New to Navy, ODS, Portsmouth-need any help?

vls09 · Oct 9, 2012

Sw88tpea,

thanks so much for starting this thread - it's been a huge help for me, and I'm sure countless others, who are considering Navy nursing. Also, glad to see another Oregonian on here right now :)

I'm currently using my Post 9/11 GI Bill to go back to school for a bridge MSN at a large brick and mortar state/public university. I've got about 10 years in the military, both enlisted and commissioned, the majority of it active duty, but none of it in the Navy so this is all new to me. I assume I'd be a new grad RN in the Navy because most of my healthcare experience as an RN is part time (less than a year cumulative, all prior to BSN/MSN).

Can anyone tell me if I can apply for the USN NC and ODS while I'm still a student in my nursing program? Because my bridge program is only two years long and the USN only reviews nursing applications once a year in September, if I don't apply by the September deadline this next summer (2013) I will have to wait until I've already completed my degree and been a practicing MSN/RN for a year. I'd do this anyway if I don't get picked up the first time around, but obviously I'd like to be able to go to ODS and start my NC career as soon as possible after I finish in June 2014. So, long question short: Can anyone tell me if I can apply while I'm still a student? In my case, I'd be half way through my degree program, applying for the Sept 2013 board while expecting to graduate in June 2014. I DID ask this question with a Navy recruiter and he seemed confused, and told me he'd "get back" to me. Haven't heard back since then.

Also, second question - does anyone know how the Navy determines prior service for someone in my situation? I have 6 years as an officer and 4 enlisted. I'm currently an O3E and I'll be in zone for O4 around the time I finish my MSN (I just turned 30 recently). I am guessing I'll have to take a demotion to O1E (rest assured, I'm totally willing to do this!) but can anyone tell me if I'll promote to O2E any faster?

Thanks so much! If there are any NC folks on here that have the time right now, would you mind if I message you with some other questions?

linnaete, ASN, BSN, MSN · Oct 10, 2012

I think that the NCP is only for your BSN programs, but they do have other medical programs. Their website is Prospective Students that has an overview of the programs offered as well as an email address. Asking the department directly will probably get you more accurate information than going through your recruiter.

Also, if you're already commissioned you should be getting some sort of credit towards your time in. Are you reserves right now? What was/is your community? Does a lateral transfer apply if you are still in?

CSUnursegirl2b · Oct 17, 2012

Thank you so much for this post! It has a ton of valuable information. I'm seriously considering the Navy Nurse Corps and all of the responses have given me a lot of information to consider! Thanks to everyone!

Sw88tpea · Oct 18, 2012

vls09,

Prior BSN nursing won't count towards date of rank but I would think that your prior commissioned service would. What was your rate? Regardless I don't think you would be demoted to O1E. I thought ranks were transferable between branches but that's just thoughts in my head. I'll ask my DIVO about that.

Yes you can apply for the Navy before you have your license as long as you have it before you go. They have people going to ODS year-round. I don't know if you can swear in before you have your license but, you can get orders.

I'm happy to answer more questions. Go Oregon.

JulyLeo16 · Oct 22, 2012

Hi I'm just curious on my chancing of getting into the Navy Nurse Candidate Progran. I have a 3.8 GPA, volunteer at two local hospitals, can get plenty of references. Are my chances good? Then where is ODS located at? A silly question would be if I have to cut my hair for ODS(not important but just wondering as I know bootcamp they do). I'm hoping to get stationed at either Bethesda or Porthmouths that way I can drive to see my family once in a while. Am I allowed to go out of state on off days? I'm hoping I could do it at least once or twice a month if I'm stationed at one of the two. Is there a good chance I will get stationed at one of those two? Thanks for any answers!

oaktown2 · Oct 22, 2012

JulyLeo16 - your stats definitely sound competitive. The other factor that you will need to look at is timing. Spots fill quickly and not sure when you graduate, but the sooner your contact a health care recruiter the better. ODS is in Newport, RI. You do not have to cut your hair. Whether you can get stationed at Portsmouth or Bethesda - well, it depends on the needs at the time you graduate and possibly where you are located. I was told that they really don't want to ship you across country, so if you are already in the Eastern region, you are starting in a good place. Recently, it sounds like a bunch of people have been going to smaller hospitals because the big ones are full for new grads. Not sure when that will change. Good luck!

MursingMedic, DNP, RN, EMT-P · Dec 21, 2012

This has been the most informative thread I've read in quite some time. Thanks for starting it up. I as well have some questions if anyone has a couple seconds to help.

I am a prior service HM2 last serving as the LPO of the ER in Yokosuka. I'm now a Paramedic and RN with my CEN and have been working as an ER nurse for a year and a half now. I am currently clearing out the rest of my gen ed classes to start the RN to BSN at my local university (UCF) hopefully this upcoming Fall 2013 to finish in the fall of 2014.

My question is, with a GPA of 3.7, my prior service and my ER nursing experience and certification, would I have a better chance at getting accepted to the NCP to finish my BSN or should I just wait until I am done with my degree and apply for a direct accession? I'm noticing extended wait times for boards to convene and wonder if it would matter either way.

Also, if I do get selected for either, would my experience and certifications as a paramedic (irrelevant, I know) and current RN, CEN experience help me with my time in grade or would I just start out as a boot O1-E with 0 days TIG?

I put in a request online for a nursing recruiter from my local NRD to contact me, but with the holidays and my current work schedule, this might be faster.... and more accurate. Thanks for the help!

-Josh

Rob J · Dec 21, 2012

Josh, If you are serious about going back into the Navy I would first apply for the NCP as soon as you can. The biggest hurdle you will face being that you are prior enlisted, have a strong GPA and nursing experience is not getting picked up before all the billets for that year are taken. That way if you don't get picked up in time for the NCP you can still apply via direct accession...essentially giving yourself twice the chance of getting back in. Getting your package ready as soon as possible is the key, I got mine done as soon as I could but it got kicked back 3 different times and I almost missed out on being picked up for the NCP in 2013.

oorahwife · Dec 22, 2012

This thread has been super helpful! I am on the wait list for FY13 and I have been trying to get myself physically ready for ODS while I wait for word. I was wondering what is the minimum fitness level you have to achieve in order to pass? I know the number of push ups, sit ups, and run time is different for each age group. I'm struggling a bit with my push ups and I just want to make sure I'll be ready. Thanks!

DSchulte99 · Dec 23, 2012

Anything under Good they say they will write your command saying you are unfit. However, none of these count towards your prts for your record.

MursingMedic, DNP, RN, EMT-P · Dec 23, 2012

Thanks for the advice Rob J.

oorahwife · Dec 23, 2012

Thanks DSchulte99 for the heads up, it takes a bit of the pressure off.