Best Branch for Me

[IThinkICan100]

Hey, guys! So I was just accepted into a nursing program at my university. I start school in about two weeks, so I am super excited. I have been considering the nursing corps because of all the opportunities.

I graduate in 2016 (three year program) with my BSN. I've been trying to decide between a civilian job or a military career, which is all very confusing. Recently, I have been deeply considering the military. There are a lot of opportunities for a new grad in the military that the private sector doesn't really offer. What really entices me about the nursing corps is the loan repayment program. I am a little shaken by the huge loans I have from my private university. Therefore, my main goal after school is to become as financially stable as possible.

So the three things I am looking for are: Good loan repayment program, career advancement, and the possibility to travel abroad. I also want to attend graduate school (for a DNP in anesthesiology or family practice) and I know some branches will pay for graduate school with the addition of extra service years. What branch would be best for me? Also, what advice do you have?

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Side note: I understand that even the nursing corps is hard to get into with the current economy. I have a lot of friends in university with different majors. For them finding a job after school is a lot harder than for me as nurse, so I am blessed to be in the field that I am. I know my passion will drive me.

[Dranger]

Unless you do ROTC I doubt you will be able to get into active duty as a new grad. The military is still taking nurses right now but definitely very few new ones...

2016 is a long ways away but filling your head with student loan repayment, bonuses and further education as definite options is a little naive. Good on you for doing research but this isnt 2008 its a lot harder to get into AD as a direct commission new nurse.

My info comes from my AMEDD recruiters and my experience at Ft Sam Houston where Army ed training takes place.

My advice would be to go talk to your ROTC recruiter on campus

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Good advice from Dranger -- your ROTC recruiter will have the latest info. Even ROTC grads aren't all getting commissions these days, though. It's great to do your research, but if you try to come if with a "what will the military do for me" viewpoint (i.e., loan repayment, paid grad school, etc.), you might be in for some disappointment. Many of those incentives are shrinking or vanishing.

Best of luck with school.

[DSchulte99]

Joining the military isn't a just a career. It's a lifestyle. Long days no overtime. You have your nursing hours then collateral duties. Coming in on days off. Last minute deployments. If this sounds fun to you talk to recruiters or nurses in each branch. I am in the navy if you have any other questions let me know.