This forum has been wealth of information for me researching a possible career in the Army as a nurse. I have my BSN, 7 years of critical care experience, and i also have my CCRN. I have been somewhat discouraged when reading about how there is not a big need for Army nurses at this time. I have read a few threads somewhere along the way (not sure if it was this site or not) which indicated that being a male nurse may give me somewhat of an advantage in the selection process. Does anyone know if this rings true? I'm sure being male isn't a true qualifying factor, but i know in the military (as well as civilian) world we are a minority. (not as much in the military from what i've read, but still definitely more females).
Also i'm 34y.o., healthy, single, and no kids. Before i contact a recruiter will my age be a factor in them not considering me for enlistment? I know the Army's upper age limit is 42, but does anyone know if they prefer younger recruits? Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Don't exclude the Air Force. They have flying ICUs for transporting intubated and other critical soldiers. They will also take you older than any other service (47!). I just got an amazing bonus to join the Air National Guard. Although I work in ICU I will be a regular flight nurse (think flying med/surg). I'm new but loving it. I suppose they have ICUs on the ground too, yawn... :)
Don't exclude the Air Force. They have flying ICUs for transporting intubated and other critical soldiers. They will also take you older than any other service (47!). I just got an amazing bonus to join the Air National Guard. Although I work in ICU I will be a regular flight nurse (think flying med/surg). I'm new but loving it. I suppose they have ICUs on the ground too, yawn... :)
I hadn't looked into the air force, for some reason I thought that their upper age requirement was late 20s but thats great news! As far as the flying, i'm 6'4 aroung 220 lbs (which meets the army's wt restrictions for my height) but I've always been under the impression that someone my size wouldn't be the best candidate for flying in a helicopter due to wt restrictions and limited amt of room in them.
Also - what kind of bonus are we talking about here for air nat'l guard?
bonuses by ANG vary by state and their need.. you should google AG and ANG and reserve units in the geo area you are interested in. A LOT of AF flight nurses are Reserve or ANG capacity, but they are primarily a 'fixed wing' method of evac. Age requirements are generally different for the 'health care related and providers' of all branches and then there is some variation on guard and reserve and then there are also waivers available. Your weight isn't an issue as long as passing normal standards, as you mentioned.
I hadn't looked into the air force, for some reason I thought that their upper age requirement was late 20s but thats great news! As far as the flying, i'm 6'4 aroung 220 lbs (which meets the army's wt restrictions for my height) but I've always been under the impression that someone my size wouldn't be the best candidate for flying in a helicopter due to wt restrictions and limited amt of room in them.
Also - what kind of bonus are we talking about here for air nat'l guard?
The Air Force flies C-130s so they can handle your weight. As far as I know nurses don't fly around in helicopters, that's for medics. I'm getting $45,000 paid out over three years, once I finish all my schools (that's going to take a year or more probably). Hope that helps.
There are very isolated cases and such where a nurse might be airborne (army) or in a helicopter.. but to plan on this or to think this is a option is pretty much a pipe dream. Be flexible and operate within the left and right limits of your lane , Best of luck
Best of luck
nurse2033, MSN, RN
3 Articles; 2,133 Posts
Don't exclude the Air Force. They have flying ICUs for transporting intubated and other critical soldiers. They will also take you older than any other service (47!). I just got an amazing bonus to join the Air National Guard. Although I work in ICU I will be a regular flight nurse (think flying med/surg). I'm new but loving it. I suppose they have ICUs on the ground too, yawn... :)