What do Army Reserve nurses do?

[nrryan]

I've searched online and on this board and still have not found a solid description of what an Army Reserve Nurse does at their monthly drill! I am currently in ROTC and plan on going AD, but it seems that there are just not as many spots as their used to be and I may end up in the Reserves or Guard.

Being in ROTC with other non-nursing cadets, the cadre often give examples about us (as future 2LTs) being PLs when we go to our units, and having to do tasks like running a range and other "Army" things like that. My question is, as a nurse, will I be serving this role if I am in the Reserves? Or will I be doing mostly medical/nursing related stuff? What's a typical drill weekend like for anyone who is currently an Army 2LT? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[nrryan]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I see what you're saying about people skating by, I see that already in my ROTC battalion (cadets who get a scholarship then do the bare minimum to progress in the program).

I find it interesting that not many people actually know what Army Reserve nurses do, yet so many people are on these boards everyday asking how they can sign up. I think most people assume they will just be working as a nurse but it seems to be a little more complex based on these responses.

I hope I can get active duty but if I end up Reserves then I'll be okay with that, too. Hopefully I can find a unit where I can get more experience as a nurse.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I see what you're saying about people skating by, I see that already in my ROTC battalion (cadets who get a scholarship then do the bare minimum to progress in the program).

Then because of the drawdown do not get picked up for a AD commission will be whining and wondering why they have to go to the reserves instead.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

This is a great thread, because I had the same questions! Lol. I am leaving AD in six months, and after meeting with the local Reserves recruiter, I still didn't have the answer because he couldn't tell me either (he's not medical). I had to hunt down an AMEDD recruiter on my own, and I still didn't get a solid answer, probably because it varies by unit. I did find out that the closest unit to me is 150 miles away, which didn't thrill me. Between school and two jobs, I don't think I will have time for the Reserves on top of it all.

[MVisser]

The comments and information posted here have been helpful to me. I'm in the process of joining the reserves and like several others have never gotten a great answer from those I've talked to as far as what nurses do in the reserves. Looking forward to experiencing for myself what Army Reserve nursing involves.