FNP student interested in joining the military

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 18, 2016

Right off the bat my question is whether the Army still takes new grad MSN-trained NPs. It might be that they only took DNP new grads or experienced MSNs. The military is more picky about this than most civilian organizations. You need to get that addressed before you put any time into this extensive application.

You're too late for a scholarship, but you might be eligible for retroactive loan repayment or a sign-on bonus. The availability of those programs is constantly in flux. A recruiter would know the current status.

You should ask the Air Force and Navy healthcare recruiters what their programs are too. They very well might be better. Largely, military medicine is pretty similar across all 3 branches.

Rosess19 · Jul 18, 2016

I have spoken with the Army recruiter over the phone a month ago. I am meeting him in person this week. He gave me general information about what I could expect. I am going to be asking more in-depth questions. From what the recruiter told me, I could start my application in October for the selection board that would be in April or something like that and I would qualify for a loan repayment and a bonus or both, but just get a smaller bonus with a 7 year commitment. I have spoken with both an Air Force and Navy recruiter and they both gave me the same response and I felt that the Army was my better choice with the loan repayment and career advancement. I figured I was too late for a scholarship. I am definitely not going to apply until I am 100% sure that the Army is a right fit for me. I want to join the military and I am 100% sure of that, just have to find the right branch and the Army could be it.

Thank you for you reply.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 18, 2016

Be sure you ask how FNPs are utilized in the Army. Many of the FNPs with whom I served were not working as FNPs at all, but as administrators and clinic chiefs. Granted, those folks had some time/rank/experience. I also know FNPs who were used as bedside nurses in med/surg areas. Really depends on the needs of whatever hospital or unit to which you are assigned.

What are your goals as a military FNP? The other branches may use them differently than the Army. I think the Army definitely favors its PAs over its NPs.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 18, 2016

Utilization is a huge thing, as Pixie said. I find that all AF NPs I know of are bedside until about O-5, depending on their career goals. I know an O-5 acute care NP who plans to retire having never done management.

However, they only practice in their degree area. FNPs are not used on inpatient floors that I'm aware of; only acute care NPs do that. Similarly, Peds NPs are restricted to Peds outpatient clinics. There is very little moving around, which is very different from the civilian world. You can't do whatever you want with an FNP.

Rosess19 · Jul 18, 2016

Hey Pixie.RN,

I have wanted to join the military ever since I graduated with my B.S.N., but was automatically disqualified due to a tattoo behind my ear, so here I am again about to graduate and wanting to pursue the military again. For me I have always wanted to do more with my life and do something meaningful. For me I want to take care of the men and women who serve and do humanitarian work through the military. I will be definitely asking the recruiter how FNP are utilized.

T.C.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 18, 2016

I have wanted to join the military ever since I graduated with my B.S.N., but was automatically disqualified due to a tattoo behind my ear, so here I am again about to graduate and wanting to pursue the military again.

Did you get the tattoo removed or are you going to be seeking a waiver? You should have some leverage in obtaining a waiver at this juncture because you're not trying to come in as an RN, but as an FNP. I don't know how the FNP numbers are at this point, but the Army just went through a huge involuntary separation process for nurses, and they cut some good ones â€” even specialty nurses like critical care. They are overstrength, bigtime. Hopefully your recruiter can get you through the waiver process.

Your reasons for entering sound like a good fit; I have found that people who join just for the money/loan repayment are often unhappy in the Army. People who want to serve get to do just that. :) Best of luck, and keep us posted.

Rosess19 · Jul 18, 2016

I have actually gone through four laser treatments to remove my tattoo and it is pretty much gone. I have other tattoos, but none on my hands and the one behind my ear was the one I got removed. When I spoke with the recruiter he stated that the Army was looking for 7 FNPs for this fiscal year. Of course those number can change with budgeting and what not. The loan repayment and other things are bonuses, but not my sole motivator to join.

Thank you you for your advice and I will be asking the recruiter how FNPs are utilized and I will ask to speak with an FNP is possible.

T.C.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 18, 2016

Great!! That will help. :) Officers with tattoos are less of a rarity these days (present company included, lol ... most people asked if I was prior service/enlisted because of my sleeves, haha).

anchorRN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Jul 18, 2016

The Navy just revised its policy on tattoos and tattoos on the neck are now authorized. I will echo Pixie.RN that most Navy FNPs I work with are not utilized in that capacity, rather in administrative positions. Now is the time to look, as the new Fiscal Year is upcoming (quotas are already filled I'm sure but you never know). Good luck, I cant speak for the Army or the Air Force but i'm active duty in the Navy's Nurse Corps and can help answer any Navy questions you may have.

Rosess19 · Jul 19, 2016

anchorRN,

I have spoken with multiple Navy recruiters and I feel like I have gotten no where with them. I have been told to wait to apply until after I finish school. However, the board would not meet until fiscal year 2018 and that will leave me a year gap until I could possibly join..and that is if I get chosen. I wish I would have decided to remove my tattoo sooner so I could have joined a military branch as a registered nurse. I have been told that the Air Force and Navy for this fiscal year are only accepting 2 FNPs and that could change year to year again due to budgeting and demand.

Thank you you for you reply.

T.C.

anchorRN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Jul 19, 2016

anchorRN,
I have spoken with multiple Navy recruiters and I feel like I have gotten no where with them. I have been told to wait to apply until after I finish school. However, the board would not meet until fiscal year 2018 and that will leave me a year gap until I could possibly join..and that is if I get chosen. I wish I would have decided to remove my tattoo sooner so I could have joined a military branch as a registered nurse. I have been told that the Air Force and Navy for this fiscal year are only accepting 2 FNPs and that could change year to year again due to budgeting and demand.
Thank you you for you reply.
T.C.

That sounds about right. The Navy sends a certain number of nursing officers to school each year for their masters (CNS/DNP, etc). Its called "DUINS", Duty Under Instruction. There was only 1 DNP spot available for the entire Nurse Corps lol. There were like 15 CNS spots open. The Navy wants CNS's to stick in big hospitals and train the new nurses they recruit. I know several NPs working in that capacity and as Division Officers (basically unit managers).

I've heard there are opportunities for NP's in overseas commands with the Navy, but I personally have not seen them used in their clinical capacity.