Hoping to Join the Navy...but...

[wanttobeanavynurse]

So I've finally come to the decision to join the Navy and become a Navy Nurse. I couldn't be more excited!!

Then I remembered some of my past medical history that I hope is not going to haunt me.

Right out of nursing school, I had a bout of depression for which I voluntarily sought treatment for from a mental health APRN. I had NO ER visits, inpatient stays, etc. Being in a pill-happy world, I was put on Zoloft. I was on a very small dose and doing well, and then I stopped my treatment. i didn't feel that I needed it anymore and turns out I was right. I've been fine for over a year. I saw this professional for less than 6 months and was on Zoloft for less than 6 months. Med free for over a year. I feel this episode was situational and just a "bump in the road." I will meet with the APRN in a couple of weeks to discuss the matter and pretty much do another eval since she really can't vouch for my current mental state without seeing me.

I talked to the recruiter I've been meeting with and she said I'd be fine, that they see this a lot, and to continue the process. But I know it's the medical officer that makes the call...

I am a stellar candidate (good GPA, high morals, motivated and will soon be in shape, plus no other pertinent health problems).

Do I still have good chances of getting in?? Can I appeal or have a waiver submitted if I run into problems? I feel tons better after talking to the recruiter, but it's still in the back of my head. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Miss Mab]

Although I personally feel that the services in general are eons behind current research in many areas of mental health/addiction issues, I don't think you will have much of a problem getting a waiver for this one time situational depression--provided you have good back-up from APRN and other medical documentation.

At any rate, all they can do is say no. I recently accessed and I can only tell you that I saw some amazing things done in regard to waivers for fellow RN's. I, however, am still a little bitter because it took me more than two years to clear a "mild history of anemia." Scope anyone? Arrgh!! Better late than never!