Thinking of Joining Military, Need Advice!!

[mojopsych]

I am currently a student in a BSN program and I am seriously considering joining the military because of the great benefits (paying off loans, retirement, etc) and the work environment. I have two children ages 4 and 2 and I was wondering what advice anyone who has experience as a military nurse might have? Here are some of the many questions I have.

1.I have read that there is always a chance for deployment but what really is the likelihood of it??

2. Are there physical requirements for nurses joining the military (like weight, flat feet, etc)??

3.Would I have to go through basic training??

4.Is it true that nurses get stuck on the med-surg floor and don't get a chance to specialize??

5. What is the difference between active and reserve duty??

6.Do you have to move around alot and live in military housing?

7. What are the differences and pro's and cons of each military branch?

I am planning on contacting a recruiter but I don't want to look like an idiot by not being qualified enough to join. And I've been told that recruiters are kind of like used car salesmen and will only tell me what I want to hear (this is only what I've heard and it may be complete fiction). I would appreciate any advice or info that anyone has to give.

[Corvette Guy]

I am currently a student in a BSN program and I am seriously considering joining the military because of the great benefits (paying off loans, retirement, etc) and the work environment. I have two children ages 4 and 2 and I was wondering what advice anyone who has experience as a military nurse might have? Here are some of the many questions I have.

1.I have read that there is always a chance for deployment but what really is the likelihood of it??

2. Are there physical requirements for nurses joining the military (like weight, flat feet, etc)??

3.Would I have to go through basic training??

4.Is it true that nurses get stuck on the med-surg floor and don't get a chance to specialize??

5. What is the difference between active and reserve duty??

6.Do you have to move around alot and live in military housing?

7. What are the differences and pro's and cons of each military branch?

I am planning on contacting a recruiter but I don't want to look like an idiot by not being qualified enough to join. And I've been told that recruiters are kind of like used car salesmen and will only tell me what I want to hear (this is only what I've heard and it may be complete fiction). I would appreciate any advice or info that anyone has to give.

Military Health Care Recruiters are usually of not the same breed as the enlisted military recruiters. Therefore, my primary suggestion is contact an Army [i'm biased] Health Care Recruiter in your immediate area. Plus, this might help answer your questions, too; Army Nurse Corps Info

[mojopsych]

Thanks for the advice. Although I'm nervous about it, I will contact a recruiter. I just have to weigh the options between the Army and the Air Force.

[MJK2005RN]

Hi MS! While I myself am not a military nurse, I volunteer at the Naval hospital & my husband is active duty enlisted. At the hospital I am at, all nurses work rotating shifts (even civilians & that is why I am not employed). You can have a specialty or a place you are interested but that doesn't mean that's where you'll go. They will put you where they need a body. Benefits are good but it is "duty before self"-and family. Of all the branches, if you want to saty somewhere for a little while you may want to go Air Force because they don't seem to move their people as much. My husband was stationed at 1 base for 10 years. There used to be restrictions on flat feet but I think they are being less picky now with the war. Weight can be lost & some recruiters even will help you out with that. Definately call a NURSE RECRUITER only! I hope this helps you some.

[MJK2005RN]

I didn't realize how old this post was when I responded but maybe my answer may help someone else. :roll