Military nursing questions

[mrsnurse_davis]

Hi all. I always thought about a career in the military, but when I had my daughter shortly after graduating high school I didn't really feel like it was an option for me anymore. I am a registered nurse with an associates degree. I am currently in an online RN-BSN program at UTEP and will graduate May 2018. My husband's contract with the army will end in four years, and I have discussed with him my interest in joining the army or air force should he choose to not reenlist. We have four kids none of which are biologically his. Their father is not involved. Would my husband need to be their legal guardian for me to join, or would a family plan with him as their caregiver during my absence be all that we would need?

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

Technically only couples where both people are in the military need family care plans. If your husband is separating, then you won't need one. If there's ever a period where you both are active duty, then you will need one.

From a practical perspective, I would think that it would be vital to make your husband (or one of your friends or family members) the legal guardian so that he/she could handle various matters for your kids if you get deployed.