseas your in a apt/house on or off base. Your are expected to act like an officer.. basically dont do stupid stuff. Show respect to others etc. you get taught courtesies etc in officer course.

this site is probably best.

good luck.

I don't regret joining. Its mainly about WHO my patients are now and WHO I work with. Best people you will ever work with or work on in your life (they are the same). Benefits are good... Join up for 3 years and if you like it great if not you have some stories to tell.