"Old Timer" Looking For Some Support

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Specializes in NREMT-P, GN.

Hello Everyone,

I am kinda new at this posting stuff but I have seen a lot of good information here, especially by LunahRN; thank you.:yeah:

But now to business. I am a 50 year old male, in good shape with about 10+ years of prior service. :D I will be done with my BSN by the end of 2012 and I really would like to go back into the Army (Reserves). I have read of "mature" individuals getting in the reserves, but I was wondering if anyone has heard of someone as old as myself getting in? My recruiter said it wouldn't be a problem, but many of us know how often recruiters exaggerate things.

Also, what would my chances be with only about 1 year of experience as an RN by the end of 2012, but over 10 years as a Paramedic and ACLS instructor; does the Army even take my years as a Paramedic into account?

Thanks in advanced for your help.

Austin1

:redlight: P.S. Does anyone know of any Airborne Medical Units in the Army Reserves?

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

It could be hard just because of the numbers. Right now it is getting hard for active duty nurses to switch over to reserve when they get out.

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Specializes in NREMT-P, GN.

Wow this doesn't sound too hopefull. :(

Thanks for the update.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

That 10 years prior brings your military age down to 40. I had just 3 years prior and came in at 42yr old. They kept telling me I was 39 by their measure.

It is a challenge to get in. But if a recruiter is thinking you are worth his/her effort, then go for it. They don't waste their time if they don't think you'll make it in as it is a ton of paperwork on their end too.

Good luck.

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Specializes in NREMT-P, GN.

Thank you for the info and the uplift, this makes me feel a lot better.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I'd get in touch with an AMEDD recruiter ASAP: http://www.goarmy.com/locate-a-recruiter.html

As far as getting credit for the NREMT-P: on the surface, no. I only got constructive credit for my few years of experience as a nurse, and none for my paramedic (since 2003). However, did it look good on paper? Very likely! My CV looks pretty awesome with all the courses I have (ACLS, PALS, NRP, ABLS, ITLS, AMLS, TNCC, ENPC) and the courses for which I hold instructor certs (BLS, ITLS, AMLS). I've held most of those longer than I've been a nurse.

As of now, per my head nurse, the Army Nurse Corps is going to be downsizing. He told me this just yesterday, but we expected it. Specialized nurses are very likely to be retained, but they are going to be trimming the numbers of 66Hs (med/surg). I'm not sure what that is going to do as far as new grads getting in, and while you're going to have great experience and not be a typical new grad, you'll still be a new nurse. However, there will always be 66Hs, and they have to get new ones from somewhere if people are being encouraged to specialize! The thinking is going to be to transition nurses over to the 66T AOC -- trauma nurse. Also, they're letting active duty nurses get out right now, no questions asked -- apparently they'll just sign the paperwork if you drop your packet to ETS.

In any case ... get with the recruiter. The numbers are going to definitely shift in the next couple of years, maybe you can ride the wave! :)

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Specializes in NREMT-P, GN.

Thank you LunahRN.

As all of your posts have been "da bomb". You always have great information and are always very informative.

Do you think that I may have an upper hand for the 66T track based on my Paramedic skills? This sounds like an area that I may want to try. And one last thing (for now :)) do you think that it is too early (since I still have a year to go to finish my BSN) to get in touch with a recruiter?

Thanks

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I think it's a good idea to get in with a recruiter now -- that way if you're able to apply, you'll have your packet done by graduation and in time for boards a year from now. Although they are only looking at people with experience right now, you never know...

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Specializes in NREMT-P, GN.

Will do, thanks LunahRN.

The worst that could happen is that they say no, which would be the answer anyway if I don't try.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.
Will do, thanks LunahRN.

The worst that could happen is that they say no, which would be the answer anyway if I don't try.

That is right, hey you never know and having the prior service will make you look that much better. But if you never ask the answer is always no.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Hate to say this but your paramedic skills aren't nursing skills. It might help you against a nurse of equal nursing experience though. I know as well as you that those chops are better in some ways, but not on paper, which is what counts. I just entered the AF at 46 and I thought that was about the oldest you could be. There are waivers but your relative newness to nursing would make it difficult to make a case for your age against a younger nurse with more experience. Best of luck, persistance may pay off.

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