Doing a specialty....

DanznRN, RN · Mar 6, 2007

Sharon-

That's kind of a crap shoot. There are a few ways to get your subspecialty code in the Navy. One is to work in that area for 2 years or greater, the other is get a certification in that area. For instance I have worked in ER/ Trauma for a total of 6 years now in the Navy, so I'm a 1945K (K delineates how many years). If I get my CEN then I thinks it's an P, tell you the truth I don't remember the letters, it's the number that identifies you. Now my wife is a certified L/D, inpatient OB nurse so she is a 1920P. So that is how you get your code, best thing to do is get to that area however you can. L/D is not such a hot topic for some nurses so getting there should be O.K. MOst are doing the Critical Care, ER/ Trauma thing. Hope this helps.

LCDR(s) Dan

Allemse · Mar 7, 2007

Lt. Dan,

Thanks. Yes, you did help out alot! I just wasn't sure how that all worked, Thanks.

Sharon

navynurse06 · Mar 8, 2007

Also, at the bigger hospitals, like Naval Medical Center San Diego, you have to work on the mother/infant unit or complicated ob unit for yr to gain experience. Then after working in a "general" area for 1yr you can go to more critical areas like the actual L/D deck.

That is how it works at the big 3, but that doesn't always happen at the smaller hospitals.

ENS PM

DanznRN, RN · Mar 9, 2007

Agreed, but I have pointed out in other threads, there is a way aroundit or used to be. I've been in for 10+ and never set foot on a general floor or ward. I went in with experience in the area that I wanted as a nursing assistant. Had 5+ in critical care , rehab med, cath lab, ER, you name it I did it as a nursing assistant. When I met with the director of nursing at Balboa (this was in 1997 mind you), she asked what I wanted. I said ICU or ER she asked why I thought I could go there and I laid out my resume with all my experience, I've never looked back. Now I'm not saying it is a definite, but it is always good to better than the next guy/ girl when you are trying to get what you want.

LCDR(s) Dan

Trauma Columnist · Mar 9, 2007

Just curious LCdr Dan - I have 12 years RN experience, 10 of that in a level one trauma center. I am now an adult health CNS. What would the Navy do with me? Mind you I only considering the reserves. I also have 2 1/2 years of active duty enlisted Navy time.

I was told by the Army I could come in as an O-3. Does the Navy do that too?

DanznRN, RN · Mar 9, 2007

Trauma-

More than likely, yes, you would come in as an O-3 for the reserves that is. As far as active duty they would make you a JG for a bit, but probably promote you early. What you would do in the reserves is debateable, only cause I'm not sure how reserves handles that. My expectation for both reserves and active duty is that you would be placed in more of a managerial role, in charge of corpsmen and junior nurses. The reserves do things kind of differently for drills and stuff, so for your drills I don't know what would be expected of you. Sorry i couldn't be more help.

LCDR(s) Dan

navynurse06 · Mar 9, 2007

LCDR Dan,

As we spoke before on this very same subject, with the new DNS at NMCSD you now have to go more general areas 1st even with prior experience. I had 2 yrs experience in the ICU, and I was put in peds instead of ER (like I requested) b/c I wasn't experienced enough. Even after being at my command for a yr now, I'm still not going to the ER yet. 1st I'm being sent to the PICU; I"ll be there for 6 months then I might get to go to the ER. So maybe one day I'll get there. Also, on of the JGs from my floor is getting transferred to the ER, who doesn't not want to go by any means. But all I want to do is go down there, and I'm still not going yet. Feel my frustration?

So even though it might have been like it was for you in '97 at NMCSD; its not like that now. I just want to prepare new nurses for such reality, that way they can be prepared for things like my situation. Because that's how assignments are being dealt with right now at NMCSD.

That being said this time will prepare me to be a more well rounded nurse so when/if I finally get to the ER I'll excel. So even though I'm feeling frustrated now...I still love the navy...and I'm still in it for the long haul!

ENS PM

DanznRN, RN · Mar 9, 2007

Gotta love being dated, been around too long maybe. Anyway, Allemse better listen to what Navynurse06 said, I expect it would be like that at most Big 3s. Nonetheless, I'm some what of a non-conformist, so I'd try it anyway. What's the worst that can happen? You get some experience in another area before you get to eventually go where you want to, that's kind of how the Navy works sometimes.

LCDR(s) Dan

Allemse · Mar 9, 2007

Thanks to everyone who commented......I was planning on seeing about working at one the local hospitals once I get a little more schooling done. I just didn't know if it would help me get to where I was wanting to go...which I know sometimes doesn't happen. But like Lt. Dan said, what can it hurt? I'm suppose to talk to a recruiter on Monday, any suggestions??

Thanks,

Sharon

DanznRN, RN · Mar 10, 2007

Yes, be honest and upfront, you don't owe the military a thing yet. Ask LOTS, LOTS, LOTS of questions. If you want to know if you can wear Victoria's Secret under your uniform (it's been asked here before), ask it. If you want to know if being a brunette or a blonde means anything, ask it. Yes, I'm being funny, just make sure you get all the answers you're looking for. Let us know how it goes and we'll fill in any gaps, good luck.

LCDR(s) Dan