Navy Officer Nurse Corp

Specialties Government

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This type of career is a interest to me but I do have a few questions. What exactly is the description of a Officer? What role in the navy or any branch does the officer Nurse corp fit? What is a average day for a Nurse corp? Also is it true that the 1st three years you dont do any traveling outside of the states? As for as travel do you get to choose where you are stationed at 1st? San Deigo isn't really where I want to live. So could I choose somewhere else to be stationed? Also how many days a week would you usual work a week compared to being a civilian nurse?

Specializes in Neuro, Surgical, Trauma and ICU..

After your packet is submitted how long did it take for you to hear back a reply? Thanks jordaa and SouthernBelle25RN keep us updated on how ODS is going?

Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

It all depends on when the board is meeting. When I originally submitted my packet there was supposed to be a board meeting the next week, which got postponed for 2 weeks. Once the board met, I got a phone call from my recruiter about 2 days later, although I was told it usually takes about a week for them to officially "select" you. The biggest thing is just getting the packet together. It's a pretty intensive process. Mine took as long as SouthernBelles' did, since I also started working on everything in February.

Specializes in Neuro, Surgical, Trauma and ICU..

Thanks I'm at the last part of getting my packet together. It has taken me since July. I have to go to MEPS and do my interview. Soo......much paperwork. Thanks again.

Good afternoon,

I am currently in the IRR for the Marine Corps and I am starting towards a BSN in January. My goal is to get back into the military as a nurse. I wanted to thank all of you for your contributions to this forum. It has been such a welcome source of information. I know I will have many questions in the near future but for now I sit back and soak up all the shared knowledge.

Respectfully submitted.

Good afternoon,

I am currently in the IRR for the Marine Corps and I am starting towards a BSN in January. My goal is to get back into the military as a nurse. I wanted to thank all of you for your contributions to this forum. It has been such a welcome source of information. I know I will have many questions in the near future but for now I sit back and soak up all the shared knowledge.

Respectfully submitted.

Out-fricken-standing! Now that's a first post!:yeah:

litic, thanks for your service - and congrats on starting the bsn!

Specializes in Cardiac/Thoracic Surgery ICU.
Thank you to LTJG PM and LT Dan for answering so many questions on these threads. I have come to these forums the past few months as I have put together my packet for the Navy. I've been a nurse in civilian world for 3 years and decided to join the Navy Nurse Corps. Just found out on Friday that my packet was accepted by the board. Am waiting for more information, such as my ODS dates, and first duty station. I will be commissioned October 1st as an ENS. I will try to add more info as I get it, and try to answer questions once I'm in. But I just wanted to thank you both, since you've given me much information and helped me mentally prepare for what's coming ahead.

Jordaa,

I know this is an old post, but I was just wondering how long did the process for the Nurse Corps take? I am a civilian nurse interested in being a navy nurse.

The process itself can be very quick... the boards meet monthly (typically) and the decision is provided shortly after. The usual delay is submitting paperwork piecemeal or incomplete. This can be reduced with knowing all req from your recruiter and doing a bit of online searching to make sure you have it all ;)

The only other time associated is the next ODS date that is available..but most people are concerned with the time from start to being notified of acceptance.

Specializes in Cardiac/Thoracic Surgery ICU.
MaleRNstudent21-

ENS PM has given very good answers about what life is like in the Navy. First and foremost, the needs of the Navy come before your needs do, you just have to accpet that. So as far as traveling outside the states, after your first full year on active duty, your fair game. Generally speaking, the Navy does not send new nurses (less than one year experience) overseas or on deployment. The thought process is that you have not gained the skills necessary to make independent decisions in the field in less than a year, after that your considered functional in the field, so don't count on going anywhere for 3 years, your safe for 1. Yes, you do get a dream sheet when you sign, however, the Navy generally sends nurses to either San Diego, CA, Bethesda, MD, or Portsmouth, VA. These are the Navy's largest stateside facilities that have all available specialties. The thought is you will get the most exposure at one of these facilities. I can't remember your background, but if you have prior medical training you may be able to get away with going somewhere smaller, but I doubt it. As far as what an Officer is or does. Our primary job is to lead others and to teach. Your responsibilities are to ensure those that are working beneath you are doing it right, mind you this is not an instant expectation. They expect you to be a competent nurse first, so the first year of being an officer is a bit blurry in that you spend a majority of your time becoming competent and developing you leadership style. Once you've been in 10+ years like me the expectations are different, make sense? Your role as an officer is constantly evolving. As far as the other stuff, ENS PM hit the nail on the head. As always keep the questions coming and we'll answer as best we can. Where are you currently located? If you're interested I can take you down to Bethesda if you want to see what it's like?

LCDR(s) Dan

I know this is a Super Old post but I have been reading you responses to members and I think you are a great resouce. I am prior enlisted Navy...8 years ago. I have since graduated from nursing school and received my BSN. I was accepted into an internship in Cardiac Surgery ICU and I have done almost 18 months of it. While I enjoy it I often feel myself drawn back to AD, of course this time as an Officer. My questions are:

Typically will I enter as O1-E or does the experience bump your rank up at all?

And because I have a "little" ( I am still a fairly young nurse) experience now will I still get the major hospital tour for my first 3 years or will overseas be a first tour? Thanks in advance.

Specializes in Neuro, Surgical, Trauma and ICU..

from most of the people who are going to ODS in January looks like they were stationed at one of the Big three Bethesda, San Diego or Portsmouth. Congrats on all the new nurses!!!

lubdub from what I understand the exp equals 1/2 time time in grade.. of you had +36 months of experience perhaps eligible for 02 as you typically move to 02 after 18 months time in service...

please correct me if I'm wrong ;)

Are you planning on applying??

Specializes in Cardiac/Thoracic Surgery ICU.

Thanks Just cause....yes I am currently in the process of applying. I met with a recruiter and she sent me the paperwork to get started. Man its a lot!!!! but I am on it.

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