Direct Commission into Navy Nurse Corps

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Hey guys,

I have just finished submitting my packet for direct commission into the navy nurse corps upon my graduation from nursing school this December 2011. I am just waiting to get my physical and do the 2 nurse interviews before my packet goes to the board in August. With that in mind, I wanted to know if anyone here had any inside information as to the average length of time it takes for them to get back to you? My recruiter was very vague, so I decided to post on here. I also was wondering if anyone knows the actual number of new graduates the navy will take in per fiscal year(especially FY12). Graduation is coming all too soon and I wish I could just set my future in concrete already!

Thank you in advance for your help!

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.

did you go in with just your RN or did you enlist then get your RN I was told I cant be a nurse without a BSN. Imk still waiting to be contacted by a recruiter. I would really like to get in with just my RN. Now Im feeling discouraged because pepople are talkign about waiting lists and decreased job opportunities. HELP. thank you. :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I currently have my BSN degree and I have heard people with their bachelors who have had multiple years of critical care experience are not getting in. I am unsure if these people are bachelor prepared nurses or what tho. Best of luck getting in. Keep pursuing it if you know it is what you want to do.

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Specializes in Critical Care (SICU/Trauma).

Do you have your PCCN? (the pediatric equivalent to CCRN)

When I applied to the Navy, I had about 8 months of ICU experience, was working on my MSN, and graduated with a 3.91 GPA. I obtained my CCRN and really feel that it was the key factor that pushed me over the edge in the board's eyes. Certification shows initiative, and is looked at highly by the military and the civilian sector. I will tell you I was the only RN selected at my board last July.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I do not have my PPCN. I am working on taking my CCRN soon though. I just got my application in a couple weeks ago. Do you think that will make the difference? How does the waiting list work if I do get selected?

Congrats on getting in by the way!

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Specializes in Critical Care (SICU/Trauma).

I do think it would make a difference. It would put you head and shoulders above your peers. The Navy is trying to bring in experienced, certified nurses now due to the downsizing taking place. That, and Critical Care and ER nurses are the most highly deployed.

I would imagine the waiting list would work somewhat dependent upon whether a slot was available for you somewhere. They can't commission you until you have a job somewhere. I would tell the detailer that you are open to any location, shows you want to be a Navy nurse and are open to the needs of the Navy.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Thank you for your advice. Have you ever heard of anyone finishing their application in october and getting in shortly after? Sorry for so many questions. Just trying to get multiple perspectives.

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Specializes in Critical Care (SICU/Trauma).

Perhaps. Because it is the beginning of the fiscal year, money is available and they pick people up. However don't get too anxious. I would say the median time from initial contact with recruiter to ODS is generally 6 months to a year. Mine was 8 months.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Wow you really had to wait 8 months before you found out that you were accepted? Or did you mean that you had to wait 8 months before you were able to complete ODS? Thank you.

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Specializes in Critical Care (SICU/Trauma).

I meant 8 months from the first call I made to my recruiter until the time I went to ODS. I first called my recruiter in January to start the application process and went to ODS in September. I went to board July 21 and had orders Aug 18, commissioned Aug 25.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Ok just clarifying. Thanks for sharing. Congrats. I am fine with waiting.. just hoping that I will get in :). Best of luck to you and your career in the Navy.

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Specializes in Critical Care (SICU/Trauma).

Honestly, working in the civilian side before coming in can only benefit you. All the new grads I started have to deal with so much, not only learning how to be in the military but also how to be a nurse too...

Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Good news... I got accepted!!!! I feel so blessed to have been chosen for the navy nurse corps. I am just waiting for my assignment now and then dates to go for my ODS training... Any advice you all can give me would be appreciated :). I am so excite!!!

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