Graduating April 2020.. Navy Next?

Specialties Government

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Background: Graduating from an accredited program with a BSN in April 2020.

I was hoping someone could help me with some answers in reference to the Navy Nurse Corps.

Joining the nurse corps after graduation has been recommended to me by many different people. I have done some research and I like the idea of it. After researching, I am looking for some real RN's that are or have been apart of the Navy side of nursing.

Is this a good option even though I will be inexperienced?

I tried to talk to a recruiter but he admitted he did not have any answers regarding nursing, he primarily does general recruiting. Does anyone know how to find a more specialized recruiter?

If you have any other information you would like to share, I would appreciate it.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

@anchorRN might have some insight.

You definitely need to speak with a healthcare recruiter, no matter which branch you choose! https://www.navy.com/local - put in your ZIP and choose "officer recruiter."

You can also indicate an interest in Navy nursing here:

https://www.navy.com/webform/joining_the_navy?activity=1237731

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Specializes in ICU, Military.

Hey there!

@Pixie.RN is correct you need to speak with an officer recruiter, specifically a healthcare recruiter.

I spent 6 years active duty in the Navy's Nurse Corps and loved it. I look back now and wonder why I got out, but it does take a toll with travel/moving around every few years/not seeing family from back home, etc. I deployed to Afghanistan and I was stationed on a Carrier for 2 years. It was some of the coolest times of my life!

As far as being a brand new nurse.... that might handicap you a bit since there are many other applicants with experience who are clawing at the door to get in. I was almost immediately picked up since I had 8 years of ICU nursing behind me prior to joining AND I had my CCRN. You have to make yourself marketable! Any certifications, etc that you can get to make yourself stand out will help.

But, you must first start with talking to a recruiter (and the RIGHT recruiter). An enlisted recruiter will not be helpful and they may even try to sell you on "enlisting" first to get your foot in the door. Never believe this it is a total lie, those people are only trying to make quotas. If any recruiter uses the word "enlisted" you should be extremely wary.

Also -- Just because your program is "accredited" there are programs they do not accept. I graduated from a state university with my BSN so this wasn't a problem but I specifically remember them looking up my university to make sure it had a Regional accreditation (i.e. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Some schools have shady regional accreditation (not nursing specific) that the US Navy just doesnt accept.

If you can shoot me a PM with your location I can take a quick look and see if theres a recruiter nearby.

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@anchorRN would you be willing to answer some questions regarding the process?

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This thread was started quite a bit a go but if you are still interested in Navy nursing and would like some questions answered I could probably help answer some of those questions. I am currently an active duty nurse with the Navy and have been in for 2 years now.

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