Roll Call for all Military and VA Nurses and those considering the Service

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As the moderator for this forum ... I am interested to know where everyone is from, their background, branch of service (or VA VISN) and what they like the best about Military or VA Nursing .... this forum generally has some really good traffic, and I would like to pull all of us together and get to know one another a little better. :rolleyes:

Hi everyone. I am in my 2nd clinical semester of nursing and very interested in working for a VA hospital. I applied for the externship program at the Pittsburgh VA hospital for the summer(crossing my fingers to get accepted). I'd love to hear about anything that relates to nursing and working with VA!!!!!!!!!

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
I started the age waiver process today for the ROTC program and the Army Nurse Corps. My goal is to serve in the National Guard through the SMP program while in school, and then receive my commission into the Nurse Corps after graduation.

Is anyone familiar with how long the age waiver process will take?

Hello,

With my two waiver requests they went in with my entire application packet and were approved alongside them.

First my recruiter had to write the wiaver requests himeself and state that he endorsed them and petitioned the board to approve them.

That was pretty much it. I had to sign his waiver requests when I signed my final application before it went to review.

Good luck!

Gen

Specializes in PACU/Cardiac/Nrsg. Mgmt./M/S.

how old can one be in order to enlist as a 'seasoned' RN with a backgroung in recovery and administration with the military? i know waivers can b submitted, but how old is old?

i have had a few friends say that with the army crunching numbers in the healthcare field that older nurses may be considered.

i am not interested in retirement: i already have the id/mwr/etc. privledges...

i just want to serve.

anyone???

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
how old can one be in order to enlist as a 'seasoned' RN with a backgroung in recovery and administration with the military? i know waivers can b submitted, but how old is old?

i have had a few friends say that with the army crunching numbers in the healthcare field that older nurses may be considered.

i am not interested in retirement: i already have the id/mwr/etc. privledges...

i just want to serve.

anyone???

Hello,

The only numbers I am very familiar with are for the Army.

Reserves up to age 46, (with exceptions up to age 52 if its related to nurse education I think).

Active duty up to 42.

Nice to read you,

Gen

Hey I to want to join the VA because I was a vet. I live in Florida and I think the VAs are good in the Gainesville, Lake City areas. But the real plan is when I get good training to go overseas as a civilian of course. I'm to old to be under the UCMJ. Anyways if any one has any insight about going overseas as a GS (preferably europe) then let me know what you thought of it. I am a 45 yr old single male. Never married, no kids, still in PN school so it will be a while before this happens but I want it to happen. I spent 3 yrs in Rhein-Main AFB, Germany from 81-84. I was the company clerk at the Combat Mobility Branch. Any and all insight would be most appreciated.

Jake, In The Process Of Looking Into The Army Nurse Corp. Have Prior Military (af) And Rn/bsn 14 Yrs. How Come You Choose Af. Some Insight To All Of Your Knowledge Would Be Appreciated. Army Has Great Bonuses And Repay Plan At The Moment. Thinking Also Of Active. Any Help Would Be Appreciate. Lance

Hi All, Enjoying All Of The Posts, Some Very Interesting. In The Process Of Joining The Army Nurse Corps. Rn 14 Yrs Bsn With Ed And Critical Care Background. Would Like Any Advise I Could Get On Any Of The Ins And Outs Of The Process And The Army. I Am Also Ex Air Force (81-85) Do They Consider That As Time In Grade Or Service. I Am 44 And Would Like To Make Retirement. Also Looking At The Educational Benefits Of The Army. Looking Into Crna Or Np. Would Prefer Crna, How Competative Is It In The Army. Would Go Active If I Can Get Some Guarantees, But Have Not Totally Decided Bw Active/reserve Yet. Thanks For All Of Your Help So Far, Keep It Coming.

Tired Of The "for Profits In Florida"

Lance Rn,bsn,clnc

Specializes in Travel nurse; peds and clinical nursing.

