I am interested in becoming a nurse in the army, but I still have a few questions such as:
What are the hours the nurses work? Since it is salary pay do they work more than 40 hours a week? Do they get to decide days or nights or do they do both? Do you get to put a preference in for what days you want off? Is it easy to put time in for your vacation? Is it likely I will get deployed right away (I am coming in as a graduate nurse-no real experience yet)? Are those who precept you, helpful or do they wish they did not have to do it?
I have young children...about how much is daycare costs on the base? If I have to work nights, does anyone have advice for childcare options during the night.
When do you know what station you will be at after officer training? Are you likely to get whatever you request?
I believe there are many potential military nurses who are blinded by the offer of a large bonus -- the promise of a rosey lifestyle -- the guarantee of future education -- etc -- who are then caught off guard when reality hits. Those of us who "have been there -- done that -- have the tee shirt to prove it" most likely would do it over again -- I know I would -- but don't want some unsuspecting nurse to jump in with both feet only to find out that they are going to sink and not swim.
There are some nurses who are made for the military -- and some who aren't. There are nurses who would flourish in AF nursing but not Army nursing -- and some Army nurses who would go bonkers if they had to do Navy nursing. Altho we are all cut from the same cloth we don't fit the same mold.
I am sitting here wondering how a recruiter can sleep at night after he has filled a young nurse's head with all the good stuff -- to the point that she is contemplating leaving her husband and family!!! Yes -- maybe we will miss out on a good nurse -- but how good would she be if after 6 months she is crying because she cannot tuck her kids into bed -- or that she missed their first step.................
As I said to Athena, I'm pure Air Force, but I have to say the two of you really rock - what fantastic sources of information you both are for the Army folks!
My brother spent 22 years jumping out of perfectly good Air Force jets - did something like eight years with the 101st out of Fort Campbell - I admire those that choose the Army and appreciate their service greatly (even if I'm up for some teasing from time to time. . .).
Since this is the second time you've mentioned this, I have to ask: when was your brother in the army?
From 1977 to 1999 (I think I have this right). I know he went in straight out of high school and retired just before I separated from the USAF. He was at Fort Campbell when I was a kid.
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carolinapooh, BSN, RN
3,577 Posts
As I said to Athena, I'm pure Air Force, but I have to say the two of you really rock - what fantastic sources of information you both are for the Army folks!
My brother spent 22 years jumping out of perfectly good Air Force jets - did something like eight years with the 101st out of Fort Campbell - I admire those that choose the Army and appreciate their service greatly (even if I'm up for some teasing from time to time. . .).