Contemplating pursuing Nurse Corps - did I miss my chance?

[BernR6]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to get some feedback about future plans I have. From the reading I've done in the stickies and forums, I'm wondering if I missed my window. I'm holding off talking to a recruiter just yet, because I'm a little ways away.

My background:

- I'm 37 years old. Married, with a two year old daughter. I've always had the desire to serve our country. Have always looked up to and respected our service men and women. Regret not enlisting when in my 20s. However, I made the decision to go to college after HS. Met my wife in school. Got a bachelors in Criminal Justice. Have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years now. I've been currently working in a hospital psych unit the past 5 years. Decided to change careers to nursing. I got accepted to a BSN program for this September, which will officially take 23 months to complete. Because of my age and life situation, I've decided that joining the reserves or guard would be the best route for me...if possible. I don't want to uproot my family every 3-4 years.

- My questions and concerns -

- I'll be 40 when I graduate - if experience as a nurse is required, would I need to officially get accepted or a could I get a waiver before I'm 42?

- I wear contacts - is Lasik/surgery required?

- I've been taking Effexor XR for about 10 years (honestly not sure I even need it. A lot of how I've felt was situational (i.e. - working in MH, low pay and having debt) and my struggle in my 20s to find my direction. Not sure this can be proven though.

- I've never been to a psychiatrist, or been inpatient, etc. Saw a therapist 10 years ago for couples counseling. Never been officially diagnosed, except whatever the PCP needs to put in their records. I believe it's similar to dysthymic disorder. Am I automatically disqualified? Or would I be considered if off everything for a documented year or two?

Granted, most on this forum have already reported the difficulty of getting accepted in the first place. People have also mentioned the many cuts the military has already made. Obviously no clue what the situation will be like in 3 years.

I'm not a big guy (5'9" 170lbs), but I stay active, workout regularly, don't smoke, never used drugs, no criminal record, etc. I think I'd be fine for the physical test, etc. No injuries (orthopedic issues).

Based on my age, need for corrective lenses, and the medication I'm on, do I even have a chance at getting into the nurse corps (any branch). I know criteria is different for commissioned medical personnel. However, I need to know and accept whatever the reality will be and plan accordingly. If I would get accepted to the military, I would specialize in Psych. Nursing.

This route would serve numerous purposes for me. I'd get to serve our country, work as a nurse, get assistance paying on my school debt, benefits, and possible career job until retirement. On a side note, I have no problems getting deployed if that happens.

So there's my story - any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Just need to know if the path I'm following is a pipe dream. Thanks, and thanks to all of you for your service.

Bernie

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Contacts are fine. Your age will be fine at 40. The history of Effexor use is going to be an issue. I believe you have to be off of the Effexor for at least a year before they will even consider you, and I believe you would need a waiver because usually the use of antidepressants is an automatic disqualification. So no, not impossible. If you are not going to be active duty, you'll have to find a civilian job, of course — the military will not really train you in nursing unless you are active duty.

[Salamandrina]

As above, contacts are fine, but they will make you get glasses and certain activities will require that you use your glasses, not contacts.

You do need experience. The cut off for age is 42 so even if you get hired right away you will be cutting it close for the age. That said, I know a lot of people that got a waiver for age.

If you don't think you need the Effexor, talk to your PCP about weaning off it now. There are a lot of people that can get in the army with a history of antidepressants, not a lot that can get in when they are currently on them. Diagnosis of course, also matters. Do your homework and find out what you were diagnosed with.

The Army I know is desperate for psych nurses so make sure you tell your recruiter that. Bonus points if your two years of experience are psychiatric in nature and you do the work to get certified in psychiatric nursing.