thinking about military nursing.. questions

[n7ski]

So I have been thinking about the military for some time now. I graduated with my Associates in 2006 and finished by BSN just this past may. I work at a level 1 trauma center in the Trauma / Burn ICU but have only been doing this since January, before that, i did medical surgical nursing.

A few questions that I have after browsing many posts here.

Does the military take experience as in pay scale. I assume that if i started the process now, it would most likely be after Jan 09 that I actually entered, therefore giving me a year of ICU/BSN experience. And would I already be considered ICU trained and start in an ICU? I have no interest in moving back to med-surg for any amount of time.

Army nurse corps seems to be what most recommend? I read about the AF, but have no interest in navy. Benefits to each?

I have not sold myself on full enlistment as I am not 100% sure I want to move >6 hrs away from home (Western NY). And from what I have read, it is hard to stay in one place all the time such as DC.

Being in the reserves, that would allow me to live in western NY and work my job that I am in now and just travel when they needed me?

I know I need to talk to a recruiter, but honestly, I do not have complete faith in how truthful they will be with me.

Thanks for any/all answers.

[lifeafter40]

so i have been thinking about the military for some time now. i graduated with my associates in 2006 and finished by bsn just this past may. i work at a level 1 trauma center in the trauma / burn icu but have only been doing this since january, before that, i did medical surgical nursing.

a few questions that i have after browsing many posts here.

does the military take experience as in pay scale. i assume that if i started the process now, it would most likely be after jan 09 that i actually entered, therefore giving me a year of icu/bsn experience. and would i already be considered icu trained and start in an icu? i have no interest in moving back to med-surg for any amount of time. i know that the army will give constructive credit for your nursing experience but, if i understand correctly it will only be for your time as a bsn. as far as having a year when you go in, i am not sure at what point in your commissioning process they "cut off" that credit (ie, if they continue to count time after you swear in?) either way, i do not believe they give a 1 to 1 consideration for civilian nursing (something like 3 to 1, i believe three months experience = one month time in grade)

army nurse corps seems to be what most recommend? i read about the af, but have no interest in navy. benefits to each?

i have not sold myself on full enlistment as i am not 100% sure i want to move >6 hrs away from home (western ny). and from what i have read, it is hard to stay in one place all the time such as dc. it is pretty much a guarantee that you will not stay in one location as an active duty nurse... moving comes with the job.

being in the reserves, that would allow me to live in western ny and work my job that i am in now and just travel when they needed me? true. assuming there is an appropriate unit in the area.

i know i need to talk to a recruiter, but honestly, i do not have complete faith in how truthful they will be with me. i believe that most amedd recruiters will be "honest" with you. as long as you keep in mind their agenda, and read between the lines a bit (listen for what they don't tell you) the important thing is to be sure you talk to an amedd recruiter (not your local enlisted recruiter), and make a list of specific questions to ask...and get direct answers. lastly, get any "promises" in writing... if it is not in your contract, it is not guaranteed.

thanks for any/all answers.

i am sure someone with more knowledge will come along and give you more information, but hopefully this can get you going. best of luck to you, and welcome to allnurses!

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