Finally after clearing MEPs, completing 50+page application, finding references and signing my DA61 sheet my packet will go before Army Nurse Board Nov.15 2016, hopefully if I get selected I will comission as a 1stLT - just wanted any advice or 2 cents for those who have had military experience as a nurse.
I have 2 boys and I chose the reservist route vs active to prevent them from having to move around too much and being able to live close at home to them. I've been an ICU nurse for almost 8 years and have always wanted to serve my country and this website has given me so much information so for the military nurses out there how is it? Why did you choose reserve vs active or vice versa
I live in Houston according to my recruiter I will probably drill in Fort Sam in SA one weekend a month I was hoping there would be someone out there who can tell me about the experience, as far as drill weekends, scheduling, juggling civilian job and life etc. my recruiter has done well filling me in but reading personal stories on here is always great input as well.
Thanks again and if someone can reach out to me personally please PM me with your email address I'd love to hear about your experience
Thank you for your information - no prior service, I was tossing between active vs reserve but I am divorced with 2 boys and moving isn't an option at this time - so I chose 3 year reserve (5 year IRR) and will start as an O2. Just very excited for the opportunity but I will just sit tight and try my best to be patient - thanks!
This thread has been priceless I love it. How was it determined you go in as an O2 and not as a Lt, was it due to your job experience?
You're welcome JmhATL , yes allnurses has given me a bundle of information that I would have never been able to google thanks to all the experienced nurses on this forum. So basically an O-2 is a 1st Lieutenant. Since I have been a nurse for 8 years, the Army gave me like 2-3 years of (constructive credit/time in grade) therefor I was able to come in as an O-2. An FNP or MD are the only ones that I know that can commission as an O-3 (captain).
At the time I applied, the army had the largest sign on bonus for ICU nurses and I always wanted to do army so I went that route (3-year contract). If I love the military life I will probably go active, but I wanted to test the waters. I would wait and take the job offer so you can get some experience. Then speak to a health professions recruiter, that way you will have a stronger resume/application, but it's up to you. You can always go for it anytime and goodluck!
Plenty of nurses, including my last supervisor, direct commission as Captains. It just requires a lot of constructive credit. You either need 8 years of full time RN experience or an MSN and 4 years of experience. A PhD would automatically bring you in as a Captain.
Some MDs commission as O-6s. I currently work with one. It all boils down to what they need and how much education/experience you bring to the table.
Plenty of nurses, including my last supervisor, direct commission as Captains. It just requires a lot of constructive credit. You either need 8 years of full time RN experience or an MSN and 4 years of experience. A PhD would automatically bring you in as a Captain.
Some MDs commission as O-6s. I currently work with one. It all boils down to what they need and how much education/experience you bring to the table.
I'll be a new grad, spit won't apply to me starting beyond a first lieutenant I'm sure. I have 3 years experience working at a Hand surgical medical center after finishing my first Bachelors of Science (premed).; however I was medical tech. Excellent info thanks for sharing!
I think I'm in the same boat. My recruiter told me that I have been accepted but I need to wait for the official scroll release. Is this similar to your situation? She told me it will be in the next
Order of Merit List (OML),,,, There are a bunch of us that had boards in November and December that were put on this list. They call if a spot opens up. We just hang out in limbo waiting on a call, or the November fy18 board to try again. Good times,,,,,
Hey, guys. I am currently serving as E-4 in National Guard NY. I will get my BSN in 2018. By that time I will have 4 years in service. Any ideas in what rank I will be commissioned? I am interested in getting in critical care Nursing. Is it stil 75k bonus? Does anybody receive 20 k per year special pay for critical care nurses?
Typically, you rank is determined by a function of your RN full-time experience (often 50% of it). Your previous enlisted time doesn't get you a higher rank. It only gets you the O1-E designator (which means more pay) if you have the equivalent of 4 years plus 1 day of active duty prior enlisted experience; I suspect you don't have enough points in your guard time to equal that.
In summary, you'll need at least 4 years of full-time RN experience to come in as an O-2. You generally need at least 1 year of full-time ICU RN experience to qualify for any incentives.
JmhATL
210 Posts
This thread has been priceless I love it. How was it determined you go in as an O2 and not as a Lt, was it due to your job experience?