Interested in Nursing in Military??

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Hi, my name is Christian,

I'm in a dilemma; I am 16 and currently in my junior year of high school in Northern Virginia and I would like to know what kinds of part-time jobs I am eligible to apply for that may give me some kind of experience/head start/insight on what different kinds of Nursing is like. (I was thinking maybe some kind of assistant?)

Second part; this one is for you military nurses. When I attend college, I am planning to do AFROTC. Right now I am Flight Commander in my JROTC, and I am thinking about Nursing in the military. I really wanted to be an officer, and I was looking at becoming a Combat Rescue Officer. Could I have a degree in Nursing and still pursue this career? If not, what other kinds of Nursing careers are available in the Air Force, (or military in general) that are similar to being CRO? I would prefer active duty.

Thank you,

Christian

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Specializes in Surgery.

Hi Christian!

I can't help with the military part of your question but as you thought, I would suggest becoming a CNA, certified nursing assistant. I got my start at about 16 at a local nursing home who then paid for my CNA training/license. From there I moved on to a hospital where I would later land my first nursing job.

Being a CNA will really teach you a lot of the important skills you will need as an RN such as interacting with patients and family, prioritization and interacting with your coworkers..

I wish you luck!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Welcome to Allnurses.com! We have moved your thread to our Military Nursing forum so it will attract replies from our military nurses in the coming hours and days ahead. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

I'm not an expert on military rescue but I am an Air Force nurse. Yes you can be a nurse and a CRO, but why would you? A CRO does not perform patient care (as far as I know) and coordinates rescue resources. Combat medical care is performed by enlisted, paramedic or EMT level personnel. Nursing care starts at the field hospital and continues through the Air Evac system. If you want to be the tip of the spear, become a PJ or medic and put off becoming an officer. But if you want to be a nurse, you will be an officer and work in a nursing environment. I've heard rumors about putting nurses in choppers to perform front line evac and medical, but I don't know if that is true or not.

A CNA would be a good place to start to get some patient care experience and learn what nursing care is all about. Good luck.

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