Navy Nurse Questions

Specialties Government

Published

I'm sure this question has been asked more than once, so please bear with me. I've been sifting through all the information I can find, but I still don't quite understand...

I've just started toying with the idea of Navy Nursing. I graduate from a BSN program in December. But have very little knowledge about the military in general, less about the Navy specifically, and even less about Navy Nursing.

Specifically, I'm wondering about the following:

1.What are the requirements for being accepted?

2.What is the minimum length for which you can sign up?

3.After being accepted, what happens as far as training? (What kind, where do you go, how long etc)

4.After training, then what? What kind of setting do you start off in, how long will you be there, and do you get any real choice at this point in where you'll be?

5.What about deployments? How often and how long? Do deployments differ for nurses and if they do, how so?

6.What other things do I need to know but I don't know enough to know that I need to know them? :bugeyes:

Thank you so much for any insight. I'm planning on speaking with a recruiter soon, but I want to be a little more informed first. You know... wouldn't want to have “sucker” written on my forehead.

Specializes in NICU, PICU, and Mother Baby.

Nurse 214,

FYI, yes you are given up to three choices where you want your duty station to be but ultimately where you go is according to where they need you the most. Also, when you join the military regardless which branch you choose there is always a chance you will be deployed. You have to come in with the mind set that you will be deployed and don't be suprised if you do, as ENS Allison stated if this bothers you you should choose another career path. Regarding, the good and bad things, I personally can not answer since I am in the process of being commisioned and haven't experienced it first hand as of yet but all I can say is "only you can make your experience not the experience make you"...

Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Nurse214-

Let's look at this from a different direction, what fears of deployment do you have? Are you afraid of being in a combat zone? Or do you just not like the idea of being away from home? For the record, haven't really met too many people in my military career who did like being away from home. Nonetheless, deployments are a given, here to stay not going anywhere. With that being said PEDsBSN-RN makes this best statement of all, you make the experience, not the other way around. My wife and I are both Navy, she's getting deployed this summer for 6 months. Now with 3 kids at home, that sounds pretty bad, but in the grand scheme of things it is what it is. We could fight it and make life heck or we accept it make the necessary arrangements and plan, plan, plan. Oh, and you asked what the "catch" is about the Navy, it'd be the 6-12 months deployments.

LCDR Dan

I come from a family that has a strong stigma towards military. To my family military=bad/death, I don't mean to offend anyone who reads this but I've been raised with a fear of military and combat zones. Plus I'm the oldest daughter, who's always been close to home. I've cut the parent/daughter umbilical cord, but my parents, esp. my mother hasn't. I've grown up in the same little town, stayed in the same little state. I'm getting my BSN may 09 and I just want out, I'm not afraid of being away from home, I want to do something good with my education and my life, I feel that by joining the military I can support my country and feel like I'm finally doing something important.

I just want as much information as I can get before I make such a huge decision.

On that note, My recruiter said I would be on active duty for 4 years, then go on inactive duty, what does inactive duty mean?

Specializes in OB, Cardiac.
I come from a family that has a strong stigma towards military. To my family military=bad/death, I don't mean to offend anyone who reads this but I've been raised with a fear of military and combat zones. Plus I'm the oldest daughter, who's always been close to home. I've cut the parent/daughter umbilical cord, but my parents, esp. my mother hasn't. I've grown up in the same little town, stayed in the same little state. I'm getting my BSN may 09 and I just want out, I'm not afraid of being away from home, I want to do something good with my education and my life, I feel that by joining the military I can support my country and feel like I'm finally doing something important.

I just want as much information as I can get before I make such a huge decision.

On that note, My recruiter said I would be on active duty for 4 years, then go on inactive duty, what does inactive duty mean?

