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,
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.
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
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)
Specializes in UM,Psych, Military, Substance Abuse, SNF.
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.
Specializes in UM,Psych, Military, Substance Abuse, SNF.
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 :/
It is tough for new nurses to get in right now because there are so many applicants. The mission was met very early last year. It's actually a "little" easier if you have critical care experience. I understand the Army didn't meet it's mission for critical care (E.R. and I.C.U.) last years so homefully they will be more inclinded to open slots early this year. I remember one of the nurses I work with got boarded this time last year. She didn't hear back until after thanksgiving. It would be nice to hear something this week either way though.
Just like with every organization there is a bottom line in the funding. They can only bring in so many of certain ranks each year and based upon the availability of slots per profession thats why the Army is only taking 50 Active Duty Nurses and 200 Reserve Nurses nationwide. These are Med Surg positions, 66H. My Battalion is taking 41 of the 200 Reserve Nurses. With Specialty Nurses the numbers differ. They can also request an exception to the numbers allowed and even bring in say 53 Active Duty Nurse. The same goes for Specialty Nurses. Because of the economy and the limited number of Nurse slots they are being more selective in their selections. GPA and work experience can sometimes be the difference. Also, because of the amount of younger Nurses applying it seems to have taken a hit on the amount of older Nurses they are selecting. This could just be a coincidence because as Recruiters we are NOT told WHY they either select or NON select the applicants. So I couldnt say that age is a factor. I have put in Nurses in their upper 40s with no prior service into the Reserves. The cut off for Active Duty is 42 unless you are a Physician or Dentist. If you have Active Duty years (prior service) then you can still submit your packet for consideration. Say you are 47 with 6 years Active Duty, you are really 41 for Military Age. Its because they want to ensure that you are going to be able to get a retirement.
For those Nurses out there that are interested in getting their Masters in Public Health, Psych or Anesthetist then the Army will pay you $2060 per month while you are attending school. During this time you are NON DEPLOYABLE since you are a student in a student status option. Your payback will be 1 year for every 6 months that you collect the $$$. You can also qualify for $50k student loan repayment. So, you would get paid to get your MSN then serve your payback time and then the Army would pay off your student loans (minus interest, late fees and penalties if accrued). Some hospitals will also pay you extra if your going to school. Not a bad option : )
skandy
21 Posts
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.