Can a 52 y/o nurse join the army reserve nursing corp?

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Members are discussing the possibility of a 52-year-old nurse joining the Army Reserve Nursing Corps, with some mentioning age limits, the competitiveness of positions, the need for prior military service, and the difficulty of obtaining waivers. Some members recommend contacting recruiters, while others suggest gaining nursing experience or enrolling in refresher courses before pursuing a military nursing career.

I originally posted a question in the yahoo search- Can a 52 year old nurse get a waiver to join the army reserve nursing corp?

and one of the results directed me to the allnurses website which I have just become a member. The result was specifically a post

by athena55 who I would like to have contact with as she became a reserve nurse at age 52. I have no previous military experience so I am wondering how possible it would be for me to fulfill this dream I have had for a long time but never acted on because of having kids. Would appreciate any advice or info on this topic. I would do it without pay if it would help make this dream happen

:uhoh3:

Ever thought about enrolling in a refresher course? I just think it would be next to impossible to enter the military with a 19 year gap in nursing experience. The technology alone would be completely changed from when you last worked. Plus, with mil positions becoming scarce and so much competition you would be less desirable than a brand new inexperienced nurse.

If you are looking to return to the work force a refresher course, update your bls and maybe start with an office gig.

yes it is extremely competitive now.

application cycle is with fiscal year, packets due to board in nov, for nov/dec board that is currently being conducted once per year.

those being selected are typically fully qualified and have current relevant experience. if there is any doubt on these you should seek improvement. at this time I would say if interested in joining, talk to recruiter, get baseline info, schedule physical, make sure you meet the basic criteria - and start packet. At the same time - I would get a current job as a nurse.....

also its nice to not post multiple entries of your posting throughout the forum...as a courtesy.

I second getting nursing experience. 19 years of a break is a lot when compared with a new grad they can get with recent experience/ up to date knowledge base.

Your age may be a hindrance to getting in as well. Contact a recruiter to see of course.

I looked on Google and found that you're too old...42 was the limit. You can apply for a civilian position though.

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Government and Military Nursing forum

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

Merging the two threads into one to avoid duplicate lines of discussion ...

Specializes in MICU.

so sorry for multiple posts. i am a newbie at this and didn't mean to be discourteous but someone said i should post on the military/government area. i'm still learning how allnurses works... :)

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

No worries. :) Hope you're finding the information you need!

To: 2011NursingStudent:

Are the age limits of active duty up to age 49, and reserves up till age 52, still applicable for AMEDD nurses, as of 8/9/11, and where is the official Army reference citing this?

From: Bob15

To: 2011NursingStudent:

Are the age limits of 49 for Active Duty, and 52 for Reserves, for AMEDD nurses still applicable, as of 8/9/11, and what is the official Army reference citing this?

From: bob15

Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

You would need a age waiver and any waives are hard to come by.

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