Would You Deploy Again?

I was only deployed for 4 months, but I would deploy again. As soon as I started working back on my floor, I was ready to go back on deployment. Deployments are not for everyone; just like the military isn't for everyone. Each deployment is different, as well. But personally I don't think I would like to be deployed for more than 6 months at a time. Of course, if I was ordered I would do it with bells on! LOL!!!!

Absolutely. 100%, without a doubt. Probably wouldn't even need to be "ordered" (the Army has a volunteer system for deployment). The year I was deployed was likely the most professionally gratifying year I have spent as a nurse.

Most people I know definately would not deploy again if they had a choice. But for me, it was a great experience. However, some of our doc felt like they had degradation of skills in the year that we were gone (2006 - 2007). Does anyone think that their skills were not put to good use.?

Depends on where you deploy and fam circumstances. I joined as a navy nurse so I wouldn't have to deploy. I've sat my a** in the sand long enough to realize if you do deploy...deploy as a nurse. I have yet to see a RN deploy without asking to deploy. We have 500 mil RN's at the hospital where I work and it's considered "a lot of people if 50 RN's deploy in a year." My old job we had 12 people assigned to our shop and all 12 deployed year after year to Iraq. Call in the reserved to man the shop. Cool when you're 21...not cool when you're 32 with kids. Another thing...if you do deploy as a RN you will almost always have plenty of water (hot if wanted), A/C, security, hot food, toilets (not a hole) cot...in essence...in the rear with the gear. People who love to deploy as RN's aren't on the front line and are not in Iraq for 15 months. You will die of boredom in Iraq for 15 months or worse...wondering what you're spouse is doing. Out on a ship for a couple months pulling into a new port every week is probably a lot of fun for a while.

Not anymore. I did my time spent 3 years on a ship, isolated duty 18 mos. That being said if I wasn't 31 married (spouse also active duty) 3 kids (6,4,10 mos) it wouldn't be bad. Where I work you would have to beg and plead to deploy and then get told no because we are so short staffed. It has been raining babies.

Allison:monkeydance: