Disqualifying factors for army/military nursing

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After more research into the possibility of me joining the military as a nurse (currently i have my BSN, CCRN, and 7+ years of critical care experience), I've uncovered a few issues that have me a bit worried about starting this whole process:

1) I was diagnosed with very mild depression which my doctor gave me Wellbutrin. I filled the scrip a few times, but ended up stopping the medication because of side effects, and it turned out my Vitamin D level was super low and I took supplements to correct this and all has been good. This has turned up on many searches as a "Disqualifying" factor. Would this be true? I've also read that recruiters tell people just not to disclose this but would this show up on a security clearance down the road? Have any of you dealt with this or just didn't disclose a matter such as this on your health screening? The depression diagnosis was just a few months ago (January) and was basically applied to me because i was tired all the time (after correcting my Vitamin D level this is no longer an issue and I don't require meds at all.

2) Security Clearances - I've also read that if you have a history of bad credit (i.e. chargeoffs/judgement) in the past it can affect your ability to obtain a top level security clearance. I have had chargeoffs and 1 judgement in the past (all paid off >5 years ago). My credit now is stellar, i haven't had a late payment or any bad mark in over 5 years. What security clearance is required for an army/military RN and would this affect me being able to serve?

Any information with insight into these issues would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks!

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I am in the Army, and I passed my security clearance in no problem 2 years after a Bankruptcy. I was just honset and open with what happened, and demonstrated that I had learned my lesson.

As for the depression, a few years ago this may have not been a problem. However, as the wars begin to wind down the military can be a little more selective with it's recruits. Furthermore, the military is having a large problem with sucides right now. This may be a stumbeling block, but there is always a need for skilled medical professionals. So if you are just honest, that you were misdiagnosed ith depression, and then realized it was just a vitamin D issue, you should be okay.

The key is to be completly honest and open about your previous history. The recruiter has a goal to get as many people in as he/she can. Like all government employees, that recruiter wants to do as little work as possible, so he/she may tell you to hide an issue.

I suggest you just go do it. You won't know until you try.

So you going Army, Airforce, or Navy?

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I'm looking at all 3 at this point, my dad was navy but I've given army the most attention thusfar (mainly cause I thought the army was the only one who would take me at my age for active duty - 34). After a bit more research i've realized that all 3 will take me at my age so i'm giving the others a look too.

How do you like the army and how long have you been in? I'm assuming your in their nurse corps?

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Be honest about your depression and give them the full story on the fact that it was related to a Vit D deficiency. Yes, the army is kinda full of nurses, but you have a specialty that they really like. They will probably be willing to listen. I had to get three waivers that were all medically related to get in. Sometimes, things are just meant to be.

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I am just a lowly medic. I go to LPN school (via the Army) next month.

I am pleased thus far, however I would recomend you look into the airforce, or navy first. I hear they have much better accomidations for officers, but I could be wrong.

Good luck in your journey.

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Yes.. generally everything is nicer in navy and air force. That being said I love the mission, role and environment of the Army :)

Best of luck at LPN school.

Once you get your AKO account, keep eyes out in the milper messages to stay abreast of future opportunities.. depending on your pre-reqs look forward to enlisted to officer nurse program and the intraservice PA program... (that would be my 2 cents).

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I am just a lowly medic.

Honey, there ain't no such thing! :D Love the medics!!

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You have to be off all mind/mood altering medications for 12 months prior to your physical and enlist. You will also want to bring in ALL of your medical records from your physician. You may even want to go back or see another Dr to get a note saying you were mis-diagnosed. Ive seen people that were prescribed Welbutrin for smoking cessation need Med Waivers because of it being a mood/personality drug.

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Your credit is stellar for quite some time, ok. No problem with your clearance. Should it come up, then you explain with a rendition of how you got back on track. You were tired, you were tired. Would not mention that. If it comes up, you were tired and the "diagnosis" was incorrect or you had a transitory case of fatigue. I would not get overly concerned over matters that can be explained. Good luck with your military career.

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Specializes in Pediatrics/Emergency Medicine/NICU.

Let me know if you have an email that would be good to explain some specifics, and provide some links. Thanks!

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Hello! I am also very concerned about not being able to join the military as a nurse. I am currently in nursing school and have wanted to pursue a medically related career in the military since I was in high school. I was diagnosed for clinical depression and went to therapy for a few years because of very serious childhood trauma that needed to be resolved. I was in therapy with on and off antidepressants until my sophomore year in high school. I have since not experienced any relapse, and by the time I graduate it will have been seven years since I have received any psychological treatment of any kind. I am wondering if it will be possible to join the military at that time, or should I just mark it off the list completely? I have no other factors that would possibly disqualify me from the military.

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Specializes in ED, Cardiology.

Hello Big daddy, lots of thinks can be waived (I had a medical waiver for ITP, which I did not expected to be waived, and a brief hx of depression)...have your medical appointment done first. I got cold feet in the last moment :)...Good luck! E mail me if you need more infos

S

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