Can't decide!

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Having too many options can be just as hard as having too few. I graduate in May and I'm trying to decide which branch to join. How did you choose and what do you like or regret about it?

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

You need to contact a Healthcare Recuriter from the Army, Navy, & Air Force to see what each service has to offer and their requirements if you are graduating with your BSN. If you are graduating from high school or with a ADN you can not become a officer in any of the services.

If this is the case you will need to speak with a enlisted recruiter to see what your options are.

The Army has a requirement of 2 years experience as a nurse to go on active duty & 6 months for reserves. Not sure of the other services.

If you are getting your ADN and what to become an officer, find a job as a RN, get into a RN-BSN program that way you can get your work experience needed while you obtain your BSN.

Do not contact the local enlisted recuriter if you are getting your BSN, their job is to get you to enlist not become an officer. Go to each service recruitment web site to find the Healthcare Recruiter you need to speak with.

It will take time for the recruiters to get back to you. Some on this board have said that it has taken a couple of months for them to get back.

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I've spoken to recruiters from each branch. At one point I had completed the army nurse corp application but decided to go to grad school instead. I have a few years as a BSN RN. I'm just having a hard time making the decision.

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I had a hard time making the decision as well...I decided on Navy because my family has a history of being in the Navy (still in the process of applying). Good luck!

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Since you are graduating from grad school you need to speak with them again to see which service will fit you best with your degree.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I would look at USPHS and the different federal agencies as well when trying to decide on which branch to join.

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And don't forget to check the Marines out either.

I personally would go Army...but any branch you choice will be a wonderful experience and well worth the hard work. I wish I had joined back in '90 when I graduated.

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And don't forget to check the Marines out either.

The Marine Corps does not have medical personnel. The Navy fulfills our Medical and Religious needs.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
And don't forget to check the Marines out either.

I personally would go Army...but any branch you choice will be a wonderful experience and well worth the hard work. I wish I had joined back in '90 when I graduated.

Yeah, don't tell the Marines, but they are actually part of the Navy....:D

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Thanks for all the replies. I have thought about the USPHS but would only go that route if working with the DOD. My specialty is Psychiatry and I know there are opportunities everywhere. I am no stranger to the military; I’m prior enlisted Navy and worked with all branches during my 7 years in. I don’t know what military medicine is like and would like to know what you like about army, air force or navy nursing.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Thanks for all the replies. I have thought about the USPHS but would only go that route if working with the DOD. My specialty is Psychiatry and I know there are opportunities everywhere. I am no stranger to the military; I’m prior enlisted Navy and worked with all branches during my 7 years in. I don’t know what military medicine is like and would like to know what you like about army, air force or navy nursing.

That is kinda of funny. Most of the job openings that I have seen right now for psych in USPHS are working with the Army.

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Oh how we love our Navy Corpsmen though! They are there with us through thick and thin.

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