Direct Ascension into Navy Nurse Corps

Gonavy · Jun 6, 2012

Hi everyone. I have just graduated with my BSN in May. I recently have done research about the Navy Nurse Corps and have contacted a recruiter. I have decided for many reasons that the Navy nurse corps is an excellent choice for me. There is little I want more right now than to become a navy nurse! However, as I came to the idea of navy nursing a little late I am too late for the NCP and will have to apply for direct ascension. I am wondering if any of you have any advice regarding this process and any details on how competitive it is. I feel I am a well qualified applicant but also want to be realistic.
Thanks in advance for your answers,
BSN12

I've been Navy Nurse Corps for 17 years now, mostly reserves but I've done a lot of active duty time in the last 6 years. I don't recognize the term direct ascension. When I came into the reserves after nursing school the term was direct commission. Maybe direct ascension is an active duty term? I would think your recruiter would best be able to answer your questions on that

Here's some food for thought; think Nurse Corps reserves. Two main benefits; it will introduce you to what Navy nursing is all about and (a big and) you can apply for a transfer to the active duty side once you're a reservist. Nurse Crops staffing on the reserve side is currently at 80% so they're actively recruiting. You might consider it as a back door into the opportunity you're hoping for. Please feel free to ask any other questions you might have.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 8, 2012

It's direct commission or direct accession, not ascension. :)

lauraobie1289 · Sep 1, 2012

Hello

I am recently in the process of applying to be a RN in the reserves , I met with my recruiter again today ,, I was wondering if you could give Me some advice or knowledge on what to expect also maybe pros and cons of that navy nursing career ?

Thank you

Laura O'Brien

MisfitSN, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2012

@ bsn12 and laura How was your application process proceeded? I am really interested in going the same route and wanted to know about your experience with the process/competitiveness/etc.

carolinakate88 · Sep 27, 2012

Hey all! I was direct accession into the nurse corps and am currently at ODS. Some in my class had it way easier than I, but heres my story: I began the process the summer before my senior year- got in touch with a recruiter, but was told to wait as it was too early to submit any paperwork due to having a year of school left. My recruiter never met with me in person throughout my senior year of school. I lost hope and never thought I'd get to be a Navy nurse, it just seemed like a slow road to nowhere. After I graduated I moved home and got in touch with a different recruiter in that area. I had my kit ready and MEPS passed in 3 months. If you have a recruiter that's efficient it takes no time at all. Call as often as possible to check your application process if you feel pulled through the dirt. After that point the waiting game was just holding out for the selection and then for the budget to be signed. I ended up getting preselected in October of last year but was placed as an alternate after the budget was cut (they had preselected too many nurses). Don't lose heart if this happens. They ended up squeezing me in at the end of this fiscal year! I received orders on Aug 3rd and left for Newport a month later. Keep your hopes up, get strong references and you are a competitive candidate!