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Discussion

Army Nursing

I'm interested in joining the army as a mental health nurse in about a year. I am burdened with student loan debt, and the Army offers a very good repayment option, plus excellent benefits/opportunities to travel, etc. I have a BSN, and I'm currently working at an acute psych facility and want to finish out at least a year of experience there prior to joining. So, I am thinking about this well ahead of time. What I'm wondering is: how long do you have to wait between signing up to join and actually starting your training/job? I'm hearing that there is a waiting list or something like that? Also, does anybody have any experience as an Army nurse or as a military mental health nurse? If so, what is it like and do you have any advice/words of wisdom? Thanks so much!

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    It takes appox 6-12 months from the time you meet with a Health Care Recruiter (HCR) until the time you leave for OBLC (basic training for officers). The time line all depends on how fast you get all your paperwork in and when the accession board meets. When you meet with the HCR find out what the requirements for 66C Psychiatric/Mental health nurse are and if you will be able to fullfil them in your civilian job. Generally it is 1500 hours and 2 years experience along with some other skills for the field. If you are unable to get the 66C before you go in attempt to have it written in your contract as a course guarantee. If you have this MOS when you go to the board they will be looking at you as a 66C vs a 66H (med/surg) and depending on the numbers needed and number of applicants for each this could be a advantage for you. I am not sure how well the Army is right now with 66C's.

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    in addition to what Jeckrn said.. as of now accession boards are annual (Nov) meaning you need to start now (or even in Apr/May) to be ready for that board.. and then expecting to leave anywhere from several to 6 months after that board convenes.

    I'd also look into Psyc NP programs available active / reserve and national guard that could allow you to 'join' and with the acceptance of grad school.. you more or less have the job of going to school, you get paid, given certain tuition reimbursement, and then serve as a psych NP upon graduation... that is another option.

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    Thanks for your help, guys! I appreciate it!

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