Questions for Navy Reservists

[jhowirn]

Greetings! I am an RN with a BSN who has experience mostly in pediatrics, but also some in adult ICU and ER. I have always dreamed of being a Navy officer (always wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was in high school, but my bad vision kept that from happening), but life happens, I fell madly in love with my best friend (who was a package deal ) so we got married. Since I have no desire to drag hubbie and 3 stepkids all over God's creation, I figure the reserves would be the perfect answer for me. Also, some extra spending money wouldn't hurt either :) I have visited the Navy's website, so I know that I should be eligible (only 32, have a BSN, no major health problems), and can probably get some financial aid for my MSN. My questions for you:

1) I'm not in the best physical shape, though I have recently joined Curves to address this issue. Am I going to have to do hard core pt (i.e. running every day, endless pushups, etc)?

2) Speaking of running and pushups, what sort of basic training am I going to have to endure? How long will this "basic training" take?

3) Though this is truly not the primary reasons for wanting to do this, about how much "extra spending money" can I expect?

Any other tidbits of info you would like to share with me would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! Jen

[2ndCareerRN]

As a reservist you will have to go to Officer Indoctrination School in Newport, R.I.

You may also be able to enter at an advanced paygrade, rather than as an Ensign.

Talk to a Nurse Recruiter. Do not bother with the local recruiters. The phone is your friend, in fact, you may be able to talk them out of a free trip to observe Navy Nurses in action. Jacksonville is pretty nice this time of year, a nice beach close by.

Go to this site and look around. This is the course you will take. You will not go to OCS because the medical corps are not line officers.

https://otcn.netc.navy.mil/ois/index.cfm

good luck,

bob

[jhowirn]

Thanks, Bob!

[LT Dave]

In The Navy Reserves you are requiered to pass the PRT every 6 month. It is up to you to keep the fat off and stay in shape. The Navy can't force you but can toss you out. Believe me it can be a big problem for people not in great shape. I am 42 and do very well with the PRT but always come close to the body fat count. But once you get there it is a heck of a motivator to stay in shape. I look much better then most my coworkers. Good luck.

[maturner]

Reservist Direct Comission Officers do not attend OIS but rather attend a two week course in Pensacola, where you learn military customs and courtesies, how to where a uniform, how to salute, yadda, yadda, yadda. You will have to do PT but it is not bad at all you do not need to be an athlete as the physical fitness levels will vary dramatically in a given class.

Nurse corps officers are eligible for a $15000 accession bonus spread out equally over three years $5000 X 3. Drill pay is based on rank and years of service. Your rank will be determined based on the numbers of years you have worked since you earned your BSN.

For example you will receive 1 year of military credit for every two years you have worked as an RN since earning your BSN. It takes four years of civilian work credit to come in as an O2 or LTjg. Once you are comissioned you will be promoted alongside you active duty counterparts.

The PRT or physical readiness test is the same for all Navy members; however, the minimum requirements vary based on age and gender. The test is compromised of a 1.5 mile run or 500 yard swim, two minutes each of push ups and curl ups (sit ups), and a touch your toes stretch. You do not need to be an athlete to pass the test.