Nursing in the military without actually joining

Onin2 · Jan 17, 2007

This is my first post after many months of reading/lurking. I commend your desire to serve. I am a civillian RN at an Army medical center. I have to say it is the BEST position I have held in 8+ years of nursing. I am paid well (better than or as well as my active duty co-workers), appreciated by the patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. The Army is highly supportive of educational goals, and makes training readily available to personel both active duty and civillian. I am not saying the Army can do no wrong, but I would highly recomend them as an employer without reservations. Good luck in your future endeavors.

LuvLondon04 · Feb 15, 2007

I have been reading this thread and have an interest in this area myself. Last year I was lucky enough to visit a US hospital ship that was visiting Australia and was impressed with the facilities and the mission it had just finished. I was told that the hospital ships do a trip each year to third world areas and also that they hire civilian staff to complement the ships crew.
I have an interest in doing this type of nursing and was wondering if any past or present crew know if they take "non US" personnel?
My other concern is my military background, although allies and firm friends, would the US Navy have a problem with a former Australian Soldier applying?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Dear pupchaser,

I think it's wonderful that you have an interest in working with our servicemen and women! I am not in the military (but come from a military family) and I am not yet a nurse, but I too have an interest in civi nursing with the military (including international work like you specified).

My advice would be to contact a medical recruiter through the Navy's website. Ask them your question and see if they reply. They may ask you to apply for an American nursing license or to sit for some education hours, but I don't see that they would have a problem with your "non US" status or your prior military service. (We have servicemembers that are AD in our military that have also been AD in the Israeli army, British forces, etc). I could be off base here, but I hope that this helps! Good luck...

and P.S.- I'd work with you Aussies anytime.. the many I've met have been a lot of fun! Take care.

twistedpupchaser · Feb 16, 2007

Thanks LuvLondon,

I figured that I would have to sit the NCLEX testing and think that that will be no problem, (best if everyone sings off the same page). My concern was the foreign and previous service angle, with security in todays world being how it is. I can understand that there may be security issues in that regard.

I will take your advice and try talking to a medical recruiter as the best option. I just have to finish my degree and get some experience up and I'm there!

LuvLondon04 · Feb 17, 2007

Thanks LuvLondon,
I figured that I would have to sit the NCLEX testing and think that that will be no problem, (best if everyone sings off the same page). My concern was the foreign and previous service angle, with security in todays world being how it is. I can understand that there may be security issues in that regard.
I will take your advice and try talking to a medical recruiter as the best option. I just have to finish my degree and get some experience up and I'm there!

I understand your concern, most definitely! I would hope that since you are our strong allies that they would not have many reservations about your joining our forces. I wish you the best! :clown:

olivedrab · Feb 20, 2007

hi! :nurse:

i seem to remember it was an active duty army nurse who posted somewhere in these archives that civilian nurses get paid less because they cannot be activated and deployed.

you may also not get the other family living expenses/allowances/benefits and gi bill (tuition reimbursements) that add to the highter total for actual active duty nurses or reservists.

this is my first post after many months of reading/lurking. i commend your desire to serve. i am a civillian rn at an army medical center. i have to say it is the best position i have held in 8+ years of nursing. i am paid well (better than or as well as my active duty co-workers), appreciated by the patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. the army is highly supportive of educational goals, and makes training readily available to personel both active duty and civillian. i am not saying the army can do no wrong, but i would highly recomend them as an employer without reservations. good luck in your future endeavors.

olivedrab · Feb 20, 2007

1. All nurses who serve in the US military forces are Officers.

2. To be an Officer in any of the US military branches, you must be a US citizen.

*Note that LPNs are Enlisted and not Officers, but also have to be citizens. I think it has to do with the specific security clearances that are only given to citizens. However, there are other (non-nursing) jobs open to non-citizens (legal/permanent residents) that don't require the more stringent security clearances, but you won't be handling any jobs that the military thinks might compromise OPSEC.

:nurse:

I have been reading this thread and have an interest in this area myself. Last year I was lucky enough to visit a US hospital ship that was visiting Australia and was impressed with the facilities and the mission it had just finished. I was told that the hospital ships do a trip each year to third world areas and also that they hire civilian staff to complement the ships crew.
I have an interest in doing this type of nursing and was wondering if any past or present crew know if they take "non US" personnel?
My other concern is my military background, although allies and firm friends, would the US Navy have a problem with a former Australian Soldier applying?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.