Just finished school taking NCLEX, looking into Military options?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 30, 2011

Hello, this is my first time posting. I am a new RN, soon to take the Boards. I was wondering about the Military, specifically about the NAvy and Air Force Nursing options for women. I understand that the Navy does not deploy Women, but I would like to know my options. I have talked to a recruiter but he was very vague.. Air Force I am interested in their Flight Nurse, but can not find any information on what is required or what it involves. Can someone please help me. Thank you.

Oh, the Navy DEFINITELY deploys women on their ships and on IA assignments: I know many of them. Where did you hear that they don't?

Generally, you'd have to have a BSN in order to be commissioned as an officer in the military. If you have an ADN/diploma, you could enter as an enlisted in some branches. As far as age requirements and specific programs that you could enter into, you'd have to check with each individual branch since they vary.

One important thing to know about the military before you do this: don't expect that as a female RN that you'll spend your entire career at one base hospital and never have to move. The minute you're in the military, you've got the same chances as anyone else to be deployed or to be stationed in other states or countries. One of my nurse friends was a new grad and had just finished officer candidate school (Navy) when she got orders to go to Iraq for a year. Right out of the gate, she got sent on an IA tour.

So please keep that in mind before you sign up. Best of luck whatever you decide!