windyviews

Thank you for the response. I have been doing Public Health Nursing since being out of the hospital. Although I haven't kept up with certain skills used only in the hospital setting, I haven't forgotten how to do them. I would just like some time to reacquaint myself with procedures. The unit I'd be with is an Area Support Medical Batallion. I have spoken with the recruiter at length but they do not have a nurse recruiter for this unit. I'm wondering if I should request visiting them on a weekend so that I can have my questions answered. Also, the additional Army training that you mentioned would be great.

I would like to know if my most recent experience as a Public Health Nurse would in any way affect my ability to do Army Reserve nursing? I have worked as a NICU and PICU nurse for 6 years but that ended 7 years ago. Do the weekend duties allow for refreshing of skills? This is the only drawback to me joining the reserves and I haven't been able to verify is this would be a problem or not. Any help would be appreciated.

The last 3 years I have worked in a non-nursing job part-time and also have helped in 3 weeklong summer camps as the only RN. Prior to that I did Public Health Nursing for 4 years, missionary/medical work 4 years and NICU/PICU nursing for 6. I would like to return to nursing part time, preferebly in the adult setting. Have I been away too long to require a refresher program? The only local program here is 3 month full-time course and $1700. While I believe I could benefit from a partial refresher, is a full course too much? I am considering med-surg type setting for hospital or return to Public Health Nursing. How marketable am I? Thank you for your opinions, I appreciate all the direction you can give!

The Army is the only branch of the military to have a Community Health Nurse specialty. Once the recruiter told me about it I began finding info on in from different web sites. Their function is similiar to a Public Health Nurse and Health Educator. I am wondering if this position is more 8-5 and weekends free. Is there such a thing in the military?

I am considering joining the Army as a Community Health Nurse. I have not worked much in nursing for the last 3 years but before that have worked 4 years as Public Health Nurse and many years as NICU/PICU nurse. What is the work schedule like to the CHN? Would I work weekends, holidays, nights? I would like to be stationed at Fort Carson, CO. I would appreciate any help. Thanks