Pretty much everyone gets in-active built into their contract. Like yours will prob be 4 yrs active & 4 yrs inactive. Basically while in-active, you are a civilian but are w/in contract to possibly be brought back to active. I have yet to meet one person who was called up while on inactive in the navy. Honestly, once everyone is done w/ active they go back to being a civilian & don't worry about the in-active part. It's SUPER rare to be activated. Now, I heard it's been a different story for some ppl in the army....but that's only from news stories I've seen. Seriously, I wouldn't sweat the in-active part---just know that there is a slight possibility. Maybe you could even try to look up stats on how many navy ppl on in-active get activated. (i just let my husband read this----his contract was 5 yrs active, 3 yrs in-active & he said he's never heard of someone in the navy getting activated on in-active either).

Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.
I come from a family that has a strong stigma towards military. To my family military=bad/death, I don't mean to offend anyone who reads this but I've been raised with a fear of military and combat zones. Fear, what kind of fear? I don't think anyone "likes" them, I know I don't. Humans are innately stupid. We have this thought that we need to have what someone else has, in order to get it or stop someone else from having it, we have wars. It's human nature. In order to protect what we have and how we grew up, we have to defend it from someone else who doesn't want us to have it, following me? In order to do that we need to have a military. I look at it as protecting how I grew up so my kids can have the same...(to be continued). Plus I'm the oldest daughter, who's always been close to home. I've cut the parent/daughter umbilical cord, but my parents, esp. my mother hasn't. I've grown up in the same little town, stayed in the same little state. (continued here). I too, knew VERY little of the real world until I joined the Navy. I grew up in central Ohio and eastern Pennsylvania, never knew what was really out there. Went to college and got my degree, joined the Navy then I started to see what was going on. I will assume from your quote that neither of your parents lived or visited outside the US? I could be wrong, sorry if I am. In order to really understand what our military protects, go to ANY other country. They don't have near the freedoms we do, nor do they have the economy we do. Boo-Hoo now that are economy is slumping and we're approaching $4/ gallon for gas. I lived in Italy for 3 years, they've been paying closer to $6/ gallon for years. Same with England, Ireland, Spain, been to them too, no where near comparable to the states. The problem is that the average American lives in a bubble or fishbowl if you will, they have no clue what life is like outside the fishbowl. I'm getting my BSN may 09 and I just want out, I'm not afraid of being away from home, I want to do something good with my education and my life, I feel that by joining the military I can support my country and feel like I'm finally doing something important.

I just want as much information as I can get before I make such a huge decision.

On that note, My recruiter said I would be on active duty for 4 years, then go on inactive duty, what does inactive duty mean?

Using your answer as a quote, I've given you my opinions. Again, these are merely my opinions, you may like it, you may not. I applaud your desire to better yourself and the country by serving, let me know if I can do anything to help. You'll be amazed at how truly large the world really is, I had no clue. I kind of feel like I got cheated as a kid because I didn't know, might have made different choices in life. I truly started living when I joined the Navy and started seeing the WHOLE world. Good luck.

LCDR Dan

LCDR Dan

Mr D'Aurora,

Hi, I have a question for you because it looks that you have plenty of experience about the Navy maybe more than some officer recuiters. My main question is where can I find information to see if the spots for this fiscal year already have filled out. I mean, I heard that even if I meet the citeria of eligilibility for the nurse program my application will be not accepted if they already filled up the spots for this fiscal year. I'm already in the active Navy reserve and I did 4 years of active duty and during this summer I semester that will ended up in june 25 I will finish my BSN at University of Miami.

Thank in advance for your answer.

Navyfl

Specializes in ICU.

Just wondering about how to go about getting CRNA through the navy. Thats my target and it seems like the navy will definately have its greater share of experience for this type of nursing. I really dont mind all the other naval duties, I just dont want to wait for more than a year to get into a masters program. What are your suggestions on getting off to the right track before getting to sign contracts? Could I have the recruiters put a timeline and promise something in writing that within "whatever timing" I will then progress to having full orders to get my masters? I dont plan on going anywhere real soon, I just know what I want to do, with that said, i have no issues giving the amount of time needed to repay the navy. Really it seems like with the experience aspect and school repayment, its rewarding. Dan I have two kids and a husband, what would they do? Could he go to school on the government's tab while I am active? He wants to do nursing as well, I just happen to be finishing in June and he needs to start from ground zero. Last question, is it wiser to go navy after getting a masters in nursing, CRNA program and just having them pay the loans off and whatever sign-on bonus?

Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Let's use your post to answer your questions, much easier that way.

Just wondering about how to go about getting CRNA through the navy. Thats my target and it seems like the navy will definately have its greater share of experience for this type of nursing. I really dont mind all the other naval duties, I just dont want to wait for more than a year to get into a masters program. IN the Navy you will wait at least 3 years. Gotta finish your first duty station before you can apply for the DUINS program. As a fellow nurse, I wouldn't want you touching me if you went from you BSN right into your CRNA. Had a couple nurses like that in my Master's degree program, lets just say they had some problems along the way. Gotta learn to walk before you run, that's how the Navy sees it. What are your suggestions on getting off to the right track before getting to sign contracts? Could I have the recruiters put a timeline and promise something in writing that within "whatever timing" I will then progress to having full orders to get my masters? That would be a No. The Navy nor any of the services for that matter is going to guarantee you anything, let alone have it in writing. They will guarantee you that you will be paid every 2 weeks and 30 days paid leave a year, beyond that you are theirs. Also, there is no guarantee you get to go to grad school. you have to apply and compete against all the other Navy nurses that want it. I had to compete for the 7 spots in my specialty and I got it, gotta be better than the next person. I dont plan on going anywhere real soon, I just know what I want to do, with that said, i have no issues giving the amount of time needed to repay the navy. Really it seems like with the experience aspect and school repayment, its rewarding. Dan I have two kids and a husband, what would they do? How do you mean? Could he go to school on the government's tab while I am active? No, the Navy has no provision to provide him an education, there's nothing in it for them. He wants to do nursing as well, Have him go active duty too, do the NCP program. My wife and I are both active duty nurses, not a bad setup for us. We have 3 kids and wanting one more, it takes planning though. I just happen to be finishing in June and he needs to start from ground zero. Last question, is it wiser to go navy after getting a masters in nursing, CRNA program and just having them pay the loans off and whatever sign-on bonus?

Take a look at the answers, you may or may not like them. You'll find out that I give it straight, no "wool-pulling" here. Let me know if I can answer more questions for you.

LCDR Dan

I've read all 7 pages of posts on this thread and I want to thank EVERYBODY for all of their insight, good and bad. I am considering joining the military in some capacity, whether it's navy, army, air force or reserves I have no idea. THese posts have been very helpful, but I have a few questions of my own:

1) Is it possible to join the military and get benefits/stipend while in an ADN program, or do they want you to have your RN license first? Would you basically be just like any other "soldier" until you got your RN?

2) Can you join with your ADN and then work towards your BSN on the government's dime? If so, what kind of rank would start with just a ADN and no "paid" experience?

3) Do you have to have your BSN to enlist as an officer? What rank would you generally enter at as a BSN with 1 year Med/Surg experience?

4) Would you get pretty much the same benefits and pay as any other enlisted person with the same rank and time of service who is not a nurse?

5) in general what are those benefits? I've heard mentioned 30 days paid leave is a standard benefit...can you take that all at once, can you split it up into a week here and a week there? Medical/Dental is covered for the enlisted, but what about family, is there 100% medical/dental coverage for spouses & kids? Retirement? How long do you have to serve to qualify for the "good stuff"

6) What is typical pay like? For example, a newly enlisted nurse with a BSN and 1 year med/surg experience? What kind of ballpark salary are we talking about?

7) What are typical signing bonuses or tuition repayment programs like? I've seen a local ad for the airforce offering $25,000 signing bonuses to BSN prepared nurses who enlist, are there similar things in each branch of the military? Would this be instead of tuition reimbursement or in addition to it? If you qualify for these benefits like signing bonus or tuition reimbursement are you still eligible for the GI bill or the DUINS program?