Hello All, I'm new to posting but have been reading all your posts with most interest. I have sooo many ques. I'll begin by saying I'm a former LVN who "quit" nursing 6+ years ago. I went on to pursue a B.A. English/minor Education and will be finished in Dec. 07. However, my husband convinced me to finish BSN & long story short I begin nursing school in Jan 08. I'm thinking of joining military (at my husband's urging) for the experience and schooling I may be able to attain. I want to know which branch u feel offers the best opportunities. Also I'm Very interested in working overseas. My husband was stationed in Germany AF for many yrs & would love to go back. So anyone who has worked overseas as a nurse any opinion would help. Also, are there any branches that are more inclined to send u overseas? Do u have a choice as a new grad? What about specialty- I want to work OR - I'm not very fond of MedSurg-My husband was AF 10 yrs, but also did Navy & Army though not as nurse- he tells me Army promotes faster is it true? Lastly my husband is 100% disabled veteran & I have 2 small children 10-11, will this be an issue for military? Deployments? I know this is alot of ques. but you guys are so knowledgable- I feel like a babe in the woods lol...also keep in mind I've never been in the military, so any suggestions on how to adjust at age 38 (40 by the time I go in) Any imput is kindly appreciated!!!! :uhoh21::uhoh3:

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Hello All, I'm new to posting but have been reading all your posts with most interest. I have sooo many ques. ... :uhoh21::uhoh3:

Hello EvaLuna,

Possibly you would want to post a "new thread" in the military forum? This way folks will see your new questions, (currently your question is posted in the introduction sticky).

Nice to read you! I am sure you'll find lots of good advice. I am new too, about to graduate in five weeks and anticipate going to initial training for August. I am also 40, will be 41 when I ship and am going Active Duty Army. :)

Gen

Specializes in Travel nurse; peds and clinical nursing.
Hello All, I'm new to posting but have been reading all your posts with most interest. I have sooo many ques. I'll begin by saying I'm a former LVN who "quit" nursing 6+ years ago. I went on to pursue a B.A. English/minor Education and will be finished in Dec. 07. However, my husband convinced me to finish BSN & long story short I begin nursing school in Jan 08. I'm thinking of joining military (at my husband's urging) for the experience and schooling I may be able to attain. I want to know which branch u feel offers the best opportunities. Also I'm Very interested in working overseas. My husband was stationed in Germany AF for many yrs & would love to go back. So anyone who has worked overseas as a nurse any opinion would help. Also, are there any branches that are more inclined to send u overseas? Do u have a choice as a new grad? What about specialty- I want to work OR - I'm not very fond of MedSurg-My husband was AF 10 yrs, but also did Navy & Army though not as nurse- he tells me Army promotes faster is it true? Lastly my husband is 100% disabled veteran & I have 2 small children 10-11, will this be an issue for military? Deployments? I know this is alot of ques. but you guys are so knowledgable- I feel like a babe in the woods lol...also keep in mind I've never been in the military, so any suggestions on how to adjust at age 38 (40 by the time I go in) Any imput is kindly appreciated!!!! :uhoh21::uhoh3:

Thank You for reply Genevar, I appreciate that. But how do I move this text to create a new thread? Good luck in the Army, I know you will be successful I've read how helpful you are in this site and that is #1 ingredient in being successful. Thank Again

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Thank You for reply Genevar, I appreciate that. But how do I move this text to create a new thread? Good luck in the Army, I know you will be successful I've read how helpful you are in this site and that is #1 ingredient in being successful. Thank Again

EvaLuna,

That is a very big and appreciated compliment, thank you!

I wish you success in your future career as well. :)

Gen

p.s. I see you in your own new thread now

Hello All. I am a Paramedic from Fl trying to get into an accelerated medic-rn program. After I receive my ADN I will work and finish my BSN ASAP inorder to go into the AF as a commisioned officer. This is my plan for the next 2-3 years. Im really excited about joining the AF. Any thoughts?

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