Can't Get a job? Considering Military? Enlisted/Officer

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Ok so I'm so frustrated right now from all the turn downs Iv'e been receiving, I am right now considering enlisting in military as my last resort. (I can't be an officer Though Im an RN, I graduated from the Philippines and my school is not CCNE/NLNAC accredited plus I am not a citizen yet. Did anyone go down this route? or is planning? i would like to hear you out thanks!

Specializes in NICU.

I've actually talked to a Navy recruiter and have gotten the paperwork (as a just in case). Because it is a position as an officer, you have to apply. You have to fill out a package, including job references and clinical instructor references, write an essay, and provide numerous other documentation. Also, your school has to be an accredited nursing school and you must have a BSN. For the navy, the chances of deploying the first four years are slim. If accepted, you will be stationed stateside. After your third year, you decided whether you want to continue or get out after the fourth year. For picking where you want to be stationed and on what unit in the hospital, you pick your top choices but of course the Navy has final say. The pay is actually very good because the military gives you housing and living allowance apart from your actual pay. I think the benefits are awesome if you choose to go back to school. Just like all areas for new grads, its competitive. Because of your background, unfortunately I don't think the military is an option for you.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Ok so I'm so frustrated right now from all the turn downs Iv'e been receiving, I am right now considering enlisting in military as my last resort. (I can't be an officer Though Im an RN, I graduated from the Philippines and my school is not CCNE/NLNAC accredited plus I am not a citizen yet. Did anyone go down this route? or is planning? i would like to hear you out thanks!

In addition to the non-citizenship, what I bolded may be what kills your chances. I know that jobs in the VA (government agency) require graduation from a CCNE or NLNAC-accreduted school. I'm not sure if active-duty military have the same requirement.

ETA: Just looked at the Navy...you need to have graduated from a CCNE-accredited school. So count them out.

http://www.navy.com/careers/healthcare/nurse/

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

All branches require BSNs from accredited schools (CCNE/NLNAC) as well as US citizenship for active duty. I agree with SoldierNurse22's astute (as always!) post -- the military shouldn't be a fall-back plan because one can't find a civilian job. This is way more than just a job, it's a huge commitment to service and one gives up many, many things to make that commitment.

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Specializes in Rehab corrections med-surg.

Military is not a plan b because everyone else is turning you down. Military is a job, commitment and privilege to serve the US not a job for just anyone. You must be a part of the country and proud to be American and able to fight for the country in war.

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I've actually talked to a Navy recruiter and have gotten the paperwork (as a just in case). Because it is a position as an officer, you have to apply. You have to fill out a package, including job references and clinical instructor references, write an essay, and provide numerous other documentation. Also, your school has to be an accredited nursing school and you must have a BSN. For the navy, the chances of deploying the first four years are slim. If accepted, you will be stationed stateside. After your third year, you decided whether you want to continue or get out after the fourth year. For picking where you want to be stationed and on what unit in the hospital, you pick your top choices but of course the Navy has final say. The pay is actually very good because the military gives you housing and living allowance apart from your actual pay. I think the benefits are awesome if you choose to go back to school. Just like all areas for new grads, its competitive. Because of your background, unfortunately I don't think the military is an option for you.

Pretty sure I knew Ensigns and some LTJGs who deployed but oh well. I assure you that is not the case with the Army. I knew RNs with a year or LESS who deployed just a few years back.

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For the navy, the chances of deploying the first four years are slim. If accepted, you will be stationed stateside..

Having worked at Bethesda, I can tell you that is entirely incorrect. I had several friends who were LTJGs who had deployed as ensigns (within the first 2 years of their service).

For its RNs, the Army has been guaranteeing no deployment for the first year of service for new grads only. They started that because the retention rate of new grads who deployed right out of school was (understandably) very low. Not sure if that's still in effect, but I know of 2LTs who have deployed right after that first year was up.

I'm not sure how many times I need to say this, but we are at war. Don't go in fooling yourself that you won't deploy or that you're somehow exempt from the ****storm. There good reasons to enter, but money and lack of opportunities elsewhere are not among them.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
This is way more than just a job, it's a huge commitment to service and one gives up many, many things to make that commitment.

And so does your family.

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Specializes in NICU.

I can't say first hand that it is 100% true you wont be deployed. This is what the recruiter told me about the program for new grads. I'm aware of how trustworthy recruiters can be. Being a nurse in the military was something I wanted to do since I started nursing school. That was when I wanted to be an ER or ICU nurse. Considering that's no longer the area of nursing I want to go into and the fact my significant other is in the army, I don't think the military is the right choice for me even though I do want to serve my country.

I agree with what everyone has said. Becoming a military nurse should not be taken lightly. It should be something you really want to do because the military life is hard.

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I can't say first hand that it is 100% true you wont be deployed. This is what the recruiter told me about the program for new grads. I'm aware of how trustworthy recruiters can be. Being a nurse in the military was something I wanted to do since I started nursing school. That was when I wanted to be an ER or ICU nurse. Considering that's no longer the area of nursing I want to go into and the fact my significant other is in the army, I don't think the military is the right choice for me even though I do want to serve my country.

I agree with what everyone has said. Becoming a military nurse should not be taken lightly. It should be something you really want to do because the military life is hard.

So you are saying in an entire 4 year AD enlistment you probably won't or can't be deployed as a Navy nurse? Yeah sorry I don't buy it, I think your recruiter was forgetting to tell the truth. Also my experience with the Navy contradicts that...

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Specializes in NICU.

That is what I am trying to say that recruiters aren't always truthful. Deployment is ALWAYS a possibility in the military and something someone who wants to join should accept. The fact of the matter is the military can send you wherever they want and can even make you stay in past your contract. I think this is going off topic though. The OP wanted to know if he or she could join given his or her background. The point of the matter is being a military nurse is not an option and should not be a last resort because of the amount of dedication and commitment needed.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

A friend of mine went active duty Navy as a nurse. Her very first tour after OCS (officer schooling): 6 months in Iraq (joint command for those wondering what the Navy is doing in Iraq). This wasn't her first choice.

You can and WILL be deployed if the military decides you are needed somewhere--being a nurse will not protect you from that. Do not think otherwise for even a second.

Also, detailers may ask you for duty station preferences but they're just that: preferences. Sometimes they're honored, sometimes they're not. Ultimately you must go wherever the open billet is.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I think this is going off topic though. The OP wanted to know if he or she could join given his or her background.

Off topic or not, misinformation (such as saying deployment chances are slim for new officers) generally bears correcting. We like to keep it real. ;)

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