An international nurse taking an NCLEX and at the same time joining the Navy

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Good day! I am an international graduate from Philippines who took NCLEX but failed for the first time. While i was waiting for my NCLEX-RN result i took the ASVAB which is the military exam and i qualified to join the navy. So as of now im gonna join the reserve but confused if im gona take the active and at the same time im processing my application to retake my NCLEX-RN cos im aiming to become a military nurse but my recruiter said international graduates are not recognized to join nursing corps. So the plan is if im gonna join the active with 4 years contract and between that 4 years i have my license for nursing, is it ok if i didnt work as a nurse until i finish my contract in the navy? Is it a prerequisite in reneweing license to have a clinical experience? And is the RN license will be valid even if i dont use it?

One more question, is anyone here graduated outside The US but become military nurse?? Other than studying again bachelors degree here in america to join the nurse corps

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

If you want to be a military nurse, enlisting will not get you there. You need a US degree and also US citizenship to commission as an officer in any branch's nurse corps. You could consider doing a US MSN program, it would make no sense to repeat a BSN in the US if you are already qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

And no, having a four-year gap in nursing practice will not make you an attractive candidate anywhere, military or civilian. Your plan is not a good one.

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Thank you so much for ur response, it means a lot.

Well at least i still have option of the MSN once i pass my nclex right? And my other question is, is it necesary that once u have the nurse license is it mandatory to practce it soon once you have the license? Because on my case if i do active (which has a contract of 4 years) im still gona keep taking nclex exam untill i pass during that 4 years of servce in the military. And if ever i got that license as an RN, can i keep that license even if i dont practce as a nurse for 4 years?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

You do have the option of the MSN. Many states have education requirements to keep your RN license current, so you would need to check with your local board of nursing. Are you a US citizen?

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Not yet. And my steping stone to become a us ctizen is to enlist. Thats why im doing some research if theres gonna be a good result with my nursing if i join military but like u said as long as i did MSN that Is US accredited by CCNE that means i still have a way to become nurse corps? And the military will help me financially to study my MSN right?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Not yet. And my steping stone to become a us ctizen is to enlist. Thats why im doing some research if theres gonna be a good result with my nursing if i join military but like u said as long as i did MSN that Is US accredited by CCNE that means i still have a way to become nurse corps? And the military will help me financially to study my MSN right?

If you qualify for education benefits, yes. But that four year gap in nursing practice may hurt you. Another option would be to pursue the MSN on your own after you pass the NCLEX while getting experience and pursuing citizenship, making yourself a more attractive candidate.

There is another recent thread with similar questions and answers: https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/joining-the-us-1065132.html

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Yea i saw your coversation there on your profile but thanks so much tho. Your post was really helpful, maybe i can talk to my recruiter about thanks a lot and god bless í ½í¸€

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