What's a day in the life of an military reserve nurse like?

I'm considering going down the nursing route in the military reserves after college, and I'd love to hear a typical day in the life. Is it a lot different from being a nurse in a civilian hospital?

The role of a nurse in the military reserves indeed differs from a civilian nursing job in several ways, largely due to the unique set of responsibilities and circumstances one might encounter in a military context. However, keep in mind that a typical day will vary largely based on the branch of military reserves you belong to, your level of specialization, and the nature of your deployment – if you are deployed.

In the reserves, you typically commit to service one weekend a month and two weeks a year. During your one weekend a month, you could find yourself participating in trainings, exercises, or drills. You might also get medical training updates to keep you sharp in your field.

For the annual two-week commitment, you may engage in more intensive exercises, specialized trainings or be temporarily stationed at a military treatment facility. However, it's important to remember that, as a reservist, you might also be called into active duty during times of war, conflict, or other emergencies – in such cases, your routine could look very different and could involve providing healthcare services in diverse and challenging settings.

On a typical day during those commitments, you could be involved in a range of activities. This might include providing general nursing care to wounded or ill soldiers, administering immunizations, preparing and maintaining medical equipment, or participating in rescue and evacuation procedures.

One key difference you might notice between civilian nursing and military nursing is the patient population. As a military nurse, your primary responsibility is towards military personnel and their families. Your civilian counterpart, conversely, is likely to serve a broader, more diverse patient population.

Lastly, while civilian nursing generally keeps you stationed in one location, being a nurse in the reserves might entail travel and the privilege (or challenge) of serving in various locations, ensuring your adaptability to differing medical environments.

Do keep in mind that reserve nurses, like their civilian counterparts, have a diverse array of specialties, and your day-to-day tasks could vary dramatically based on your specialized focus, be it pediatrics, critical care, family nurse practice, or others.

What unifies all of these experiences, however, is the chance to serve your country and its service members, which many find to be a deeply rewarding experience.