Experiences as a Community Nurse/PHN in Army

[sl6ivy]

I'm going on my second year as a med-surg nurse (66H) in the army in Korea. I'm 3 classes short of finishing a masters in public health and one day plan to do an intra-service transfer into the US Public Health Corps. Right now I'm debating on staying a 66H or going to the PHN course (66B). Of course there is half the population that say need more med-surg experience and the other half saying you can do it. There is no doubt that I can do it, but I just not quite clear what I would be doing. I've done on the job training, but I know Korea's experience will be different from another place. So my question is how is being a 66B from personal experiences and do you recommend more time in med-surg? Thanks

[Gennaver, MSN]

I'm going on my second year as a med-surg nurse (66H) in the army in Korea. I'm 3 classes short of finishing a masters in public health and one day plan to do an intra-service transfer into the US Public Health Corps. Right now I'm debating on staying a 66H or going to the PHN course (66B). Of course there is half the population that say need more med-surg experience and the other half saying you can do it. There is no doubt that I can do it, but I just not quite clear what I would be doing. I've done on the job training, but I know Korea's experience will be different from another place. So my question is how is being a 66B from personal experiences and do you recommend more time in med-surg? Thanks

Follow what you want to do. I spoke with the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, (you must be 44 to enter and it is easier if you are under 8 years Military service otherwise there is a retirement waiver and you also keep your rank from military as well). The CCof PHS is interested. When I spoke with the Army they said they like lots and lots of years of bedside experience...the AF said that if you are trained and certified then they recognize it readily.

Possibly you may be interested to transfer to AF OR straight to CC of PHS if this is where your interest is, (as is mine, directly after my Active Duty service committment-which has not started yet).

Gen