What does it look like?

just_cause, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2009

a.carol, start browsing through these threads a bit - this forum is packed with info and over the course of a few days you can absorb a lot!

v/r

Staczse7 · Feb 5, 2009

a.carol

My recruiter really wasn't aggressive at all. He met with me, was a straight shooter, gave me written info and gave me a few days to mull it over. The process to join can be a little daunting and time consuming but I am very happy I did. I am in the process still of waiting for my orders, which is rather frustrating to me but I am hopeful that once I get them things will somewhat fall into place.

Rme4life · Feb 8, 2009

Well being in the Army, you are taking the chance that at some point in time you could be put in a situation that you would have to defend yourself or your patients. You have to shoot a weapon. As an army nurse i feel more like a nurse than i do a soldier. You have to take a pt test, go to the range, and do army trainng. Overall though, I would say that all of that is a small percentage of your time. Most days I go to work and if i didnt have to wear a uniform i would forget that I was in the army. I love the army and so the army stuff is fun to me and i wish i got to do more of it.

I say call a recruiter if your interested, I have had the same experience as the above poster, not agressive at all. the medical recruiters are not the same as a regular recruiter. And hey, all you have to do is say, ive changed my mind, dont call me again.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2009

Please note: that when you think of 'contacting a recruiter' you should only be talking to an army health care recruiter - they are a special recruiting team that only recruits to fill the ranks of 'health care' type officer billets... you can call a normal recruiter to get the health care recruiters phone number... but that should be it

Also realize that the majority of health care recruiting teams should put you in contact with their Nurse recruiting POC who is more then likely an active duty nurse - serving as a recruiter at this time.. he/she can give you some good advice, as in general, they are very understanding of your current situation as they have encountered many of the same situations.

v/r

Staczse7 · Feb 8, 2009

"Please note: that when you think of 'contacting a recruiter' you should only be talking to an army health care recruiter - they are a special recruiting team that only recruits to fill the ranks of 'health care' type officer billets... you can call a normal recruiter to get the health care recruiters phone number... but that should be it ;)" above by Just_cause

the above is true..... you need to be speaking to a Amedd recruiter and not a normal recruiter. I suggest going to the following web page and typing in your zip to get an idea where one is located.

http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/find_a_recruiter.jsp. This page is also good if you are interested in learning more about educational opportunities, army life and benefits.

Good Luck!!!! :>D

olderthandirt2 · Feb 10, 2009

What does it look like to be an army nurse? I would love a chance to serve my country without having to shoot people.
I'm reluctant to talk to a recruiter because I know how aggressive they are and I don't want them calling me everyday. Can anyone tell me from experience what it's like. What the process is to join? Pay? Danger level? Skill level? Service committment?

A. Caroline,

One of the first things they tell you in Basic training is:

You are a SOLDIER first,

Officer second,

Nurse third

If that is repugnate to you, then perhaps another service organization is more appropriate for you..........

good luck,

c.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2009

If you are a nurse in the Army you will learn how to operate a weapon and know how to shoot someone... the chance of you using that skill is extremely low - regardless if you wanted to or not to do it.

Ciale · Feb 11, 2009

A. Caroline,
One of the first things they tell you in Basic training is:
You are a SOLDIER first,
Officer second,
Nurse third
If that is repugnate to you, then perhaps another service organization is more appropriate for you..........
good luck,
c.

That is the philosophy I expect of course. But how likely is it that a nurse would see combat? I know virtually nothing and I suppose that's why it would be a good idea to contact a recruiter but I just trust you guys more...people that aren't going to feed me bs and that have actually experienced it. Do you carry a weapon at all times? Say for instance, I'm stationed in Afghanistan working on base there, is there a good chance that base might be attacked?

athena55, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2009

"that is the philosophy i expect of course. but how likely is it that a nurse would see combat? i know virtually nothing and i suppose that's why it would be a good idea to contact a recruiter but i just trust you guys more...people that aren't going to feed me bs and that have actually experienced it. do you carry a weapon at all times? say for instance, i'm stationed in afghanistan working on base there, is there a good chance that base might be attacked?"

while you are down range you will carry a weapon with you at all times in addition to your kevlar and your body armor/"flak jacket" even while you are in the fob

and yes there is always a chance that your fob may undergo attack. {{rip cpt maria ortiz/anc}}

athena

just_cause, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2009

Not to break your bubble... but a nurse is not likely to see contact. Yes there might be isolated cases... In general nurses will be nurses. Operating bases are very secure - but you will carry a weapon, just as everyone else does unless you are a chaplain. Based on events some locations require you to wear kit within the base.. but that is an overall rule nothing specific to you.

I have respect for all those in the military - but it pains me to read about nurses worried to be in combat for the sake of being in direct contact with the enemy. There is a direct danger of being deployed where things are uncertain but your chances of seeing a combatant (unless you are carrying for a wounded one in your job role...) is essentially nill.... You will learn basic weapon fundamentals and you will probably conduct small level tactic drills... will you be competent in either - no.Your drills at OBC will not make you at all competent in battle drill 6... that is an exercise or vehicle used to instill basic leadership traits... you will qualify with your weapon but an individual rifle is ineffective alone in urban combat unless you are a sniper... the good news is there are those trained specifically to do those things and they are professionals at this.

This is to address those with worries - and tell them not to be... as long as they accept the very light danger associated with being within the base and in 'country'. This will likely ruffle some feathers of those who have the hooah in them from their recent OBC experience but that is ok.. I can understand there motivation, but the thought that there is anything except bare fundamentals is wrong.

If you have served in a non-med field you understand that the medical community within the army is almost an entirely different army within in itself. That being said - I recommend you continue to read the postings - there is a ton of good info hear of advice, 1st hand stories and similiar questions answered.

v/r