Hello Everyone, I've seen a few posts about the Army Nurse Corps but none expressing how competitive it is. I am a currently a student and will be graduating in July of 2011 with my BSN. Besides the current atmosphere as far as finding a job, I really want to be in the Army Nurse Corps. The new nurse program sounds great, and I could really see myself devoting my life (or a significant chunk) to the service. So with how difficult it was to get into nursing school I was wondering how difficult is it to get into the ANC new nurse program? I am especially worried because I am a little older, I will be 30 when I graduate. I have a lot to offer, but will this stand in my way? Thanks everyone,AJ 0 Likes
just_cause, BSN, RN Oct 10, 2010 It's competitive now with high retention, lots of applicants combined with applicants who have nursing and / or military experience. The board meets November to select applicants. I would say at this time you should look for a civilian job and start your packet for the following year's selection board as the packet takes a while to put together. 0 Likes
AJpcvRN Specializes in Oncology. Has 3+ years experience. Oct 10, 2010 Oh I've been working on this since March and minus one small detail, my packet is ready to be put in. I'm a returned Peace Corps Volunteer so I know how these application processes work I'm just wondering what my odds are and if the age thing will hurt me. Thanks for your help! 0 Likes
just_cause, BSN, RN Oct 10, 2010 Age wont' hurt.. talk to your recruiter. It is a somewhat objective point bases system.. w/o nursing experience or military experience the 'word' is you will likely not be picked up. I recommend gaining experience (they consider that 6mo) and apply for next year. Opinions will vary by user! best of luck 0 Likes
KristaD Oct 20, 2010 Hey!I actually just met with my recruiter today to sign my package and get it sent off for the November 16th board! SO EXCITED! He told me they are taking 100 applicants, which to me sounds crazy competitive because that is nationwide. I am going to be graduating May 2011 with my BSN--No prior military or nursing experience. I am a traditional undergrad student so I am a total newbie. I expressed my concerns with not getting accepted and he told me (but it might his job) that he think I have a good chance. Being young and not having "bad habits" will look good and they will like that. I am really curious to see how many people are actually applying. It is scary that is so competitive but we can only hope for the best! 0 Likes
skandy Oct 31, 2010 Hi, I'm a little lost and reading this post is making me worried! When you guys say competitive, are you guys talking about the qualifying for the loan repayment or just joining to be a RN? I thought they would accept all qualifying RNs? Please answer! Thanks! 0 Likes
Pixie.RN, MSN, RN, EMT-P Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CNE, CEN, CPEN, TCRN. Has 13 years experience. Oct 31, 2010 Competitive in terms of just joining to be an RN. 0 Likes
lifeafter40 Oct 31, 2010 My recruiter says they are only accepting 100 BSNs nation wide this year (Nov. board)... not sure about specialty nurses. It is very competitive. 0 Likes
skandy Nov 1, 2010 That sucks, I would expect the Army to accept all RNs. I wonder why they would only want a certain amount of nurses... 0 Likes
bluemorningglory Nov 1, 2010 Hmmm...considering that the military commissions nurses all the way to age 60...it seems like it needs all the help it can get! 0 Likes
Pixie.RN, MSN, RN, EMT-P Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CNE, CEN, CPEN, TCRN. Has 13 years experience. Nov 1, 2010 I think fewer RNs are leaving the military due to the economy, so the need has decreased. 0 Likes
just_cause, BSN, RN Nov 1, 2010 Hmmm...considering that the military commissions nurses all the way to age 60...it seems like it needs all the help it can get!Your assumption is way off. Retention is at a high + higher recruiting from previous years combined with that higher retention has led to a very competitive entry into the military as an RN. 0 Likes
skandy Nov 2, 2010 Well this is really bad news for me... my plan was to join as soon as I was licensed RN. I would never imagine the military not accepting all applicants. 0 Likes
AJpcvRN Specializes in Oncology. Has 3+ years experience. Nov 2, 2010 With the economy, everything is difficult at the moment, but it never hurts to apply. If you don't get in, do something else for a little while and try again. There is always another life plan out there 0 Likes
just_cause, BSN, RN Nov 3, 2010 Well this is really bad news for me... my plan was to join as soon as I was licensed RN. I would never imagine the military not accepting all applicants.its kind of a perception problem that people have.. the military is highly skilled and volunteer... you'd be alarmed at the % of the population that wouldn't meet general qualifications to simply enter the military in any sort of fashion.This board is filled with a lot of high quality applicants and only a few will make it... the competitiveness isn't the factor as there is just a limitation on slots. For example the Army Nurse Corp is very small when you look at the numbers.. think of all these people across the nation for a single hospital that happens to be fully staffed - so yes... it is competitive. That being said this board contains the info you need to know and make yourself a future qualified applicant so stay tuned. (that may mean getting experience as an RN and assuming you meet all other physical, security, etc baseline requirements) 0 Likes
angelkerri Specializes in UM,Psych, Military, Substance Abuse, SNF. Nov 13, 2010 I am applying for the November Board as well! I am very nervous about it. I was told by my recruiter that there were 75 positions and that 25 are slotted for new nurses with 0 experience and 50 are for experienced nurses, but that they sometimes "overboard" which means they may take on more than that. I am nervous because I'm kind of in a special category. I have my RN license but I have been working less than a year and that has been at a SNF since it was the only job I was able to find in the area with the economy being what it is. I have a good shot, though, because I am working as a charge nurse in a supervisory role which, I am informed, looks good to the board. I am trying to be optimistic. The board meets on Tuesday and then applicants are supposed to hear back a week or so later as to whether they are accepted or not. I am hoping I will get to find out before Thanksgiving. I really hope I get accepted. It is competitive, but it does appear as if there is a need for new nurses and my recruiter says that GPA does count towards appearing as a favorable candidate. At least this is what I was told. 0 Likes
Pixie.RN, MSN, RN, EMT-P Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CNE, CEN, CPEN, TCRN. Has 13 years experience. Nov 13, 2010 I would be surprised if we hear that soon, but I would NOT mind in the least if we know something within a week! :) :) :) 0 Likes
angelkerri Specializes in UM,Psych, Military, Substance Abuse, SNF. Nov 15, 2010 Well she said that since that next week is Thanksgiving it may be that everyone goes on vacation and we won't find out til after that, but I am hoping we hear before Thanksgiving. Wishful thinking I know, but I am literally stuck in limbo until I find out if I'm in or not. I am going to be a wreck all next week stressing about it. I REALLY want to get in :/ 0 Likes
