Nurses in the military

Chuckie · Feb 6, 2002

I'm

e-nurse · Feb 8, 2002

I just completed the recruitment process to be enlisted in the Air Force Nurse Corps. It took nearly 6 months to get everything done between my rotating schedule, living 100 miles from my recruiter, and my recruiter going away to school for 2 months. I'm leaning towards joining, but I still haven't decided. I'm just SO glad to finally have everything finished! Now I just have to wait to see if they want me. I'll find out by early April. The salary isn't that great, but I've been impressed w/ the benefits, and @ how they really push you to continue on w/ your education (which is actually another benefit b/c it's free). I toured a clinic on a base in Mass today and noone working there seemed rushed or pressured to get things done like I experience @ work @ the hospital everyday. It just seems like the right thing to do. Good luck c/ your decision.

RNKitty · Feb 8, 2002

I worked alongside military nurses in a military hospital (I was a civilian RN). I have to tell you, those military nurses are WELL trained! Also, the military gives those nurses many opportunities to learn new fields and skills - all of those nurses had GREAT self confidence.

A few words of warning. Your life is not your own, and if you are planning on a family, hopefully your spouse can stay home full-time. Those nurses were on call 24/7. Even on their days off, the military nurses could get called in to work overtime. Staying overtime was non-negotiable, as you would be disobeying a direct order from a superior officer. Also, THEY decide what specialty they need you in. Yes, you can request, but ultimately they do not have to honor the request.

This hospital (Madigan Army Medical Center) was Army. I have heard stories that the Air Force nurses are treated MUCH better.

Again, I have a great respect for the skill level, knowledge level, and confidence of those nurses. I chose not to go military because I didn't want the lifestyle for my family.

live4today, RN · Feb 8, 2002

I have to agree 100% with what RNKitty wrote! I could have written your post myself, lady! :) I, too, worked in military hospitals as a civilian nurse, and was quite impressed with military nurses with an exception of a few bad apples. :)

If you sign on the dotted line, be preprared for the long hours, the mandated overtime without any overtime pay, and possibly a lot of time away from your family. I agree that Air Force is better all the way around no matter what you want from the service. They have money that the Army doesn't, that's why! (so my Army hubby says.) :) Pray about it first, then proceed with caution! If you think you are abused as a nurse now, be prepared to feel what abuse of nurses is really like when you have no say in what you do, when you do it, or for how long you do it. THAT'S THE MILITARY WAY! It's a "Suck it up, move on" type of commitment.