Want to be a Navy Nurse

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Hi,

I'm new here and didn't know whether this was the forum to ask me questions.

I graduated in 2005 with a non-nursing degree, but now I'm thinking of getting my nursing degree here in Illinois. But I also want to be in the Navy. So I've contacted a recruiter and this Friday I'll take the ASVAB test. Now, here's where it gets confusing for me. I've been checking the universities over here for second degree nursing (which is accelerated) and the graduate entry nursing (MSN) programs, and decided to take the Master's route.

My recruiter has told me that 1) I could enlist now and get the benefits, tuition assistance, etc. or 2) get accepted to a university and receive some scholarships from the Navy, which I believe would be like NROTC. But if I take the second choice, why do I still need to take the ASVAB if that's for enlistment?

I also like to hear from others who went for their second degree in Nursing, and any tips, advices, opinions, etc.

Thanks.

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Hokugirl,

Welcome to the site. Thanks for your post. I moved it to the Military/VA Forum so that you get the best response. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
Hi,

I'm new here and didn't know whether this was the forum to ask me questions.

I graduated in 2005 with a non-nursing degree, but now I'm thinking of getting my nursing degree here in Illinois. But I also want to be in the Navy. So I've contacted a recruiter and this Friday I'll take the ASVAB test. Now, here's where it gets confusing for me. I've been checking the universities over here for second degree nursing (which is accelerated) and the graduate entry nursing (MSN) programs, and decided to take the Master's route.

My recruiter has told me that 1) I could enlist now and get the benefits, tuition assistance, etc. or 2) get accepted to a university and receive some scholarships from the Navy, which I believe would be like NROTC. But if I take the second choice, why do I still need to take the ASVAB if that's for enlistment?

I also like to hear from others who went for their second degree in Nursing, and any tips, advices, opinions, etc.

Thanks.

You are talking with an enlisted recruiter! You need to go and talk with a healthcare recruiter. Officers are not required to take ASVAB for any service that I know of.....I don't think the Navy is any different. I would tell this recruiter firmly that you are no longer interested and not to contact you anymore. By joining the Navy as an enlisted person you would be setting back the start of Nursing classes by several months to years d/t boot camp and then your technical training.

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Hi,

I'm new here and didn't know whether this was the forum to ask me questions.

I graduated in 2005 with a non-nursing degree, but now I'm thinking of getting my nursing degree here in Illinois. But I also want to be in the Navy. So I've contacted a recruiter and this Friday I'll take the ASVAB test. Now, here's where it gets confusing for me.

...My recruiter has told me that 1) I could enlist now and get the benefits, tuition assistance, etc. or 2) get accepted to a university and receive some scholarships from the Navy, which I believe would be like NROTC. But if I take the second choice, why do I still need to take the ASVAB if that's for enlistment?

I also like to hear from others who went for their second degree in Nursing, and any tips, advices, opinions, etc.

Thanks.

Wait,

Were you talking to a nursing recruiter OR an enlisted recruiter...if he/she is asking you to test ASVAB I think they are trying to snooker you in as enlisted...

From, one who almost was snookered,

Gen

p.s. my choices were between a junior college or a two year MS entry, I chose the MS entry and anticipate graduation in three months!!!

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Specializes in ER,ICU and Progressive Care Unit,Peds.

I agree with all of the postings above. The 2nd opition is the better one. Finish school 1st then join the navy. I tell everyone that who is interested in joining the any branch as a nurse.

Also, you don't have to take the asvab if you are going to be a nurse (officer). So as the above two posting state...make sure you are talking to a recruiter for officers (nursing).

ENS PM

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS NAVY, DON'T GO TAKE THE ASVAB!!!! As stated above if you want to be a nurse, then you will be an OFFICER in the Navy. DO NOT LET THE RECRUITER TALK YOU INTO ANYTHING LESS!!!! Cancel your appointment and seek out a nursing recruiter, if you have trouble let me know and I'll get you the information. PLEASE, do not go to your appointment, actually don't call them back. I have seen them do this a few times before, try to bring you in enlisted so you can work on your nursing degree. That's BS, tell them you want to speak to a nursing recruiter, this person is not one, and you want information on the NCP (Nurse Candidate Program). Let us know what's going on.

LCDR(s) Dan

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I just got accepted into the NCP and part of the application process was going to meps and taking the ASVAB (which I already took in highschool, so i didn't have to take it). So... don't be suprised if you talk to a nursing recuiter and they too tell u have to talk the ASVAB. But, yes dedinitely look into the NCP! I am really excited and i feel it is one of the decisions i have ever made, besides changing my major to nursing. :)

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

O.K. Things may ahve changed since 1997, but I went through the NCP program and did not take the ASVAB. I'll contact some recruiter friends I have, but last I heard that was an enlisted test only, I'll check on it.

LCDR(s) Dan

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Specializes in ER,ICU and Progressive Care Unit,Peds.

I did the NCP program in 2004/05 and didn't have to take it either. I had taken it in high school and asked them if I had to take it again, and they said no.

Interesting!

ENS PM

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
I just got accepted into the NCP and part of the application process was going to meps and taking the ASVAB (which I already took in highschool, so i didn't have to take it). So... don't be suprised if you talk to a nursing recuiter and they too tell u have to talk the ASVAB. But, yes dedinitely look into the NCP! I am really excited and i feel it is one of the decisions i have ever made, besides changing my major to nursing. :)

Hi,

I gave my recruiter so much grief because I didn't understand that those applying for the Nurse Candidate Program in the Army need to take ASVAB!

I took it too even though I ended up going in as direct access since I was six months away from graduating.

Good luck,

Gen

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Specializes in 66H.

for the army side, the reason you have to take the asvab when you apply to the ancp program is because when you apply to this scholarship program, they actually put you in the IRR as a PFC. this is only for payment purposes, but in doing so, you must follow all of the rules for joining on the enlisted side and the officer side. i had to not only take the asvab, i had to have waivers for several things on the enlisted side that i would not have needed on the officer side. i do not know what the navy is doing with their scholarship program.

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I did the NCP program in 2004/05 and didn't have to take it either. I had taken it in high school and asked them if I had to take it again, and they said no.

Interesting!

ENS PM

I took it in highschool as well. But, I was under the impression that if I hadn't have taken it in highschool I would have had to taken it. I don't really understand why though bc obviously if you are in a nursing program there is already a standerized test at the end of the program...NCLEX. So yeah... I just as curisous as to I have had to probably taken it if I wouldn't have previously taken it. There was even a spot on one of forms I had to sign that I had to put the date of when I took the ASVAB! So IDK?.

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