Military Nursing, what do you think or know?

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Dec 25, 2005

Bro, as ex-military....go for it! I've been out of the Army for 20 years now, and still miss it at times. The difference between the civilian and the military world IS much as you describe. They are like light years apart. Oh, to be at your age again and to have that option available once more, I'd jump on it in a heart beat. And you're single....nothing holding you back.

You have my blessing, pal.

BBingSN79 · Dec 25, 2005

Bro, as ex-military....go for it! I've been out of the Army for 20 years now, and still miss it at times. The difference between the civilian and the military world IS much as you describe. They are like light years apart. Oh, to be at your age again and to have that option available once more, I'd jump on it in a heart beat. And you're single....nothing holding you back.
You have my blessing, pal.

This might sound weird Thunderwolf but sometimes I feel old at 26. LOL I'll be 28 when I graduate from nursing school, sometimes I get scared that's too old to start a new career or even a first one, even though I have been in and out of school for a while.. I'm wondering if I could broker a deal with the military and see if they would pay for my RN to BSN program. What branch would you recommend? Army, Navy or AF? I was thinking AF or Army.

PLTSGT · Dec 25, 2005

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.

I say go for it! After I received my license (ADN), the recruiter offered me a position in my old unit, of course after all the paperwork and OBC. I was a 91C (LPN) when I left the reserves. In the USAR, you can be an officer O1 - O2) just having your ADN, this was only back 3 years ago. You need to have your BSN to be an O3. I believe this policy only applies to USAR. All others, you need to be at least BSN. And definitely be at least BSN if you're looking at active duty.

As far as choosing which branch is really up to you. I left the army and joined USNR as a corpsman. I kept my pay grade (E6). They (USNR) are generally more laid back so I needed to have some "culture adjustment."

I'm out of the USNR. You would be surprised how MUCH easier to leave USNR admin wise than it is in the army.

I'm working on my bachelor's right now and if I decide to go back, I probably would go back to the army. I loved working with the USNR doctors, nurses and corpsmen, etc, and the workload is much lighter, but I guess to me loyalty holds heavier. Oh and I agree with your statement about professionalism, respect and pushing you to excel in the military. I think that the reason why military doctors have to respect his/her fellow servicemen is because even the enlisted have major backing on his side if doctors disrepect them, and of course vice versa.

Corvette Guy · Dec 26, 2005

This might sound weird Thunderwolf but sometimes I feel old at 26. LOL I'll be 28 when I graduate from nursing school, sometimes I get scared that's too old to start a new career or even a first one, even though I have been in and out of school for a while.. I'm wondering if I could broker a deal with the military and see if they would pay for my RN to BSN program. What branch would you recommend? Army, Navy or AF? I was thinking AF or Army.

If I may join in on this Thread ...

Why you feel the age of 28 yrs. is too old to start a new career is beyond me? I was active duty USMC aircraft electrician [1980-1988], then did same as a civilian for 3 yrs. I decided to change careers, so at the age of 32 yrs. old I started college ... for the first time. Now, on my education resume is AAS in Surgical Technology, AAS in Nursing [ADN], and Bachelor of Science in Nursing [bSN].

In 2003, at 42 yrs. old w/ADN I accepted direct commission into USAR Nurse Corps. Then, a year later I completed RN-BSN program. A couple of days ago I spoke to the Army Nurse Branch Deputy Chief, Human Resource Command, about coming on to active duty. I will report to Madigan Army Medical Center for active duty on 03 APR 06 [9 days prior to my 45th Bday], then begin the critical care course on the 23rd, and remain at MAMC as a critical care nurse for a three year committment. Plan is to do at least 13 yrs AD to complete 20 for retirement.

Psst... I'm like a bottle of wine, I just keep getting better with age.

Corvette Guy · Dec 26, 2005

Bro, as ex-military....go for it! I've been out of the Army for 20 years now, and still miss it at times. The difference between the civilian and the military world IS much as you describe. They are like light years apart. Oh, to be at your age again and to have that option available once more, I'd jump on it in a heart beat. And you're single....nothing holding you back.
You have my blessing, pal.

Hey Thunderwolf, your not ex-military ... your a US Armed Forces Veteran.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Dec 26, 2005

Thanks, Corvette Guy.

And, BBingRN79, go where you feel you need to be and belong....and who offers the best educational benefits at this time. Regarding recruiters, bless their hides, never sign for something that is NOT written in the contract. If the recruiter promises you the moon, it better be on paper...otherwise, don't sign it...it won't happen. Little words of wisdom.

Wish you the best in your decision, buddy.

Wolfie 91C/E-6....many moons ago.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Dec 26, 2005

this might sound weird thunderwolf but sometimes i feel old at 26. lol i'll be 28 when i graduate from nursing school, sometimes i get scared that's too old to start a new career or even a first one, even though i have been in and out of school for a while..
if you read our forums, you will find future nurses and current nurses returning back to school in their 30's, 40's and 50's....many as second career changers. at 26, my friend, you are still a pup...the world is still yours yet. grab on to it.
i'm wondering if i could broker a deal with the military and see if they would pay for my rn to bsn program. what branch would you recommend? army, navy or af? i was thinking af or army.
the army paid for my bsn....but, i fell in love and got out after graduating. had 6 years in. dumb, dumb decision. i could have retired very nicely if i had stayed in. oh well, no use crying over spilled milk. but, you can learn from my mistake. i was army, so i'm partial to it. however, i've been out of the military loop now for 20 years, as i've previously mentioned.
you got some good bro's here...they won't steer you wrong.
we also have a military nursing forum which you can also check out if you wish.
:)

to you, bbingrn79, corvette guy, and pltsgt

malenurse1 · Dec 26, 2005

As an Air Force veteran, I say go for it! I often find myself missing the service and wishing that at 40 I wasn't too old to go back. There is a special connection that you develop with other members of the service. I feel it even now when I talk to someone who is a fellow veteran. They have walked (or should I say hiked!) a mile in your shoes and understand when you come from. I would reccomend that you talk to all 4 services and see who offers you the best situation and will willing to garantee it in writing. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide!

Remember to pray for our fellow service men & women where ever they my be in the world today.

Rep · Dec 26, 2005

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.

PLTSGT · Dec 26, 2005

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.

There is an age cut off for enlisted and you have to be a citizen to be an officer.

Corvette Guy · Dec 27, 2005

As an Air Force veteran, I say go for it! I often find myself missing the service and wishing that at 40 I wasn't too old to go back....

I was 42 yrs old when I rec'd my direct commission. Your not to old for the Army Nurse Corps.

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

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