RAF Nurse

[CMT/Nurse]

Hiya, I'm currently in the TA as a CMT (Combat medical Technician...For those that don't know what that is!).

I'm looking into doing a nursing degree in the RAF, and it looks like a good deal. Can any one here let me know what it's like? I've spoken to the recruiting type people, but I know that what they say isn't always the truth!

Is it true that you can get on all the Gucci courses dead easy? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[The mighty V]

Dunno about the Gucci courses, but as a former recruiter, we never lie!! LOL.

 

[The Masked Geek]

Dunno about the Gucci courses, but as a former recruiter, we never lie!! LOL.

Although a qualification in the multi-curvature of truisms seems almost mandatory.

<Forgive the manual smiley, the picture one's aren't working on this post.>

 

[vim_fuego]

Recruiters over the years have been acused of many things...some may be true...most I reckon were just echoes of bitterness from people who just did'nt get what they wanted...

Re. Medical branches my niece is in the throws of going for dental officer...Now I don't have a bad deal as far as being in the light blues goes but f*ck me I wish I'd tried harder at school when I talk to her and what they are offering her....All it lacks is the maidens throwing rose petals ahead of her wherever she walks... In the end you've got to trust someone...Why not phone up various med centres until you manage to talk to the trade you aspire to be and get it first hand...Can't see why they would not be happy to spill the beans to you...

Good luck from Vim

 

[The mighty V]

Go for it. You won't look back. Degree in nursing AND you get paid for doing it. Can't be that bad. I believe it's a good way to get into nursing and very good promotion prospects.

 

[The Masked Geek]

Go for it. You won't look back. Degree in nursing AND you get paid for doing it. Can't be that bad. I believe it's a good way to get into nursing and very good promotion prospects.

Fully agree TMV, nurses seem to get a raw deal now-a-days so anyone entering into this scheme is going to get a big foot up.

 

[Tigger]

Hello mate,
My wife is an intensive care nurse, although not with the military. She works with quite a few of the military nurses, both enlisted and officers. She worked at the John Radcliffe in Oxford (18 bed ICU) and Peterborough District which is a sh1t hole.
From the point of view of training, if the RAF will pay you to do a degree and commision you as well, I'd jump at that chance. It was real struggle for my wife with the pittance of a grant. Luckily I was on a decent wage and was able to help out.
My missus has been lucky and got the E&B ITU course and her Advanced Life Support course amongst many others.
Be warned it's a long hard course !

 

[CMT/Nurse]

I just thought it all sounded to good to be true! Does any one know what amount of Pre-Hospital care they can do (if any!). I got told all about the fancy airo-med stuff, but to nurses actually do that?

Thanks for all the help so far.

 

[Boarderlyne]

They surely do. Some of our red crossed brethern go all over the place. Tactical Medical Wing has visited all 5 continents this past year. While they get to visit some real glamourous place, they also get to see some right hovels as well. DT_Xtremez_34:

You take the rough with the smooth...

 

[jpain]

Nurses....


What we wish for... View attachment 442


What we often get ...View attachment 443

DT_Xtremez_09:

 

[skevans]

Well its a good way of getting qualified, getting a few years pay and perks, before going to work for NHS/BUPA.

Good luck.

 

[Oracle]

There are chances for pre hospital care and aeromed courses if you want them however competition can be stiff. The DARTS Squadron and aeromed squadron have a small cadre of nurses, on full time aeromed duties and operational pre hospital care duties, this is a very small proportion of the whole RAF Nursing strength. There are however the ever present out of area dets on Ops, and if you choose A&E as a specialisation you will do plenty of time in the back of a heli on these dets. The other opportunity that exists is that of primary care, many med centres and all seem to have plenty of nurses sitting round drinking tea. Oh and by the way the time promotion is no more, so thats no Sgt Stripes for turning up on a regular basis, they now have to be worked for. On the commission front, if training in the RAF then I believe the only way in is non commissioned although the opportunity to commission is there later.

Hope this helps.

 

[Oracle]

Just had another thought, if interested why not try and visit a hospital unit, a med centre and the Tactical Medical Wing and speak to some of our nurses. You will get many an honest comment I am sure. You could also try a spell with the Auxilliary Air Force Aeromed Squadron at RAF Lyneham if there are any ties between them and the TA

 

[CMT/Nurse]

Thanks for all the feed-back. I think I'm out to the Gulf in a month so I may have to put this on hold for a bit!
Does any one have any info on the Auxilliary Air Force? I had a look online but none of it was very usefull. I understand that in this time of DMETA and purple medical services that my CMT2 qual is the same as the RAF's Medical assistant class 2, so I was wandering if I could be a Medic for a Raf Reg sqn etc?

Thanks for all the info, keep it coming!

 

[RAF_Nurse!]

Hello. I've been in the PMRAFNS now for 10 years, with 3/4 postings in the UK and i've done the TPMH / Cyprus thing, aswell as several 'OOA' tours.

If i can help at all by answering your questions, i gladly will! I also have some reliable NCO contacts with the Oggies!

Fire away!