Reserves

QARNNS(R) are part of the Royal Naval Reserve which along with the Royal Marine Reserves make up The Maritime Reserve Force. 

 The QARNNS(R) are currently looking to recruit nurses from ITU, A&E, Theatres and Orthopaedics who have qualifications in these specialisations.  Life in the QARNNS(R) means that you get the best of both worlds.  ‘Reservists are twice the citizen’ is a quote attributed to Churchill and it is very true.  Many of our current nurses hold down very demanding jobs in the NHS and yet still manage to fit in a very rewarding and busy Reserve life.  Almost fifty per cent of QARNNS(R) have been mobilised since 2003, some more than once.   

 Each QARNN(R) is attached to one of 12 Reserve Units based around the UK and presently our annual commitment is two weeks Operational Role training, which can take the form of a Continuous Training Period (CTP), a sea exercise or one of a number of recognised courses, three weekends a year and attendance at Reserve Unit Drill Nights/events.  This translates on average as 24-30 Man Training Days a year.  We have to undertake this commitment in order to achieve an annual Bounty which is tax-free.  It currently amounts to £1,500. 

Our weekend training can cover a range of activities from practical SimMan training and classroom based clinical lectures to hill walking with a casualty scenario thrown in for good measure.  We undertake various courses including First Aid Level 2, BATLS/BARTS when we are able, DIT, and staff courses such as the Initial Command Staff Course and the Advanced Command Staff Course both held at Shrivenham.  Other courses including promotion courses and divisional courses are undertaken often alongside Regular colleagues, albeit we usually attend the middle two weeks.

CTPs are organised and run by the Royal Naval Reserve Medical Branch and individuals are chosen to take on key roles within the training period as part of their own individual development.   These can be anything from the O-I-C of the CTP to the Training Officer, Executive Officer, and instructors of the very varied programme.  The emphasis of CTP training is based on providing personnel with operational knowledge and skills which can then be consolidated during OPTAG.   Individuals who have returned from operational deployments have regularly updated the Branch on their experiences and any new techniques in clinical care. 

QARNNS(R) who wish to become officers now have to undertake the Fleet Board after successfully passing AIB.  This is to give them a greater understanding of the Reserves, basic naval awareness and a confidence in themselves in a military environment.

 For the sports enthusiast there are many opportunities to take part in a number of different sports.  QARNNS(R) have been represented in ski-ing, sailing, shooting, and horse riding, at times competing with RN colleagues. 

 Of course it is not all work, and QARNNS(R) enjoy an excellent social life within the Reserves, especially when everyone gets together.  We are a team and we work and play as a team.  Despite us being spread throughout the UK, there is a strong network that binds us together.  

We are about to launch a new support strategy for Nurses once they have completed their NE course at RALEIGH so that from the start of their QARNNS(R) career, there will always be someone there for them.    

 If any regular QARNN is leaving or thinking of leaving the RN, and you would like to join the Reserves, please contact SO3 MedRes on  or 4 before you leave for more information.  Also, contact Lieutenant Eden if you are a civilian nurse interested in joining the QARNNS Reserves.

QARNNS(R) orienteering during a recent medical branch adventure training day

 To see other photos of QARNNS Reservists in action click on this link Reservist Gallery