Navy vs Airforce

[hnh573]

I am a RN, currently pursuing a RN to MSN program. I have 2 years of Med-surg as an LVN , 1 year of dialysis, and 1 year of adolescent psych experience as an RN. I am extremely interested in entering into the military. I want to know from some actual nurses what it's really like. I am a mother of two younger children, 4 and 5. I have done a lot of research and I have found more pros than cons at this point. My husband is a bit hesitant due to stories he has heard from his buddies who were promised the moon and got crap.

My main concern is time spent away from my family.

How often will I actually be home with them while stationed on base?

What is the likelihood of being deployed, and where would you typically be deployed with these two branches? Also how long?

(I know the above question is extremely dependent upon the situation, but just from anyone's experiences, how long and where)

How long are you typically stationed in one location? I heard the Navy moves people around more often.

The idea of humanitarian type deployments sound like something I would really enjoy. Is this what a nurse usually gets deployed on? Or what type of setting would it be?

I am aware that there are several different bonuses and education repayment options. If you were to get a commission bonus, would you still be able to do the loan repayment program?

What are some of the main differences between branches of the military? Deployment differences? Location for stationing?

Sorry to ask so many questions, I just really want to make sure this is something I really want to do before even talking to a recruiter.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

You'll find similar questions, and answers to those questions, on this forum if you do a little searching. Some of the information like bonuses, etc., is always changing and is depending on what the particular branch of service needs at the time, so for those things it really is best to speak with a recruiter (a healthcare recruiter specifically). Good luck.