Thinking about joining the Army--many questions???

[leisa22]

Hello all,

I was enlisted in the army many years ago, got out, and got my BSN. Currently my husband is in OCS school and Im working as a civilian. However, I realy really want to join the army. Im just concerned that it may not be the best choice for me to join when my husband is already in for at least 3 years. We have two small children and Im not sure how that will work if we are both deployed to iraq. Any thoughts on this?

Also... Whats the nurse to patient ratio? As a new Army nurse what shift would I most likely work? How many hours a week? Would I have any say in what type of floor I work on?

I would also love to hear about "a day in the life of an army nurse" if any of you are already in the military? thanks lisa

[Southern_Male_Nurse]

I worked as a 91c (practical nurse) on a med-surg-ortho ward for several years in an Army hospital oversees. The hospital was a small general hospital, we had a peds, icu, er, l&d, and a med-surg wards. We actually had 2 wards for med-surg, but one was closed down for unknown reasons to me. The ward handled approx. 60 pts. Depending on shift (as in all facilites), you had a ratio of 1 for every 10 pts as a nurse. (Now this can definitely go up at a medical center state-side. Plus you will have to deal with alot of additional bs that goes on.) You also had at least one medic or medical specialist. An NCOIC is the senior enlisted person on the ward. He or she is in charge of almost all of the daily paperwork on operations of the ward. He or she is a licensed nurse too. The OIC is the normally a Colonel or Major registered nurse overall in charge of the ward. Unlike nursing homes, you normally don't have to worry about CNA complaints, refusals, or no-call no-shows. Just doesn't go in a military hospital. There are alot of military protocol you have to get use to (evenif you are not in the military). can get mind-numbing. But overall, compared to my work experience in a state facility for DD clients or at a nursing home - I personally would prefer a military hospital. You as a military or civilian nurse can get almost all of your ceus paid for, trained in other nursing fields, plus you have great access to onbase benefits.

if you have any other questions, please fell free to email me at [email protected] And I will do my best to answer them for you. :)

Chris