Thinking about joining the military. . .

[R*Star*RN, BSN, RN]

. . . but I have a few questions!

I have read most of the threads about joining the military and military service but havn't seen much about these specific questions:

First, how to decide which branch of the military to go into?

I have seen some writing about a Nurse Candidate Program, does this include RN-BSN students or traditional students only? Do you have to go to school full time or can you work on the side as well? I am currently completing my ASN but preparing to go into an RN-BSN program.

Must you be a citizen prior to applying? I am a permanent resident and have lived in the US for 13 years. I was planning on getting my citizenship sooner or later, just curious about this fact. Can you have dual-citizenship? Would the military help you get your citizenship?

What are some other requirements of getting into the Nurse Corps? For instance GPA? Mine is 2.97 but hoping to get this up while completing my BSN. What about minor pre-existing health conditions? (I have hypothyroid and also vision problems, a history of depression as well, will this be a big deal?). I have read about the physical requirements and I'm sure with some training I would have no problem meeting them.

I have heard about people being turned down, what would make me a better candidate if I decide to go this route?

I have some time to think about this decision, whether or not to join the military, as I have about 2 years left until my BSN is complete.

Thanks everyone for your time, it has been very interesting reading through these threads :)

~ R*Star*

[MajorDomo]

To answer your first question, it depends on what type of culture you want to be part of. Each service has different traditions, attitudes, and expectations. Army tends to be the most military like, Navy is second and Air Force tends to be the least. Visit the various health care recruiters and have them show you around a nearby base/post. Watch how the enlisted corps act, the interaction between officer and enlisted, the quality of the buildings, and the general attitude of the people you interact with.

Your second question, if you are going through an accredited program, then yes the services have candidate programs if you meet the requirements (GPA, time left before attaining degree, full-time student, and citizenship). As an officer you would be required to obtain your citizenship prior to obtaining you commission.

In your situation, the best bet might be to obtain your BSN before attempting to join. The services all have sign on bonuses that tend to make up for not going the ROTC/Candidate route.

Medical problems: Hypothyriodism is not an automatic no go, vision problems are fine, if corrected with glasses/contacts or if you are color blind. The depression might be a sticking point, depends on if there have be suicide attempts, on medications, ever been admitted to a psych unit.

Most people who are turned down could pass the physical or been in legal and/or financial trouble. Sometimes, if one service turns you down, you might try another.