In ADN school and thinking about joining the reserves after graduating

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Hey everyone,

I'm in my 3rd semester of ADN school and graduate in May 2010. I've been thinking about joining the reserves after I graduate but am unsure of which branch. I spoke w/ an instructor that is retired Army and she told me to go Air Force or Navy although I'm still keeping all options open. I want to join the reserves so I can use the GI Bill to pursue my BSN. In your opinion would it benefit me to have work experience prior to going into the reserves or does it not matter? I'm just worried about having a large gap from when I graduate and get licensed until the time I start working. I know I need to talk to a healthcare recruiter. If anyone has ANY advice it would be greatly appreciated!!!

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Check into it b/c I don't know that they accept anything below BSN

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Yup, RNs are officers and require a degree. I would say go AirForce if possible. Members are usually happier and better looked after than in other branches.

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I'm a new grad (May 2009) with a BSN and I'm seriously considering the Navy Nurse Corps. I may call the recruiter this week. I live in New England and the job market for new grads is just ugly. Any details I learn I'll post here.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

Any branch is respectable, but I think being Navy would be cool. After talking to recruiters in my area, to go nursing in any branch, you must have a BSN. Just thought I'd share.

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That's what I figured would be the case. I thought I would do the enlisted route while working on my BSN w/ the GI Bill and join ROTC while a reservist. Once I finish up both I could accept a commission into whichever branch ROTC I join. I still need to find out where the closest medical program recruiter is located. Thanks for the input so far, keep it coming please!!!

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, Home Care, Med-Surg,.

I'm pretty positive Army Reserves you can go in as an officer with an associates but in the reserves only, but in order to rank up you need to have your BSN. But to go Active Duty the minimum is BSN.

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I'm pretty positive Army Reserves you can go in as an officer with an associates but in the reserves only, but in order to rank up you need to have your BSN. But to go Active Duty the minimum is BSN.

You are correct:up:

http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/nurse/corps_benefits.jsp#army_reserve

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

but there are limited slots for ADN's in the Army Reserves. In July appox 1/2 of the FY 10 ADN slots for new accessions had already been filled with OML from FY 09. So if you want to do it start talking with a Army Healthcare Recruiter. Do not speak with a regular recruiter unless you are trying to do enlisted reserves or find the contact info for the HC recruiter

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DO not go in as enlisted....you will be sorry you did:(

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I also wanted to ask-sorry for taking over the thread....as you are earning your ADN-RN, when is the best time to connect with a medical officer recruiter?

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but there are limited slots for ADN's in the Army Reserves. In July appox 1/2 of the FY 10 ADN slots for new accessions had already been filled with OML from FY 09. So if you want to do it start talking with a Army Healthcare Recruiter.

And if you have a half-way recruiter, they'll let you know this and stear you straight to the STRAP program.

DO not go in as enlisted....you will be sorry you did:(

Are you basing this off of personal experience?

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