Military Nursing, what do you think or know?

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Guys I'm a 26 year old male in a two year RN program. I'm very seriously considering military nursing. I realize I'd have to finish my bachelors beforehand and then would be able to join the military as an officer. There are many things that attract me to military nursing and have been espoused by others who have worked as military nurses. I think the discipline, professionalism and sense of teamwork are more evident in the military than in the civillian nursing arena. I don't think the lack of respect from doctors etc. is as evident in the military as in civillian nursing. Plus the military really takes care of their own as far as pushing you to excel and providing you with the financial resources to further your education. I just don't see a lot of those things in the civillian sector. What do you bros think? I'm single and wouldn't have to worry about moving all the time.

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Hi! I am 36 years old and I will be immigrating to the US as a nurse this February 2006, can I still join the US military. Have always wanted to be one. Thanks in advance for the replies.

Apply for US citizenship, or have a permanent visa... before your 46 yrs old. ;)

To qualify for an appointment as an Officer in the Army Nurse Corps, you must:

  • Meet the prescribed medical and moral standards for appointment as a commissioned Officer
  • Be a United States citizen or have a permanent visa
  • Have an associate's degree in nursing or a three-year nursing diploma or a bachelor of science in nursing for Reserve; have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited school of nursing for Active Duty
  • Have a valid, unrestricted RN license
  • Be 21-46 years of age

Reference

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
There is an age cut off for enlisted and you have to be a citizen to be an officer.

Enlisted? Is Rep an LVN, or an RN?

Age "cut-off" for ANC Officer is 46 yrs old, and can be waived. Rep could become a US citizen, or have a permanent visa, then apply for the Army Nurse Corps. Reference

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Specializes in primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, NICU.

May I join this conversation? I have my BSN and I am a 42 year old female RN. I just began working on my nurse practitioner (FNP) I was wondering if you know if the military pays for NP training and what the commitment is? And would I have to make it thru basic training? yikes!

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As a military nurse part time (ANG) I can tell you that its a great way to get some extra training and experience you wouldn't normally get on the "outside". I was active duty ARMY enlisted for 4 years and wouldn't do it again. I joined the Air National Guard in 91 nad haven't regretted a single bit of it. The ANG has a program for 2 year nurses the same as the ARMY reserves in that you have to get your BSN within a set time frame (not sure what that is). I commissioned in '02 at age 35, so don't worry about the age thing.

Good luck and enjoy.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
May I join this conversation? I have my BSN and I am a 42 year old female RN. I just began working on my nurse practitioner (FNP) I was wondering if you know if the military pays for NP training and what the commitment is? And would I have to make it thru basic training? yikes!

Of course, you can join this conversation... its an open forum. ;)

May I suggest you click this Army Nurse Corps Specialties Site and look to the left of the page & chat with an Army Nurse Corps Recruiter online to address your specific concerns. I'm not sure if the Army will pay directly for an NP program. So, I don't want to give you bad info.

BTW, the AMEDD Officer Basic Course is not like the regular Army Basic Training your thinking.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical.

Hello Corvette Guy and PLTSGT and thanks for the responses.

I am a BSN graduate and a registered nurse in my country, I will be taking the NCLEX-Rn in the US. I will immigrate to the US as an immigrant or permanent resident. That means I am qualified.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Hello Corvette Guy and PLTSGT and thanks for the responses.

I am a BSN graduate and a registered nurse in my country, I will be taking the NCLEX-Rn in the US. I will immigrate to the US as an immigrant or permanent resident. That means I am qualified.

I'm not sure how one acquires a permanent visa? BTW, are you eventually going to apply for US citizenship?

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical.
I'm not sure how one acquires a permanent visa? BTW, are you eventually going to apply for US citizenship?

I am holding a US immigrant visa. I was petitioned by a facility in the US. Once I arrived in the US, I will given a permanent residency status.

And yes, I will apply for a US citizenship after I fulfill the minimum 5 years US residency.

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Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
I am holding a US immigrant visa. I was petitioned by a facility in the US. Once I arrived in the US, I will given a permanent residency status.

And yes, I will apply for a US citizenship after I fulfill the minimum 5 years US residency.

:cool:

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Not that this is going to help all that much being Canadian and all (yes Canada actually has a military) but having recently joined the armed forces I have to say that they have more than rolled out the red carpet for me being an RN and the opportunities available are more than worth it!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

DapperRN, I have fond memories training with you Canadians about 22 years ago. Your guys sense of humor...kept me in stitches. And I want to say, seeing you guys parade with drums and pipes in ceremony brought a tear to my eye. Very noble. Welcome, buddy.

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Specializes in SICU-MICU,Radiology,ER.

Thanks to all who are considering serving.

The best way to get started is to contact an AMED recruiter and get started. Communication is not a commitment.

Look at all branches for they all do differnt things. For example Air Force has flight nurses if thats what you want.

Age should not be too much of an issue. Almost anything is waiverable witin reason. I re-enlisted at the age of 42 after an 18 year seperation of service. It took three waivers, a chapter 2 physical for over 40 yrs of age, an APFT, a background check and persistance. It can happen if you want it to.

Just be careful of what you want. Do not be dissapointed if you are deployed to a combat zone or other strife torn country, more than once even.

Oh yeah, and start working out....

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