B.Long, RN

Thanks for the great information!

I am a RN who recently graduated with a bachelors degree in nursing. I am wanting to go into the Army as a nurse and have already went to MEPS, started paperwork, etc. All the nurse recruiters I have talked to only have positives to say, which I know there are a lot of positives, but everything has it's cons. It is not going to change my decision of joining, but I would like to know exactly what to expect. If there is anyone who is an active army nurse and can answer a few questions honestly I would greatly appreciate it!! :) How many people really get their first choice location in assignment? I was told it is unheard of for someone not to get their 1st or 2nd choice... How long are you normally at one location for an assignment? What is it like living in the Middle East if you are deployed to a hospital in that area? Weekend life, work days, work tasks, hours, etc. I was told 30 days paid vacation per year...is this true, and how much choice do you have when choosing those days off?? Can anyone elaborate on what Officer Training will be like?? Physical, classroom, etc. Is there anything I should expect with Army Nursing that shocked you when you first joined that you wish someone would have prepared you for??