Military Psychiatric Nursing Experiences?

[jackitty]

Hi! I'm a first year nursing student (sophomore in college) and I'm heavily considering joining the Army ROTC Nursing program at my university. I've been looking at the different types of nursing branches within the army (trying to plan ahead and all of that good stuff) and the one that has interested me the most is Psychiatric nursing. I was just wondering if any of you have had experience as an Army psychiatric nurse and could share some advice and experience on the topic. How does it compare to civilian psych nursing? What are the pros and cons of Army psych nursing or Army or military nursing in general? Anything I should know about ROTC that may help me make my decision? Thanks so much!

[fez68w]

I'm not an Army nurse, but an Army medic. I've worked closely with brigade nurse. I can tell you somethings though:

- Do Nursing & ROTC. It'll make your schedule heavier, but it's worth it. It's a guaranteed job at the end.

- Army has great education programs for medical (AMEDD) workers. USUHS & scholarships.

- After graduation, and military training, 1 year into your job you can request specialty training. Mental Health nurse is a category you can request. Although class sizes are small. I believe it's a 16 week course at Fort Sam Houston, TX.

- If you decide to do Reserve Nursing in the end, consider working with the VA. About the same benefits as active duty and educational opportunities (with less paperwork). However, Army has upward potential (salary-wise).

- Also, ROTC pays a stipend monthly (a few hundred dollars).

- If you wish to pursue your education after your BSN, inquire about "Educational Delay" to purse Psychiatric Nurse practioner. If accepted, you'll be given rank, time to finish school and given higher rank once you earn your MSN/DNP.

- I highly encourage you to call the school's ROTC department Recruiting officer (or Gold Bar officer). They'll tell you more about the program. It's a great opportunitiy for potential. Military nurses are viewed resilient and experienced in the civillian world.