Huge interest in Military Nursing. Currently third year student.

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Hey Folks,

A little background about myself. I am currently a 22 year old male currently in college at The University Of Southern Maine. After this semester I will be a senior. Overall GPA of 3.4. Progressing every week and have confidence in raising my GPA. I am doing very well in med-surge (for not having any prior clinical experience). My clinical this semester is at our most reputable and renown hospital in the state of Maine (Maine Medical Center). My grandfather served in the Air Force, my uncle served in the Navy (not as Officers nor Nurses). I have a passion to carry on the family tradition.

Med-surge is great and I am excelling in the clinical atmosphere. I am developing critical thinking skills while pulling my prior knowledge together with proper application of these skills. My Mental Health clinical starts in two weeks, very excited! As BSN students at USM, we have to have a community health background. We are expected to offer education, administer immunizations etc. and develop leadership skills throughout the semesters (1 year class). During my second semester of this partnership, I will be one of six leaders in this class. We choose a project within the course (example: Flu Clinic in the Portland area); as a result, we guide, teach, and show leadership to the newer incoming students in the partnership.

Within two months (with clinical instructor approval of passing mid-semester) I will have the opportunity to receive my CNA license through my college for the state of Maine. I am planning after this hectic semester comes to an end to work as a CNA in the final year of nursing school.

I am a very serious individual for my age. Nursing is my passion in life and always will be. This semester has opened my eyes to the reality that I can survive in the toughest of times. Many of my colleagues describe me as too serious, always in the books, and an educator.

Now that I am getting close to the finish line of reaching my dream, I have been considering joining the Military (Navy, Airforce, and possibly the Army). I've spent quite a bit of time browsing this section of the forum prior to my interest.

The military in general excites me. I admire individuals with integrity, empathy, and strength. I'm the type of person who sees a challenge as an opportunity to enhance my career. I admire veterans, ROTC, and active duty personnel of all branches. I am hoping to offer the knowledge and skills to individuals in the military. My biggest interest is the leadership aspect that Officer Nurses acquire.

So, now that I am here, and you folks got a little background of my progress so far in school, what can you offer me informational wise? I understand the sequester and the need for experienced licensed nurses vs. students. My GPA is not bad, nor great, and will improve in the final stretch. I have looked into the Air Force and recently the Army. My recruiter in Mass for the Air Force told me to apply to the NTP program in April 2014. But I am not sure which branch is for me. Thanks.

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

The Army is overstrength and is looking for experienced nurses only for direct commission for a very limited number of slots. Things can change, so you should contact a healthcare recruiter closer to graduation, but this is a trend that has been holding for a while. Best of luck to you!

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Unless you did ROTC which provides a direct route for new nurses, your chance at a commission as a nurse right now is very small. If you had a few years of experience then maybe.

If this was 2008 I would say you were a shoe-in....but now it's just getting more competitive by the day.

Contact a officer recruiter in your area.

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Yeah. Oh how times have changed for opportunities soon to be/new grad nurses in the military. Guess I'll have to check in throughout the up coming year/years to see any change. I have no problem working right after college, waiting some time, then applying. Regardless of the outcome, I am happy with my college career choice! Thanks both Lunah and Dranger.

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Now what about NCP in the Navy? I will be done junior year December 22nd. Honestly, I don't need my college tuition paid back. I've been paying in full ever since the start. Is this worth filling out the large amounts of paper work? I do feel like calling the recruiter tomorrow.

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

It seems like the Air Force and Navy still accept new nurses - would be worth a try! If you don't hear back immediately, don't get discouraged - healthcare recruiters are typically swamped with inquiries and usually cover fairly large regions.

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Specializes in Field Medical Trauma.

Im not sure about the Air Force but the Navy medical recruiter iv been talking to has been extremely helpful and seems very enthusiastic about getting me into the NCP. I would say the Navy is the best bet for getting in as a Nurse Corps Officer. The Army is very competitive and over numbered right now, again I don't know about the Air Force.

Note: I'm prior enlisted service in the Navy as a Corpsman (which is what my medical recruiter is) I don't know if this has anything to do with my recruiters enthusiasm for helping me as much as he has.

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