Navy verses Army Nursing Reserves

[Schaeffer]

I turn 41 in March 2018 and graduate with my BSN in May 2018. I have a 3.5 GPA along with working on a surgical stepdown unit since August 2016. I precepted on our SICU while in nursing school but haven't worked on the unit sense (very competitive for day shift positions) though I have actively assisted in rapid responses and code blues. I have letters of reference from our rapid response/code blue/stroke response nurse manager (she does it all), my unit manager, and also my long time charge nurse stating I'm ready for ICU as our unit also serves as over flow when the ICU is full. I would like recommendations from those experienced in either branch. What are my chances of getting accepted in either or, and also getting help with my $40,000 in student loans. I would like to go in as either a stepdown nurse, ICU or surgical if they offer those positions. My unit manager is currently working on filling out my competency paperwork for the navy and army so I'll have both sets ready and available. What can I do to boost my chances as this is very important to me and I'm getting anxious about the possibility of being denied.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

You'll have to check with a healthcare recruiter and see who is taking new grads. In the past, the Army has wanted new reservists to have at least 6 months of experience, but that changes with needs. You might come up against a time crunch with getting experience, getting your application in, and getting accepted and commissioning before you turn 42. It's a long, long process. Contact them now and see what they say. You won't be a specialty nurse as a new grad in the Reserves, and they aren't going to train you in a specialty. You're expected to come in with a civilian nursing job.

You also need to show them what YOU have to offer them - you can't just go in asking for money and training. Show them how you are an asset - leadership, attitude, physical fitness, etc.