Out of curiosity, how many male RNs are former military veterans?

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I have sifted through this site and have found A LOT of good information for getting me started in my new path through nursing (Thank you all for that). I have read things about men possibly being better suited for nursing than women due to size and strength amongst other possibilities. I have read articles stating that now if you are a male from a minority, THAT could possibly also help you. I have read details of first interviews, what to wear (and so on and so forth... you get the picture). But, one question that stuck out to me after reading one post about getting a job as a RN at a military venue is.... How many male nurses (since they make up a whopping 10%+/- of nurses overall) are prior service members of any of the armed forces? As previously stated, I am just starting out in my quest to become an RN and am a former US Marine myself. 27 years of age and a huge portion of my life ahead of me. So I was only curious and would love to hear your thoughts and or whether or not you are a former service member yourself!? Thank you and have a good day :)

Specializes in Maternity.

I'm ee Royal Navy, was petty officer but started my medic training. Wanted to leave after my 3 years so decinded option to be sponsored into Medical School but when I went into nursing went into our Territorial Army as student nurse but didn't sign up as a nurse. Worked as RN in trauma for a while then convered to a midwife and happily Civy/NHS for now.

Oragnisational skills learnt were invaluable mind!!

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It doesn't surprise me that a good number of civilian sector RNs started out in the military given that 1/3 of nurses in the military are men compared with the 10% of male nurses in the civilian sector.

I'm a Vet, but I wasn't a nurse in the Army. I was 11B, a straight-leg Infantry, Ground Pounder, Mortar Maggot.

WHOO-WHA!

Now LPN, soon to be RN.

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Specializes in Critical Care Medicine.

Of the 24, or so, medics that I work with in an ARNG Medical Company, many of them are also RNs, LPNs, or entering Medical School. The only difference between them and me is a bar on my chest instead of chevrons. Say what you will about Guard units, but I personally like being able to respond to hurricanes in Florida (my home state) or the needs of our nation overseas. I practice clinically full-time on the civilian-side when not on orders.

On a side note, nurses often have an expanded practice role in the absence of a formal care provider, mid-level or otherwise, so the responsibility for RNs in the Army is substantially greater at times than in the civilian setting. At any rate, military experience is definitely a plus in so many ways. I wish you the best in your future studies. (I'm a ARNG Nurse and Student Nurse Practitioner).

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Specializes in Critical Care Medicine.

Oops, double post.

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Specializes in Critical Care Medicine.
I'm a Vet, but I wasn't a nurse in the Army. I was 11B, a straight-leg Infantry, Ground Pounder, Mortar Maggot.

WHOO-WHA!

Now LPN, soon to be RN.

Don't you mean Hooah, bud? lol

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Specializes in ICU, BURNS, TRAUMA, TRANSPORT, HH.

I don't know what the stats are here in Alaska, but most of the male nurses I know and have worked with here obtained their nursing education secondary to their military service.

I am an outlier, I guess.

Second "career" path.

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Former Active Duty AF, then full time Reserve, now continuing to fly as a part time Reserve Navigator. Been in the service 22 years and counting. Out of the 10 guys in my nursing class 3 were vets, I was the only one of the 10 to graduate. Lot's of the guys at my hospital are vets.

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Specializes in BMT.

1st Ranger, worked with a lot of guys in 10th SF, and most I know are military in one form or another...we advance fast, and move up because we are the Type A personalities that this world really needs.

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Mnay of my LPN colleagues never attended nursing school. They were medics in the military and challenged the PN boards.

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Specializes in Critical care.

6 years AD Army Engineer here before nursing school with the good ole GI Bill.

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Specializes in Primary Care.

I am an Army Veteran and an RN but I am one of the few in my workplace.

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Specializes in Surgery.

I was an Army medic, LPN then RN. Retired from reserves 21 years.

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