Am I a good fit for the Navy?

linnaete, ASN, BSN, MSN · Sep 30, 2012

I have experience and a BSN. I'm a young single guy and I want to travel, have fun, and enjoy life. Compared to being a civilian nurse, what are some freedoms that I should expect to lose if I join the Navy?
I'm into guns (I compete in IPSC), but I'm also interested in rifles and other forms of weapons training. Will I get to do this as a Navy nurse?
I'm into MMA and I like staying fit and physically active. I like the water, I like beaches, I like boats, and I swim regularly.
Does the Navy sound like a good place for me?

Weapons training isn't common in everyday Navy life, but certain deployments will get you some training. Most firearms aren't allowed on base, so if you plan to live on base be aware of that.

Most places are good about letting you get your PT time in, there's almost always a nearby group/gym doing MMA or similar near the bases. Your chances are good being near the water.

You will be considered a salary worker. You get a certain amount of pay per month, no matter how many shifts you work. And education and collateral duties are big, expect to be doing more than just your "job" in order to get ahead. After your first two advancements, you'll be competing with other officers to get ahead.

I spent a few years enlisted in a different rate (aviation electronics), so some things may be a bit different for Nurse Corps. If you search this forum you will come across some posts of nurses who are in the Navy that detail a sample day of work/life.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Oct 2, 2012

The freedom you will lose is where you are stationed (i.e. live). Although if you like water, the navy does usually work around water. Nurses do not carry guns except in certain combat areas, and then only on land. You would be the last one to pull it out however. Nurses are noncombatants and can only use weapons for self defense or defense of your patients. If you are firing you weapon you are having a really, really bad day. The military encourages fitness and provides good facilities for that. As a nurse you will lose a lot of choices in your career. As you gain rank, you will be placed in rank appropriate jobs. Depending if you want that control or not, you can join the reserves and have your civilian career and chance to serve as well (I'm Air Guard and love it).

utamaverick · Oct 7, 2012

The Navy is the place for you. If you are ready to serve your country all around the world and be willing to move at a moment's notice then this is your calling.

As an experienced BSN, you will become a DCO (Direct Commissioned Officer). However, you will begin as an Ensign but be promoted to a Lieutenant Junior Grade earlier.

You take qualifications in weapons training such as 9mm or M-16, but other than that, weapons training is not a regular part of your job.

What might interest you is serving with a Fleet Marine Force where you work side-by-side with the Marines.

There are so many options in the Navy if you seek them. And yes, you can't beat the duty station locations in the Navy.

nursespouse · Oct 8, 2012

Why not join the Army instead. More weapons training, along with alot more options on where to be stationed. There is almost always MMA of some kind going on, at or around the Army base. Not to mention the PT is more rigorous and more designed to your apparent physical nature.