Basic Information for Military Nursing - Requirements and Recruiters

tyeas · Dec 2, 2011

Thank you for the info. What about general military requirements? Weight?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 2, 2011

Google is your friend. :) The height/weight standards are easy to find.

dayzyhead · Jan 29, 2012

I've been putting a lot of thought into joining the air guard but have no idea where to start. I'm currently an LPN working on getting my ADN. I hope to get my ADN in December '12. I've gone on to the website above to "contact a recruiter" but the closest one to Hawaii is in Santa Monica, CA? I've talked to a few military nurses and they are saying that my best bet is to get my BSN first then join the air guard because then I can practice as a nurse. Is this correct? I was hoping that when I do get my ADN, I could join the air guard as a nurse and work towards getting my BSN. So my question is this, is it possible for a person with an ADN join the air guard and practice as a nurse? If so, how do would a person go about doing this? If I can't do this, is the recommendation to get my BSN then join the air guard?

Any helpful comments would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance :)

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 29, 2012

I'm not sure who is accepting ADN nurses at this point -- someone in the forum might have info, but you are better off contacting a recruiter. A lot of elements have gone toward BSN-only. And yes, I've heard of the recruiters for Hawaii not being any closer than Cali. Good luck on the rest of your RN program! :)

Pattyr2001 · Apr 15, 2012

Are waivers usually granted for nurses? I just turned 47, I have a BSN and a bachelors in business. I also have a MBA. I am currently a director of surgical services. I am certified in Case management. I have no health ailments. I run 5K's a couple times a year. Wonder if I would be considered.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 15, 2012

Are waivers usually granted for nurses? I just turned 47, I have a BSN and a bachelors in business. I also have a MBA. I am currently a director of surgical services. I am certified in Case management. I have no health ailments. I run 5K's a couple times a year. Wonder if I would be considered.

Most branches are scaling back right now, and waivers are more difficult to obtain. It's not likely you'd get a waiver, but the answer will always be no if you don't ask -- you could contact a healthcare recruiter.

ElizabethEPark · Apr 23, 2013

I have been having difficulty getting in touch with a recruiter. Anyone else have had this problem, and how to address it?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 23, 2013

I have been having difficulty getting in touch with a recruiter. Anyone else have had this problem, and how to address it?

Be persistent. The Army is taking fewer and fewer new grads right now, so their motivation to get in touch with you is greatly decreased. I'm sure recruiters continue to be inundated with requests for info/contact as well. I think the persistence is key. :) Best of luck in the rest of your BSN program!

Monica1985 · Apr 29, 2013

What are the different branches' maximum number of dependents for the Nurse Candidate Program? I am currently a 27 year old female, married to a Veteran (Army), with 4 children. They are all military brats and are very used to the lifestyle so that is not an issue. I am hoping to start back to college next spring to finish up my Associates Degree. I only have 3 or 4 classes to go but due to a past student loan I am on hold. I am very interested in Pediatric Nursing as my specialty. What are my options?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 29, 2013

What are the different branches' maximum number of dependents for the Nurse Candidate Program? I am currently a 27 year old female, married to a Veteran (Army), with 4 children. They are all military brats and are very used to the lifestyle so that is not an issue. I am hoping to start back to college next spring to finish up my Associates Degree. I only have 3 or 4 classes to go but due to a past student loan I am on hold. I am very interested in Pediatric Nursing as my specialty. What are my options?

As far as I know, the Army doesn't have limits on kids. There is a direct commission nurse who posts in these forums who was just selected and has five kids, so it sounds like you'd be good to go. I think (hazy memory) that the only time the number of dependents comes into play is with single parents ... maybe Air Force? I could be wrong.

However, you would need a BSN to enter any branch of the service. After you finish your ADN, you could do an RN-BSN bridge to meet that requirement. At 27, you have plenty of time! Best of luck with the remainder of your initial degree. :)