question about military nursing...

nrsnan_1 · Dec 19, 2004

I joined the Army a bit late in life, age 44, and with an employment history of 15 years in obstetrics. I was deployed at the beginning of the war and although it was not easy and I certainly was out of my element, it was an experience that I would not trade for a million bucks. It has been an honor and a privilege for me to take care of our wounded soldiers. Although I don't exactly want to go back, I would never dread it again. I know how that challenging experienced stretched me as a nurse and filled my soul with patriotism for the men and women of this country.

Under the current circumstances, if you join the military as a nurse I would be shocked if you did not get deployed. You may want to investigate the Public Health Service.

CPT Ison

Darth Nightingale · Nov 8, 2005

I joined the Army a bit late in life, age 44, and with an employment history of 15 years in obstetrics. I was deployed at the beginning of the war and although it was not easy and I certainly was out of my element, it was an experience that I would not trade for a million bucks. It has been an honor and a privilege for me to take care of our wounded soldiers. Although I don't exactly want to go back, I would never dread it again. I know how that challenging experienced stretched me as a nurse and filled my soul with patriotism for the men and women of this country.
Under the current circumstances, if you join the military as a nurse I would be shocked if you did not get deployed. You may want to investigate the Public Health Service.
CPT Ison

Ok it's been over two years since this post. What about reserves? How likely are they to be called up. I have a family and kids (12 and 13). When I (and they) get older I intend to go full time Army or Navy for a while and will happily go where ever I'm assigned. For the next few years I just want to do my one week end a month two week ends a year.

How often are nurses in the Reserves called up?

Balder_LPN, LPN · Nov 8, 2005

Ok it's been over two years since this post. What about reserves? How likely are they to be called up. I have a family and kids (12 and 13). When I (and they) get older I intend to go full time Army or Navy for a while and will happily go where ever I'm assigned. For the next few years I just want to do my one week end a month two week ends a year.
How often are nurses in the Reserves called up?

OK, back to what they said before....

if you aint ready to go then dont sign up, reservist or active, same difference.

cwilhelm8 · Nov 8, 2005

I don't think it's a stupid ? at all. Anybody who doesn't ask that question is the naive one. I've served in the military and going back in, quess what I asked that question to. It should be noted by those going in that the chance of going to Iraq is very good. I don't think its a stupid ?... do I want to die... do I want to be in a big sand pit... do I want to kiss my family, daughter, sister, brother goodbye, and never see them again. Personaly I don't want to go to war with someone who hasn't asked themselves this questioin! To those who want to respond with a nasty comment don't bother, I really don't care.

ANC_Maj · Nov 8, 2005

Perfectly legitimate question. Joining the military is a big decision, particularly now facing the high OPTEMPO. In my opinion/observation, the reservists are deploying (be it overseas or stateside service, either way away from home is away from home!) as frequently, if not more so than the active component.

I hope you find this forum a safe place to ask the difficult questions.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Nov 8, 2005

Ok it's been over two years since this post. What about reserves? How likely are they to be called up. I have a family and kids (12 and 13). When I (and they) get older I intend to go full time Army or Navy for a while and will happily go where ever I'm assigned. For the next few years I just want to do my one week end a month two week ends a year.
How often are nurses in the Reserves called up?

Since we currently have active conflict going on and you have a needed skill of patching people up, I suspect your chances of ebing called up are pretty good.

Not disrespectfully, but if you aren't willing to be called up at this time, you need to wait until your kids are older. As a former military brat, I see no shame in this either - your main job right now is to be alive and well and present in the lives of your children.