Going into Navy after finishing Nursing School?

[LindsLinds97]

Hi Guys,

I am currently a senior nursing student at the University of Portland and I am interested in joining the Navy after I graduate in August 2020. I called a recruiter and kind of went down the line trying to go for the NCP but it looks like I was a bit late in the game to pursue that route, so I am planning on entering in after I graduate. I was wondering what the sequence of events would be to do so. Would I be able to graduate with my BSN, pass the N-CLEX, go to a recruiter and start the process? I am quite unfamiliar with how the whole process works and am wondering if I will need to gain experience as a nurse first and then try to join? I would much rather graduate and immediately start the process of entering if that's possible, but I haven't found much information on going in right after graduation when you're not in the nurse candidate program. Looking forward to hearing from y'all!

[caughtupinthismoment, ADN, BSN]

Looks like to go in as an experienced nurse you'll need some kind of experience working in a specialty. They put out needs they need to fill for the year every October. Basically if you have 6 mo. experience in that specialty, then it's fair game to start the process. But coming in as a brand new nurse on the civilian side, getting straight into a specialty is harder than it sounds, although better than it was in years prior. I don't know where you live but if it's possible to go straight into the ICU in a new grad program I would do that. Usually the commitment is one year when you do those kinds of programs, although I don't know what the punishment is if you break it to serve in the military. I can't imagine it being that crazy. Anyways, once you are 6 mo. in you can contact a recruiter and start the process.

This fiscal year 2020 the need was in critical care. They had some for like medsurg and ER, but they have already been filled. So basically, if you were looking to go in this year critical care would honestly be your only bet. But if you wanted to go in for the next fiscal year, which it looks like you will by your timing of graduation, it will just depends on what kind of needs they put out specialty wise. A safe bet is always critical care.

However, take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm not a recruiter. Just another aspiring navy nurse.

[jtw23455, BSN]

I know this is an older post-

I left active duty and transitioned to the reserves last November and am looking at potentially returning sometime down the line.

After speaking to a USN health professions recruiter, he noted that new grad residency did not count toward specialty experience. Just something to keep and mind, but also verify as you get close. If you are still interested and I can be of assistance sifting through the NAVADMINs or instruction to help find answers reach out to me direct. I was in for a good bit and know how the Navy works and how to leverage their public resources to find answers to questions.

[LindsLinds97]

On 4/6/2020 at 6:33 PM, jtw23455 said:

I know this is an older post-

I left active duty and transitioned to the reserves last November and am looking at potentially returning sometime down the line.

After speaking to a USN health professions recruiter, he noted that new grad residency did not count toward specialty experience. Just something to keep and mind, but also verify as you get close. If you are still interested and I can be of assistance sifting through the NAVADMINs or instruction to help find answers reach out to me direct. I was in for a good bit and know how the Navy works and how to leverage their public resources to find answers to questions.

Hey! Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate the input and advice. After a lot of thinking and analysis (and encouragement from a friend in the Air Force) I’m in the process of applying for the Air Force Nurse Transition Program now. They’re taking nurses right out of college! I originally had my heart set on the Navy, but after looking into things and realizing I could start on a path in the military directly out of college I decided to go for it! My packets just about to be submitted and I’ll find out if I’ve been selected in August! Interested in the flight nursing program if I make it in! Thanks so much for your input and I’ll be sure to reach out if it turns out the Air Force isn’t in my future...maybe try for the Air Force or Navy after some Nursing experience if that’s what my future holds? Have a good one and stay safe out there!

[jtw23455, BSN]

That's great to know! Thank you for that information. Good luck with your path in. Honestly I spent my career in the special warfare community, and the hardest part of my experience was getting in the door. If you want it bad enough you will get through the red tape and administrative portion of entry. Everyones experiences is different, but I will always hold on to my time in the service as one of the most impactful, rewarding and best times in my life.

Best of luck and stay safe!

T

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

18 hours ago, LindsLinds97 said:

Hey! Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate the input and advice. After a lot of thinking and analysis (and encouragement from a friend in the Air Force) I’m in the process of applying for the Air Force Nurse Transition Program now. They’re taking nurses right out of college! I originally had my heart set on the Navy, but after looking into things and realizing I could start on a path in the military directly out of college I decided to go for it! My packets just about to be submitted and I’ll find out if I’ve been selected in August! Interested in the flight nursing program if I make it in! Thanks so much for your input and I’ll be sure to reach out if it turns out the Air Force isn’t in my future...maybe try for the Air Force or Navy after some Nursing experience if that’s what my future holds? Have a good one and stay safe out there!

As a former enlisted Navy man I would say the Air Force is a better service branch anyways. They know how to take care of their personnel.