New Navy Nurse Candidate Program grad at Camp Lejeune!

Specialties Government

Published

Hi Everyone!

My name is Alex and I am a newly-commissioned Navy nurse being assigned to Camp Lejeune in October after I complete Officer Development School.

It seems as though all of the other Navy Nurse Candidate Program 2012 grads are hiding...as there are no threads connecting any of us! Let's fix this! :)

dcassidy12- My name is elise and yes!! super excited I kind of have a clue of who I might know at ODS.

My top 3 choices were San Diego, Camp Pendleton, and Bremerton. None of them were available unfortunately, but I am happy to be in the Navy supporting my country. Regardless of where I am I will have a positive attitude and have fun with it hopefully meeting awesome people along the way. Where did you go to nursing school?

Elise, I went to the university of Arizona college of nursing! How about you??

Hey everyone!

I'm so excited to hear from all of you and at least have some reassurance that I won't be the only one going to ODS in Sept. I graduated with my BSN from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston and was commissioned in May.

Less than a month now...Sept 9th is coming fast! I don't know about all of you but I'm a little bit terrified, haha. How are you all preparing?

Ah Alex I feel the SAME way trust me your not alone! The closer we get the more anxious and nervous I get. Ive been workin out everyday- running, sit ups and pushups and working on my swimming a little. I just started going over all the stuff we need to have memorized- ranks and hymns n whatnot. I got my sponsor last week and have been tryin to get my HHG set up but can't seem to navigate the website. Aside from all that, I have no idea what else we should be doing!!! Lol. I def don't want to get to ODS and be that person who isn't prepared tho! So if anyone else has suggestions on how else to prepare I would appreciate it:) are you guys packing an actual suitcase or just bringing a duffle bag? I feel like I don't have that much to pack since I'll be buying all my uniforms and PT gear when I get up there. Oh and also, when do we start getting tricare? Is that when we report to ODS as well?

Specializes in Cardiology, ICU.

Is anyone going to ODS in October? I too am rushing to get in shape, I'll be at nas jax but I haven't gotten a sponsor yet! How did you all find out about who your sponsors were? I am really nervous about not bringing enough or bringing too much! I feel really in the dark no matter how many posts I read haha.

Good Luck, camp lejeune is not a great place to be stationed but not the worst. It is however a black hole, once your there it's hard to get away. There isn't much to do in the town of jacksonville, and the good spots like Raleigh and Wilmington are 1 1/2 to 2 hours away. The cops in the area are some of the worst. They prey on active duty people. It's really what you make of it, good luck.

Devon,

Arizona sounds like it would be lots of fun!! I went to University College of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA. I've lived in the Philadelphia area my whole life. If you're still having issues with your HHG send me an email ([email protected]). I'll try and help you out :). I've been preparing by working out a lot for the past few months. I've been doing cardio and weight training and a little yoga lol. I use to be a competitive swimmer for 12 years so hopefully I didn't forget how to swim haha. I still need to get a sponsor. I contacted them a month and a half ago and they never gave me one...I also need to memorize all of that stuff on the website..how are you studying?

Hey Elise! Nice I am from NJ but have never actually been to Philly- I hear it's awesome! Can't believe we have less than one week! Talk about crunch time. I actually found this really good app for the Navy it has the hymns and ranks and sailors creed as well as a whole list of "navy speak" it's really helpful! My dad is going to help me work on drills this week too. What exactly are you packing?? I feel like I don't have that much other than running shoes, white shirts, sports bras and personal toilettries since we will be purchasing our pt gear and uniforms when we get up there. But I'm not sure if I should still bring some of my own shorts or tees for sleeping or to wear underneath our gear if it's cold out! I always tend to overpack whenever I travel though so who knows! Lol.

Oh also! Is everyone going to check in Sunday? Anyone checking in on Saturday? Does it matter?

Oh nice! Where in NJ are you from? What is the app called? My sophomore year of college I did NROTC to see if the military was right for me. Fortunately I have a lot of the uniform items that we need so I am going to bring those with me. I remember ranks but I probably need a serious brush up on everything else. We will purchase sweatshirts and pants so I don't think you will need to wear clothes underneath. Make sure you bring 3-4 PCA (proper civilian attire) to wear when we have liberty. NO SHORTS. I brought dress capris and dress shirts. Definitely bring a good pair of running sneakers and walking shoes that go with the PCA. The ODS website says to bring the following:

Required Items To Bring:

You will be issued all necessary uniform items upon arrival at ODS. You will also receive a clothing allowance of $400.00. Below are the items needed to begin training and estimates for how much of each you will require.

[TABLE=width: 90%]

[TR]

[TD=width: 49%]MEN[/TD]

[TD=width: 51%]WOMEN

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]_ T-Shirts (white, crew neck) – 8 each

_ Underwear, Briefs – 10 pair

* boxer briefs boxer shorts/regular

_ Athletic Socks (white) – 10 pair –

(Any type and length)

_ Towel – 2 each

_ Washcloth – 2 each

_ Black dress socks – 7-8 pairs

[/TD]

[TD]_ T-Shirts (white, crew neck) – 8 each

_ Underwear, Briefs– 10 *basic underwear

* underwear should be white or a neutral color. Avoid patterns, fashionable or shear underwear. It should be functional wear for activities from classroom study to working out.

