I would like to become a Army Nurse but I have no experience

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I'm taking the NCLEX in two weeks and would like to submit a packet to direct commission in the US Army. I have been told by numerous military personnel that it is extremely competitive to direct commission as a nurse due to the economy and the Army transitioning back to "garrison." I spoke with an AMEDD recruiter and she even told me she hasn't had anyone successfully direct commission (active duty) from my area in three years.

Honestly I could care less how hard it is. This is something I want to do!! I am currently entering my third year as an enlisted member (E4) of the US Army Reserve. I have just completed my first overseas humanitarian mission. I love wearing my uniform and serving my country; this is definitely something I want to partake in full time.

I plan on submitting a packet this October. Any advice? What specific things will the board be looking for? Are there any particular things I should focus on in my statement letter? Or letters of recommendation?

I would greatly appreciate your input!!

Thanks

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

Transitioning from reserve to active duty may be nearly impossible. You may have to wait until your current reserve commitment is done, regardless. Get a civilian nursing job and improve your odds by getting more experience.

The army won't take direct commission new grads at all right now, based on what I've heard. You need a few years experience. If you don't mind switching branches, the Navy and the Air Force both still do take a limited number of new grads via direct commission. Honestly, the job is very similar from branch to branch for nurses. Many military nurses work in facilities where 2 or more branches are represented anyways.

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Reservist here with RN experience (AN officer), not to be mean but your packet will be going no where in the near future especially as a new nurse.

It's a numbers game. If you don't have 2 years experience they won't even look at you. I have 2 years + as well as being critical care certified and an ROTC grad with great OERs. No dice.

Good luck but honestly it's a waste of time till things change

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I plan on submitting a packet this October. Any advice? What specific things will the board be looking for?

They'll be looking for two years of experience; that is the current requirement for AD direct commission. Congrats on completing your program, and good luck with NCLEX. I assume your degree is a BSN, since that is what is required to commission? In any case, I recommend finding a civilian job and getting some experience, then testing the waters again. With as many people getting out and our propensity for global entanglements, recruiting may well bounce back in the next decade.

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Specializes in ICU.

Have you thought about switching to the Guard? In my state, I was direct commissioned as a new grad without much problem (I was also an E4 previously). Might be worth looking into especially if the Reserves are still looking for a certain amount of experience.

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Have you thought about switching to the Guard? In my state, I was direct commissioned as a new grad without much problem (I was also an E4 previously). Might be worth looking into especially if the Reserves are still looking for a certain amount of experience.

OP wants active duty....totally different animal

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