[gahnosah]

Hello,

I will (hopefully) be entering a entry-level masters of nursing program by May 08. After the first year, I will be able to sit for the NCLEX exam. Is there some kind of program where I can join the Navy while I am a student? Any financial benefits?!

My brother is currently in dental school. Before entering his first year he finished his OIS and if my memory serves me right, is a inactive jr officer.(?) The navy is paying for majority of his tuition as well as room and board. Is there any cool programs like that for nursing students that have already received a BA in something else?

[DanznRN]

You could look into the Nurse Candidate Program, but I believe that is for BSNs only. The Navy generally doesn't bring Master's prepared nurses on active duty as a direct assession, they normally "grow their own" as far as Master's go. Also, not sure what you mean by "entry-level master's program." It's either a master's or not, what is the focus for your program?

LCDR Dan

[The Little Greek]

It sounds like you are doing the same program I did...had a B.S. in Marketing, went back to school got my RN and MSN at that same time--is that what you are doing?

I had a classmate who went into the Navy after graduation. After completing her first year and taking NCLEX she went on to finish her MSN and then commissioned when she graduated. Her Master's degree did not afford her a higher position (she's a staff nurse) and she started out as an O-1. Basically, she entered as a BSN graduate would. That's how it should be in my opinion if one has no bedside experience yet (in her case she did not work as an RN while completing her MSN).

[gahnosah]

thanks for helpful replies.

Littlegreek- I am on track to do exactly that! What was your program focus? I have just applied for the CNS program. Kinda was hoping Navy would help me out with the financial part of school-but hmmm I guess i'll have to do more research-

[gahnosah]

Originally Posted by DanznRN

You could look into the Nurse Candidate Program, but I believe that is for BSNs only. The Navy generally doesn't bring Master's prepared nurses on active duty as a direct assession, they normally "grow their own" as far as Master's go. Also, not sure what you mean by "entry-level master's program." It's either a master's or not, what is the focus for your program?

LCDR Dan

Oh i see. thanks for the info-
My prg is a Masters for Nursing. (CNS)

[The Little Greek]

Originally Posted by gahnosah

thanks for helpful replies.

Littlegreek- I am on track to do exactly that! What was your program focus? I have just applied for the CNS program. Kinda was hoping Navy would help me out with the financial part of school-but hmmm I guess i'll have to do more research-

My focus was Maternal-Child CNS, for which, unfortunately, there is no longer a certification exam. I'm okay with that because an MSN is an MSN and I don't need a CNS to practice. That said, I have many more years of bedside experience to gain before I would feel comfortable in that role...it lacks validity without the experience!

I will concur with LCDR Dan that to take advantage of the school stipend you have to be working toward a BSN (at least that was what we were told by all of the recruiters that came to speak at school). But, as I mentioned before, a friend of mine was accepted to the Navy after graduation and my application is now before the board of the AF (I'm hoping to hear good news next week!) You just can't expect to step into a CNS role as soon as you commission. That being said I'm not even really sure how CNSs are utilized in the military so the AD nurses on this site would have to answer that for you.

It seems that there are many second-career nurses running around these days. These "fast-track" MSN programs have their pluses, but I've also seen graduates step into role directly after graduation. That is scary in my opinion.

[gahnosah]

Originally Posted by The Little Greek

My focus was Maternal-Child CNS, for which, unfortunately, there is no longer a certification exam. I'm okay with that because an MSN is an MSN and I don't need a CNS to practice. That said, I have many more years of bedside experience to gain before I would feel comfortable in that role...it lacks validity without the experience!

I will concur with LCDR Dan that to take advantage of the school stipend you have to be working toward a BSN (at least that was what we were told by all of the recruiters that came to speak at school). But, as I mentioned before, a friend of mine was accepted to the Navy after graduation and my application is now before the board of the AF (I'm hoping to hear good news next week!) You just can't expect to step into a CNS role as soon as you commission. That being said I'm not even really sure how CNSs are utilized in the military so the AD nurses on this site would have to answer that for you.

It seems that there are many second-career nurses running around these days. These "fast-track" MSN programs have their pluses, but I've also seen graduates step into role directly after graduation. That is scary in my opinion.

Thanks for your reply!
Yes, I do agree, it is a bit of a jump from not being a nurse to being one esp with a specialty in such a short amount of time.

Congratulations on completing your application for AF! I hope you get your good news soon! As for me, I am still waiting on my decision for the ELMSN program. I just wanted to know what kind of options were out there for me..

Thanks again- Keep me updated on how your AF goes!