Initiatives to take before applying for a direct commission

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Hi yall,

So, I'll be applying to nursing school pretty shortly and upon acceptance I'm going to apply for the NCP. My chances aren't very high of getting into it from what I've been reading, but I'm going to try anyway.

The other route I've been looking at was direct commission after graduation. I've read this is also a highly competitive process. I was wondering what are some things I could do to increase my chances the FIRST time I apply. I've read that either process can take up to 9 months or so before you even get the official yes or no from the date of applying.

To be more specific as to what my question is, I want to know things such as if there are certain certificates that would be greatly valued, certain areas I should try to work in (IE ICU), and anything else in that nature.

Also, how likely is it that a new grad can get a spot in a CCU in a civilian hospital? To be honest, I will most likely start off my career working in a civilian hospital back home just to get experience.

I really just need some insight and advice. Sorry for my ignorance and thank you in advance for you response!

Edit--I would also like to know if they look at GPA for direct commission and if there is a minimum.

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I am trying going the Air Force route as a new grad so not sure about navy but yes they look at GPA I think the minimum is a 2.5 but it is extremely competitive to be accepted in any branch so the higher the better. Also I was to that the Air Force wants to see leadership skills so any volunteer service or leadership type experiences are a plus. I would say in general icu is a good place to be when starting as a nurse but they do not look to closely at that according to my recruiter. The best advice anyone could give you is to decide which branch your most interested in and go and speak with a health professions recruiter or nurse recruiter or whatever the name is for that branch. Whatever you do don't just go speak to a regular recruiter who will only know about enlisted recruitment and not officers.

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Thanks for the reply.

I've read some stuff about people saying that if you've worked in an area prior to applying where they are currently in need then your chances of being accepted are higher. Not sure if this is true. I'm curious because if I can't get in the Navy the first time I'll have to get a job at a civi hospital back home and I would want to work in an area that the Navy would need to get experience.

--edit, holy crap those are some terrible run on sentences. sorry. lol

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

As far as certificates - the air force values any national certifications. I'm ICU and came in with my CCRN. I know that with the CCRN, you have to be active in the ICU for some period of time before they allow you to test. But having a cert does show that you are serious about your field to the AF.

I'd also get your ACLS and anything that sets you apart as having gone about and beyond.

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