Direct Commission into Navy Nurse Corps

MURunner86 · Jul 6, 2011

Well, I have done this process recently myself so I can shed some light. I began the application process in January of this year. Around Feb-Mar I went to MEPS. My packet just went to board on 29 June. I was professionally recommended (chosen by the board), but have yet to receive my final selection letter and commissioning documents. It takes a while. And I can tell you that unless you're a critical care nurse, its going to be really tough to get in right now. I believe FY11 is nearly full and FY12 has nurses waitlisted from FY11. Don't let me discourage you, but don't think this will be a quick deal. I have heard of it taking 1+ year to get in.

Purple_Demon_RN · Jul 30, 2011

It takes about 6 weeks to find out whether or not you've been selected. Unfortunately, you don't stand a real chance of getting in without a RN license. There are people out there with years of experience that are getting waitlisted right now. Don't be surprised if you get turned down this first time, but don't get discouraged either. Get a job in critical care immediately out of school. Then apply again when you have two months of experience.

As for how many RNs they are taking in those fiscal years, it's irrelevant because from what I've heard, there are so many alternate waitlisted nurses on there that there are very few spots left and the number seems to fluctuate. What I can tell you with certainty is that several more nurses are applying now than in past years and that's with less spots for nursing.

Overall, just remember that critical care is where it's at

bleemme · Jul 30, 2011

Purple_Demon_Rn,

I see that you resubmitted a kit to the board. Did you have to redo alot of the paperwork to resubmit again or did you not have to fill out anything new to resubmit a package to the board? Thanks!

NewNavyRN · Jul 30, 2011

I too am waiting to get my direct commission. I had to lose some weight first, did meps at the beginning of this month, and got submitted the 2nd week of june. They've already contacted me for some additional information, but haven't heard anything official yet. I am a critical care nurse tho (8 years exp, and i have my CCRN) I picked some duty preferences but what areas are in need of critical care nurses right now? I'd like to have an idea of where i'll get sent out of officer school. any ideas?

Purple_Demon_RN · Jul 30, 2011

No ideas as to what areas are in need. I can tell you that my person-to-person interview was with a LCDR that was always in critical care and he told me that regardless of your duty station, critical care is the first to be deployed

izzycatswimRN · Jul 30, 2011

I'm currently an RN in the Navy right now. I can tell you from what I hear psych nurses are needed...and PNPs. Now specific locations are in the air. What we hear from the pipeline is just what's needed navy wide. There's a place we can look (not sure if the public can access it) that tells us how many billets there are for each sub-specialty and if they are 100% manned or what.

Purple_Demon_RN · Jul 30, 2011

I had to fill out a reconsideration form and that was it

NewNavyRN · Jul 30, 2011

No ideas as to what areas are in need. I can tell you that my person-to-person interview was with a LCDR that was always in critical care and he told me that regardless of your duty station, critical care is the first to be deployed

Hey Purple

yes when I did my interview with with the LCDRs via phone they told me also the fact that i am single, male, and no kids would make me a bit more likely to be deployed also. I'm cool with that. i picked portsmouth, va for my first duty preference but i may change it. i talked to my recruiter he said that wouldn't be a problem, just would have to talk to my detailer before i swear in. what are some nice bases?

NavyNurseGrl · Dec 2, 2011

Hi everyone. I have a similar story to these posts listed here but have a little different background. My application just got sent to the board two weeks ago for the critical care navy nurse corps. I am told that there are limitied spots but I should have no problem of getting in. I just wanted a couple more opinions from maybe some of you all who have been through the process.

A little bit about myself: I have worked as a Pediatric Critical Care RN with additional cardiac congential heart training for about 6 months, have my PALS and ACLS certification, am taking graduate level classes for my masters in nursing currently, Graduated nursing school in April of 11, was an all-american soccer player in college, volunteer part-time for a nursing home. My GPA in college was a 3.65. I am single, am not in a relationship... and have no kids. Can anyone kind of give me an idea of my chances of getting into the navy nurse corps... and suggestions of other things I could be doing to improve my chances next year if I dont get in?

Thanks!!!!!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 2, 2011

The only thing you might be lacking is enough time as a critical care nurse, but I'd pick you! Hi, I'm over on the Army side of things. LOL. Welcome to allnurses, and best of luck!

NavyNurseGrl · Dec 2, 2011

Thank you. Do u know when the next time would be to apply for the navy nurse corps if I didn't get in this time ? Or does each service have different selection dates ?