Military Nursing Questions Answered

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Hello. I have seen many questions posted about the recruiting, the military, and future military experiences, I wanted to start a Q & A forum where you can ask questions related to the military from someone who is in the military.

- I am NOT a recruiter. I am fellow nurse who wants to inform others so they will be more informed than I was when I joined.

- I have been in the U.S. Navy for almost 3 years now. I have worked in the ICU for the same amount of time. I have also deployed as a Navy Nurse overseas. I am currently pursuing a masters in anesthesia degree.

- I will do my best to answer all questions. I will not lie to you about the military. If the subject is sensitive and possible jeopordize my career I will not answer you publicly about the issue but in a private email response.

Thanks and good luck.

navyman7,

I am all new to military stuff. Have a question about the navy reserves, which I know isn't your "specialty". But can't seem to find a nurse recruiter to answer my questions, so here I am. So, wanting to go into the reserves... I graduated in March with an ADN and have passed my NCLEX, so I have my RN. I have no working RN experience yet. I am enrolled to start a BSN program this fall. However, I have a previous degree - Bachelor of Science in psychology/biology. I've seen conflicting info on whether the reserves will take you with an ADN. Do you know??

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

According to the Navy Reserve website, you need a BSN. Nurse: NavyReserve.com and Nursing : Health Care : Navy Reserve have that info.

I think the Army was actually the last branch that would take ADNs in the Reserves, but that changed a couple of years ago as well. I believe it's BSN only across the board.

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thank you so much! :cat:

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Specializes in Critical Care Emergency Military Nursing.

Pandabear:

I am sorry to say but the recruiter would be the best one to answer your question. It's been so long since I came in that I don't remember what kinds of things that help an application look good. I do know that grades, and experience go a long way.

As mentioned before, I don't think that any branch accepts AD Nurses anymore. Not even the reserves. Also, just because you join the reserves doesn't mean that you won't deploy. In fact more reserve nurses seem to be deploying these days vs active duty. Not sure why that's the trend right now but that's what I am seeing.

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Thanks Navyman-

It's frustrating, the recruiters can be elusive. Im half tempted to just go up to LA for a visit. I've got some med issues, not of which seem to be PDQ but may require waivers. And if its really competitive especially with the draw down then who knows if I could even get them. I've got my BSN and I'm studying for my ccrn now. I'm trying to get more involved at work. I heard they need ICU/CC nurses, but I'm looking at reserves so it might be different. Is there any word on what the services are looking for or how competitive it really is for direct commission? How did you decide after you got your commission where you were going to go? Wish list? Did you go ICU? I know that the needs of Big Blue trump all but do they have a list of the different jobs/facilities?

Thanks! Your thread is a great source of info, especially since he navy websites are horrible.

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Navyman, one more thing, did you have to qual on the m9 or other weapon. I'm not against guns but if you do, would it be good to get some training ahead of time. I heard DCOIC is only 2 wks, doesn't leave a lot of time:)

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You don't qual at ODS. You can sign up for times at the range occasionally otherwise you will when you deploy to a hot spot. The qual is real easy If you are half way competent with firearms. One of the easiest ribbons to get so you don't just have a ketchup stain on your khakis.

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Hi,

I'm considering all branches of the military to start my nursing career after nursing school. Can anyone shed any light on the quality of life as an navy nurse? How is living on a ship being the minority and do u feel safe?

I'm interested in becoming a critical care nurse.

Thanks in advance

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Hi,*

I'm considering all branches of the military to start my nursing career after nursing school. Can anyone shed any light on the quality of life as an navy nurse? How is living on a ship being the minority and do u feel safe?

I'm interested in becoming a critical care nurse.*

Thanks in advance

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You don't qual at ODS. You can sign up for times at the range occasionally otherwise you will when you deploy to a hot spot. The qual is real easy If you are half way competent with firearms. One of the easiest ribbons to get so you don't just have a ketchup stain on your khakis.

"sign up for times at the range" as in... during ODS at OTC Newport (vs. having to wait 'til after graduation)? If so, you just made my day, because I check in to ODS this weekend & no matter how bad I am at sit-ups, at least I can shoot straight... so I want Expert rifle & pistol ribbons ASAP!! :)

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No at your command. Good luck having "free time" at ODS.

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No at your command. Good luck having "free time" at ODS.

Aw, too bad. That's what I had been planning on doing (qualifying after ODS) but I was excited about the thought of qualifying at ODS even if it was on my own time the last weekend. I know our schedule will be super busy, and that plans are not in our control, of course... but I've heard there's a good chance we get free time the last one or even two weekends before graduation, right?

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