_ Athletic Socks (white) – 10 pair

(any type and length)

_ Towel – 2 each

_ Washcloth – 2 each

_ Brassiere/Sports Bras

_ Swimsuit, one piece conservative

(Black/Navy Blue)

_ Black dress socks – 7-8 pair

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Personal Toiletries

[/TD]

[TD]Personal Toiletries

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]_ Basic Items Only

_ Shaving gear (no electric shavers)

_ Toothbrush/paste and floss

_ Deodorant

_ Soap/Shampoo

_ Nail Clippers

_ Shower shoes

_ White mesh laundry bag

[/TD]

[TD]_ Feminine Hygiene Products

_ Toothbrush/paste and floss

_ Deodorant

_ Soap/Shampoo

_ Nail Clippers

No Make-up or hair products (gel/mousse/hairspray) will be authorized until the last portion of training. You may bring them.

_Shower Shoes

_White mesh laundry bag

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

_ Civilian Clothes. Civilian clothes should be brought. You may have approximately 4-5 days of liberty where you can wear civilian clothes. Plan accordingly.

_ All students need to bring a combination padlock. (Key locks are not authorized)

Prior Service:

_ Bring medals (Large), Ribbons, and Warfare Devices. If your prior service was with any service other than the Navy, you will need to procure or order your medals/ribbons/devices prior to your arrival. The Uniform Shop here does not carry a large assortment of different service items.

Running Shoes:

_ Please invest in a quality pair of running shoes less than six months old. You will be running 5-7 miles per week, depending on where you are in training. Running is conducted on pavement, so a good pair of shoes is important. (Running will be less during winter months due to outdoor conditions.) Vibrams, or any other type of "Five Finger Running Shoe" is not authorized while at ODS.

Authorized Items:

_ Alarm Clock, Battery-Operated (No radio function)

_ Cell Phones (will be authorized after hours)

_ Wristwatch (will be authorized later in training)

_ Wallet and Check Book/Debit Card

top.gif

Other Items:

_ 2-3 black ink ball point pens

_ Envelopes

_ Stamps

_ Scissors

_ 6” x 9” Steno Notebook. (Basic Color)

_ Cleaning supplies. Students usually spend money buying personal cleaning supplies. You may bring these items if you desire. (Usual Items cover basic dusting and cleaning personal spaces)

-Shoe Shine Kit (Black Polish/Brush/Cloth)

-Small container of laundry detergent.

*There is a place to purchase these items if you do not wish to pack them. Navy Exchange/Wal-Mart and other locations are located on or close to the base.

[h=2]Officer Development School Required Paperwork[/h][h=3](You should bring 3 copies of each requirement)[/h]

  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Reserve Orders and any Modifications
  • Copies of prescriptions from civilian physicians if taking prescription medication. At Minimum 1 weeks’ worth of medication should be hand carried with you. You may bring 5 weeks worth, but with a prescription you can get it filled once you are here.
  • All medical/dental records and immunization records. Military and Civilian.
  • Oath of Office. This is MANDATORY!!!
  • Direct Deposit Information (Your banks routing number and your account number).
    - Direct deposit is not optional. Bring your bank account number and financial institution's routing number (RTN) for your direct deposit. You will be offered the opportunity to open an account with Navy Federal Credit Union but this is not mandatory.
  • Birth certificate. (Original)
  • [h=3]Social Security Card. (Original) - ALL MEMBERS MUST HAVE ORIGINAL SSN CARD WITH THEM![/h]If the student is unable to bring originals (besides your Social Security Card) the students must have a Court Certified True Copy of each document. Notarized copies will not be accepted.
  • State or Federal issue photo identification (driver's license, state identification card or passport).
  • Marriage License (if applicable). (Original)
  • Spouse's identification card (if applicable). (Original)
  • Birth Certificates and Social Security Cards for all dependents (all children/spouse if applicable). (Original)
  • Child custody documents (if applicable). (Original)
  • Divorce documents (if applicable). (Original)
  • Recruiter Contact Information (Name/Phone/Fax and NRD Address)
  • !!ACCESSION BONUS INFORMATION!!: If you are receiving an accession bonus, we will need:
    • Service Agreement
    • Congratulations Letter

Is anyone else beginning to get a knot in the pit of their stomach? I seriously am so worried I'm not going to be ready in all senses of the word for Sunday. I feel like Sunday is when my life is going to change so drastically and I don't know how to handle it! I'm so terrified that I'm going to get there and just embarrass myself, lol. Am I the only one freaking out here?

Thanks Elise!!! I am from Morris county nj have you ever been? Im about an hour from NYC. I think the app is called US Navy, if you type navy into the search box I think it's the first one to pop up!! Thanks for all of the extra info. That is really helpful!

Alex, I feel exactly the same way you do right now, what's worse is I woke up with a terrible cold yesterday and have no energy to get anything done! Couldn't have had worst timing to get sick! Are you Going up on Sat or Sun?? We should all try and meet up!

My cousin is from Morristown. Is that in Morris County? I am from Cherry Hill in Camden County. Friday I am actually staying with him and driving up Saturday morning. I will arrive in Newport Saturday evening. I heard from someone that is going upto ODS with us that we can check in Saturday afternoon/evening and get our room assignments. I am a little anxious to Alex and Devin, but I've been through military customs for a year when I did NROTC and it's not that bad. Yeah it's strict and lots of rules but I am sure you all know that by now ahaha but we are officers now meaning we will be respected more. They will treat us a little better than if we were enlisted recruits. Work as a team, the military HATES individualism. That's what they want to see so when the going get's tough just help a fellow officer out.

Let's all meet up! 2 girls that were assigned Naval Medical Center Portsmouth suggested we go out to dinner Saturday.

My number is 856 905 0765 feel free to text/call me!

+ Add a Comment