First off, don't freak out! I am not deploying in the next few months. I just wanted to update you regarding new policy that has been published regarding any future deployments. This next section is taken directly from Major General Pollock's letter in The Army Nurse Corps Newsletter....there is good news to share this month as well. We have received approval from the Army to make all nurse rotations (other than the Deputy Commander for Nursing) into Iraq and Afghanistan only six months long. So now, our [Army Nurse Corps] officers will know that they are going and will be back in 180 days.
That's right! If/when I deploy I will be required to spend 6 months as opposed to the previous 15 months in Iraq and Afghanistan. The job itself has not changed at all, is will continue to be dangerous as evidenced by the loss of LTC Richard Berrenttini, Army Nurse who passed away from his injuries sustained from an IED blast in Afghanistan.
I know that many of you don't understand why I do this, why I chose to join the Army as a Nurse, but if you could see the faces of the Wounded Warriors and their families I think you would understand. I truly believe it to be an honor and a privilege to serve those who fought in the past, those fighting now, and those who may fight in the future.
12 comments:
I'm glad to hear that if/when you get sent, it won't be for too long. Love the pic of the cat in the snow from earlier!
I hope you're doing well!
I'm also glad, and hope everyone stays safe. I just spoke to my son who is a lt. at Walter Reed. He told me he's being deployed soon to Iraq. I am beside myself with worry. I can't get him to talk to me about how he'll live and will he be in a regular hospital or a mash unit. I don't know much about army hospitals except for watching Mash on T.V. which scares the life out of me. Could you please explain what life will be like for the nurses.
well that's good :O) Hey, did you by chance get me email that I sent you a couple weeks ago?
Hi, Beth. Love your blog. It has been very helpful to me as I am currently a Junior I in nursing school and am seriously considering joining the Army Nurse Corps to eventually become a CRNA. I'm a prior enlisted (4 yrs) but since I have never been an officer before I am still clueless as what to expect in OBC (although your blog gave me some insight). I am also very curious about your work schedule as a nurse in the Army. I was wondering, if you don't mind and actually have a little time, if you would correspond with me to help me answer some questions? I would be so grateful to get word from you. If you want, please email me at ann.kim@us.army.mil. Thanks again. --Ann
Hi there LT:
Could you tell me a little about FNPs in the Army. Just recently commissioned 66p.
Thanks,
Paul
I just read the post and I hope I can be helpful with some of your questions also. I am MAJ Jody Dugai, an active Army Nurse officer and a Family Nurse Pracitioner. I signed up initially for 4 years to have schooled paid for; 11 years later I am still here doing what I love. I have been deployed 3 times since 9-11. I have been fortunate to have numerous opportunities within the Nurse Corps. I deployed with a Forward Surgical Team to provide on the spot damage control for wounded soldiers and I have also been deployed to provide medical care to the locals in Afghanistan. All deployments have had their ups and downs, but I learned so much with each. It also made me more thankful for my countries healthcare standards. As a female nurse, I helped provide those women in the rural areas with medical attention that they would not have had if only males were the medical providers. I also think that our soldiers deserve the best care; therefore, now I teach the Critical Care/Emergency Nurse Course. It trains general nurses to critical think in terms of critical care and emergency medicine.
I am a student at Ft Belvoir's CGSC and these thoughts are my own and do not represent the Army's.
To an Officer and a Nurse,
I have been in the Army for 13 years now, 2 years at University acquiring my BSN and will be taking my NCLEX in February before going to OBLC in March. I was a Surgical Technologist before going to Nursing school and have not been deployed yet. Pretty amazing that I missed out on a few deployments, but I'm sure I will be deployed when taking my oath as an officer and a Nurse next year. I have been given an assignment already to be at Maddigan, so I am looking forward to that along with the new Nursing Residency Program that has just begun. Have you heard anything about this program or know of anyone involved at this time? Just curious. I wanted to tell you that your site is a true dedication to Army nurses as well as soldiers in general. It's rewarding to us all that you created it and we can be a part of it.
Take Care-
Chad Cole
Hi Beth, I am glad to hear that the deployment time has been shortened. That is a concern for me as I am considering going back in the Army as a nurse. I was prior enlisted. I have a son and want to know how long you have between rotations? Also, is there time spent in training before you deploy that is not counted in the 6 months?
Army hospitals see it all. I pray you may help many and find joy in serving our fellow men and women.
Like "Worried Mom," I too would like to hear about life for nurses in Iraq and all I know is what I've seen on MASH on TV and that new show MERCY on NBC about nurses. MERCY mostly talks about life for nurses after Iraq.
Here's a clip if anyone is interested (PS it's on tonight): http://www.nbc.com/mercy/video/clips/hope-youre-good-smiley-face/1164589/
Hey! I was randomly searching for some information on nurse corps deployments & your blog was the first site to come up! So I read some of your blogs and absolutely love what you have done with your page - it exudes such an honor to army nursing and all related to military. I am currently a Junior in nursing school & a member of ROTC. I'll go to LDAC this summer and then NSTP at Tripler in Hawaii (if you are familiar with those schools...) I was searching for information related to the chances of deploying overseas to help our soldiers over there after I commission. I of course this Fall when I come back successfully from LDAC have to make a list of post choices, but I am not familiar with overseas in Afganistan, elsewhere; if those are even options. But I am definitely interested in going over and would love to hear back from you if you have any input or resources that would be valuable on making this decision. Thank you for your inspiring page for all Army nurses past,present, and future - my email is sgano@radford.edu.
Maj Dugai- R U a dream snatcher??
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