Thanks in advance for ANY info you could give me...I know I should talk to a recruiter for the specifics of what I could get....but I just want to be prepared when I go in there. :wink2:

this thread is EXTREMELY informative!

I'm in the process now of gatherin my paperwork for the NCP, but I feel like my recruiter should be more helpful since some of these questions are not exactly straight forward. Besides the paperwork, I did have other concerns and was hoping you all could help...

after goin to one of the big 3, how long do you stay there? i read that you move around about every 3 years...is that true? If so, is that mandatory, or can you just stay where you are (except deployments, which i know are mandatory)

do boyfriends have priviledges? i know husbands do... but i was just wondering what perks, if any, boyfriends had when it comes to moving around and employment. i'm sure mine doesn't want to sit at home. he'll have a degree in Business pretty soon and already has a good job with a company he's been with over a year now. they have offices around the country he can transfer to incase i move around and stuff, but what if they're no openings at his job wherever i'm stationed? does the navy offer jobs since he does have a degree? sorry if that's a dumb question but it's a concern of ours.

also, i start school the first week of july and i'm worried that i won't receive my first montly stipend (and 1st half of my sign on bonus) in time...how long does it generally take for funds to be dispursed?

thank u all in advance for your responses!

Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

At7-

As is common for me, I'll use you post to make sure I answer your questions:

after goin to one of the big 3, how long do you stay there? i read that you move around about every 3 years...is that true? If so, is that mandatory, or can you just stay where you are (except deployments, which i know are mandatory)

Yes, this is true you will move every 3 years or so, give or a take a month here and there. Unfortunately, you can not "homestead" in one place for an extended period of time. However, if you sign a 4 year contract and you do 3 years in one spot you can normally extend for the last year and stay where you are. Keep in mind that will happen if you plan on getting out after the 4 years and the detailer will normally expect you to submit your "get out;' papers before they agree to your extension.

do boyfriends have priviledges? i know husbands do... but i was just wondering what perks, if any, boyfriends had when it comes to moving around and employment. i'm sure mine doesn't want to sit at home. he'll have a degree in Business pretty soon and already has a good job with a company he's been with over a year now. they have offices around the country he can transfer to incase i move around and stuff, but what if they're no openings at his job wherever i'm stationed? does the navy offer jobs since he does have a degree? sorry if that's a dumb question but it's a concern of ours.

In a word No. The Navy has no concerns for boyfriends/ girlfriends. In their eyes without you being married there are no permanent bonds, such as a marriage license, that holds you 2 together. therefore they have no provisions to invest money in a non-permanent relationship. I know it sounds harsh, but that's the truth. Actually, when we told my wife's Dad we were moving to California, he asked if we were going to get married first. At the time we hadn't thought about it cause we were just dating, we were young too 21 and 23. We decided to get married and it was the best decision ever. I'm not advocating it unless you want to, we had planned to get married, but after we got to California. Anyway, he will have no privileges and the Navy won't have any concern for him. Even if you do get married the privileges for spouses in general can be limited depending on what you are looking for.

also, i start school the first week of july and i'm worried that i won't receive my first montly stipend (and 1st half of my sign on bonus) in time...how long does it generally take for funds to be dispursed?

Good question. I would have your recruiter check with the PSD that your paperwork is going through and they should be able to give you an exact date on your pay date. Expect it to be around the 15th or 30th of the month, that's when we get paid.

thank u all in advance for your responses!

I hope this helps, may not be what you wanted to hear though, sorry, just the truth. Anyway, let me know if I can be more help.

LCDR Dan

Specializes in Surgical Oncology.

Good morning everyone! Happy Mothers Day to all the moms!!!

I'm going to visit my recuiter this week for the 1st time and I was wondering what to expect? :yeah:

+ Add a Comment