NewGradRNBSNWifeMom Questions

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2014

Hi, there. Click on the link below and read the enlightening responses from our wonderful nurses in the various branches of the military. Good luck to you!

https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/joining-military-nurse-909549.html

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2014

If you are against being away from your family, the service is not for you.

First, given your current status, you will probably need minimally 2 years of experience in a desirable specialty to be competitive to join.

Secondly, if and when you join, you are at constant risk for deployment, TDY (temporary duty) that may take you away from home, training, and of course, as a service member, you are on call 24/7/365. This is a difficult time to join and it's even more difficult on the folks who are in. Promotions are getting competitive and will likely reach cutthroat levels in the next few years as the military downsizes. The Soldier who sacrifices the most--works overtime, goes the extra mile (see: gives up free time and potentially time with family) will be the one to advance. Many others will separate, some involuntarily.

If that is not an environment you'd enjoy, please do not join! There are other options open to you as a civilian. You can apply to work with the DOD or VA and not incur the same responsibilities of an officer, yet still work with service members. USAjobs.gov is your go-to site. Be warned: most of those jobs required a minimum 1-2 years of experience as well, and the hiring process is not fast (may take up to 1 year)!

Lillian11 · Mar 19, 2014

If you are against being away from your family, the service is not for you.
First, given your current status, you will probably need minimally 2 years of experience in a desirable specialty to be competitive to join.
Secondly, if and when you join, you are at constant risk for deployment, TDY (temporary duty) that may take you away from home, training, and of course, as a service member, you are on call 24/7/365. This is a difficult time to join and it's even more difficult on the folks who are in. Promotions are getting competitive and will likely reach cutthroat levels in the next few years as the military downsizes. The Soldier who sacrifices the most--works overtime, goes the extra mile (see: gives up free time and potentially time with family) will be the ones to advance. Many others will separate, some involuntarily.
If that is not an environment you'd enjoy, please do not join! There are other options to civilians. You can apply to work with the DOD or VA and not incur the same responsibilities of an officer, yet work with service members. USAjobs.gov is your go-to site. Be warned: most of those jobs required a minimum 1-2 years of experience as well, and the hiring process is not fast (may take up to 1 year)!

Sounds like I should take one of the positions I have been offered here at the local hospital and check back in a couple years after I have some experience. Thanks so much for the information!!

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2014

Not a bad idea. Some folks wait until their kids are older to join, though there are many, many AN members on this board that can vouch for how difficult separation--specifically due to deployment--is on kids of all ages, even one's grown children.

Lillian11 · Mar 19, 2014

Not a bad idea. Some folks wait until their kids are older to join, though there are many, many AN members on this board that can vouch how difficult separation--specifically due to deployment--is on kids of all ages, even one's grown children.

I am so glad you responded. This gives me a much better perspective. Thank you.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2014

Very happy to help! All the best to you.

Lillian11 · Mar 19, 2014

Very happy to help! All the best to you.

Thank you!! A national guard recruiter just returned my request phone call and spoke with me (I put in a request last night before posting here). He said to be persistent and talk to the NAVY and the AIR-FORCE. He said positions are scarce, but they can be attained with persistence.

I am going to keep investigating, but definitely keeping your advice in mind!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 19, 2014

Here are a couple of articles with information that you might find useful. Military Nursing: https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/military-nursing-885815.html. Government Nursing: https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/government-nursing-885831.html

Congrats on the whole motherhood/RN/BSN enchilada! Definitely take one of your local opportunities and go from there. I just returned from a nine-month deployment, and it is tough to be away from home and family. Kudos to you for looking into that with the realization that it might not be best for you right now.

Lillian11 · Mar 20, 2014

Here are a couple of articles with information that you might find useful. Military Nursing: https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/military-nursing-885815.html. Government Nursing: https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/government-nursing-885831.html
Congrats on the whole motherhood/RN/BSN enchilada! Definitely take one of your local opportunities and go from there. I just returned from a nine-month deployment, and it is tough to be away from home and family. Kudos to you for looking into that with the realization that it might not be best for you right now.

Congrats to you, and that's amazing you are home from your deployment. Yes, I am so grateful for all the responses here... really gave me a reality check!

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Mar 20, 2014

FYI- the Air Force reserve has the shortest deployments by far (4 months). It is very manageable. As other posters have noted, this is currently. Anything can change. If the aliens land we could be activated for the rest of forever. Or if Putin really is off his rocker.