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Discussion

A few questions about joining

Hey everyone. I currently work in a very large MICU and am considering joining the military as a RN. I am working on completing my BSN within the next year. I am prior enlisted in the Marine Corps reserve.

1. Will my time as a civilian nurse count towards anything?

2. Will my time in service as a reservist count towards anything?

3. Can I get a guaranteed job as an ICU nurse?

4. I know this question will cause some controversy, but any recommendations on which branch of service to join? :) I have to break away from the Marine Corps cult, because as you all know, we don't have medical staff...

Thanks for your help!

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    • Featured Replies

    • Moderator

    Credit for RN time will depend on which branch - not sure that all of them count time before your BSN (I am specifically thinking that of the Navy, I know Army counts all RN time).

    The Army will not consider you without at least 2 years of experience, and the CCRN is the gold standard for being granted the ICU identifier. Nothing is guaranteed unless in writing.

    All branches are full of nurses. You will have to stand out to be competitive. GPA matters, as does physical fitness. Your best bet is to contact healthcare recruiters (not the regular strip mall recruiters) for the latest information.

    Good luck!

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    • Moderator

    Oh, and typically you are given 6 months of constructive credit for each year of civilian nursing for the Army. I think other branches are similar, but I am not certain.

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    Your time in the reserves will count for pay so if you did 4 years in the reserves you will start at 4 years on the pay chart. Depending on how many points you have you could have "E" pay which is greater than without it. To get the "E" pay you have to have around 1440 points which is equal to 4 years of active duty. As far as ICU position to have it guaranteed it has to be in your contract offer wise you have to apply for the school after 1-2 years on active duty. Even if you have the ICU identifier their is no guarantee that you will work in the ICU, it will depends on the needs at the time and where yo are stationed at.

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    Pixie is right the Navy will not give you any credit for your ADN time. When I came back on active duty I had 10 years experience with one deployment as a nurse. The Navy would only give me time for the 15 months I was activated. They wanted me to go from a mid grade Captian (O-3) to a Ensign (O-1), had to say no to that offer.

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    • Expert

    I think you mean LT (O-3) for the Navy; CAPT is O-6.

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    • Moderator
    I think you mean LT (O-3) for the Navy; CAPT is O-6.

    It is correct when one changes branches of service, though. :-) Jeckrn is a versatile and experienced guy! Lol

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    I was a Capt (O-3) in the Army reserves. I was prior enlisted in the Navy.

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    I think you mean LT (O-3) for the Navy; CAPT is O-6.

    Was Army reserves at the time which is a Captain.

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