[wanttobeanavynurse]

OK, so pending a few minor details, I'm set on joining the Navy.
I want every bit of nursing experience I have to count, so I'm waiting for my 2-year mark which will be the end of July.

Husband reminded me today that our lease expires at the end of April. Crap. I don't want to renew for a whole other year, but going month-to-month leaves me feeling a bit vulnerable to rate increases and an unexpected move. So I need some info.

How long will this actually take to get into ODS from the time that I submit my application?? I can have paperwork ready by the end of July. But what happens after that? Do you go through MEPS the same day you turn papers in? Or is that after boards?? I may need a waiver for past history of depression. Should I get that now so that all papers are completed?

Sign on bonus: When would I see that? When I sign my papers, when I get sworn in, when I'm done with ODS??? My sister in law had to wait 6 months for her enlistment sign-on bonus...

[pedsBSN-RN]

Hello WanttobeaNavyNurse,

The process I believe, depends on how fast you can provide all the required documentation. I started the process on April 15, 2008 and ALL paper work shall be in to my recruiter by tommorrow (if nothing else is missing). From there she stated that my file will go through three different approvals/steps they are: the professional board, security clearence, and physical clearence, this process takes 4 to 6 weeks to be completed and for the recruiter to recieve a final selection letter. Then you are commissioned and are given orders to report to OIS/ODS and your duty station after.

Regarding the Bonus, your given a form (forgot the form number) and it states you will recieve the bonus once you report to OIS. How long or fast this will take I am unsure, my husband was lucky enough to recieve his enlisted bonus when he recieved his first check at training. I guess it depends on the processor...I'm only guessing so don't quote me on it. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

[pedsBSN-RN]

I also forgot to tell you that I went to MEPS, did the interview. and application all on one day I was there from 6am until about 5pm.

[wanttobeanavynurse]

Thanks for your response, PedsBSN-RN. I hope all goes well with your application! I think my target date is now July 31, since I'll have my two years of nursing experience by then. Hopefully it won't take too much longer after that.

[pedsBSN-RN]

A quick question why are you waiting to meet 2 years of experience? Did you know you can apply now and choose your date to begin OIS? This helps alot especially with the funds available for bonuses and loan repayment, depending on when you apply in the fiscal year it determines how much funds are available and what type of bonus/loan repayment you will recieve. Learned through a friend and confirmed with recruiter. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

[wanttobeanavynurse]

I thought that 2 years experience would give me 1 year credit towards promotion. so, I would only have to be in for a year until being promoted to LTJG. That's the impression I got from a recruiter, but I could be wrong....

[pedsBSN-RN]

Your right, as long as the professional review board approves your experience. I was just wondering because you could have acummilated those years towards your military retirement (I'm just thinking in the long run benefits wise, I think to much into the Pro's and Con's I guess :-). Well anyways Congrads and hope to see you at a Navy Hospital one day!!!