Questions for new Navy nurses

Specialties Government

Published

Hello all,

I've been lurking here for some time and I've noticed a recent upsurge in Navy topics. With that, I thought I might jump in and get some questions answered.

First, a little about myself...I'm 33 years old and preparing to graduate with my MSN. My program is unique in that it's a "bridge" program, meaning I have a BS in Marketing and took special classes to get my RN and MSN. I am currently practicing as a nurse and work as a TA for the University I attend. I have almost completed my packet for direct commission with only my two interviews left to complete. My packet should be submitted for review in early November.

Now for my questions:

1. After completing OIS, what is training for new nurses like? How long and how comprehensive?

2. Were you able to request a specialty? If so, how many of you actually got what you requested?

3. For those who chose not to do the NCP, did you get an offer for a sign-on bonus and loan repayment?

4. If you got either/both of the above, how will it be paid out to you? Is there a schedule of payment (i.e. over 24 months, over 36 months, etc.)?

5. Have you found your work schedule to be comparable to civilian nursing? In other words, are you working about 45 hours per week or do you find yourself working a lot of overtime?

I am interested in any feedback that you may have. This is something that I am very interested in doing, but I am trying to get as many objective opinions as possible. I like my recruiter a lot and so far, most of what he has told me has checked out as being the truth (not the recruiters are liars, but they do paint a beautiful picture).

Thanks in advance!

Specializes in OB, neonatal.

ENS PM,

Glad to have your response...even if you aren't LCDR Dan!

Are all the classes you take in lieu of working a shift, or do you maintain your schedule in addition to your training days? The unit I just left required a lot of extra time in addition to my regular shifts (only good thing about that was the overtime). With all the classes, my regular shifts, and maintaining a full-time school schedule with clinical time, I got burnt out real quick.

Thanks!

Jennifer

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Specializes in ER,ICU and Progressive Care Unit,Peds.

Classes are your shifts for that day or two, or however long the class is for.

For example, I had a med surg course that was a wk long that I had to take when I was in the intern program. (M-F 0730-1600) That's all I did that wk. Also, when I took my PALS course it was two days. That was my shift for those two days; then I had like one other day or two I worked that wk. Does that make sense?

ENS PM

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Sorry, just got around to getting here today, not ignoring. Anyway, I agree with what ENS PM has said. As far as CEUs, check with your individual state because my state doesn't require me to submit CEUs for my license because I'm military. I got audited about 4 years ago and when they found out I was Navy, they marked my record and filed it, no more audits. I do want you to keep in mind some things though. ENS PM works at one of the biggest hospitals, no, the biggest on the West Coast. Therefore, they may or may not be, more staff to help staff the unit so she can attend her classes. However, she is new and needs to get it done. I was stationed in Sicily where some classes were held once every so often, so from time to time you did have to go to class after a night shift or go to class plus your shifts. With things like this it will vary from place to place. The bad thing is, no overtime. DivOs will try to keep track of whenyou go above and beyond, but when you work in a unit that has 5 nurses to cover 4 shifts like I did, it doesn't always happen. Just keep it in mind. I don't tellthings like this to discourage, my goal is make sure you are as informed as possible. My opinion is that if you are informed from the get go, you are less likely to leave down the road, I like keeping nurses in the Navy. Let me know if I can be more help.

LCDR Dan

P.S.- Happy veterans day y'all

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Specializes in ER,ICU and Progressive Care Unit,Peds.

Happy Veteran's Day to you, too!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

You West Coasters and your being 3 hours behind us, it's almost past my bedtime. Have a good evening.

LCDR Dan

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Specializes in OB, neonatal.
I agree, most units do 12s with a 3-on, 2-off, 2-on, 3-off weekly rotation. nice thing is you get about 2 weekends off a month.

Okay, you are going to have to pardon my stupid question here. I was looking at a calendar trying to figure this out, and if what I'm doing is correct, then there are weeks that you might work 5 12s but then the next week you might work 2 12s. Does that sound right?

I obviously have too much time on my hands now that school is out for the break. If I don't hear from my recruiter soon I may explode.

0 Votes
Specializes in Anesthesia.
Okay, you are going to have to pardon my stupid question here. I was looking at a calendar trying to figure this out, and if what I'm doing is correct, then there are weeks that you might work 5 12s but then the next week you might work 2 12s. Does that sound right?

I obviously have too much time on my hands now that school is out for the break. If I don't hear from my recruiter soon I may explode.

That is the typical rotation for 12hr shift workers in nursing. It doesn't matter if it is civilian or military. You end up working 84hrs every two weeks, but don't forget that in the military you also have extra duties to do on your "days off".

Capt E, USAF,NC

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Here is what a typical week looks like, I'm a visual guy. The Ds stand for days and Es are days off. The military loks at its schedule as Sunday to Saturday. Following that miltary logic, you work 3 shifts (36 hours) one week and 4 (48 hours) the next.

D D E E D D D E E D D E E E

M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA SU

It does look wierd, but once you do it, it makes some sense.

LCDR Dan

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Specializes in OB, neonatal.
Here is what a typical week looks like, I'm a visual guy. The Ds stand for days and Es are days off. The military loks at its schedule as Sunday to Saturday. Following that miltary logic, you work 3 shifts (36 hours) one week and 4 (48 hours) the next.

Visuals are something I can relate to. Wery well explained. Now I got it! Thanks.

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