Introduction and question about number of times one can apply to the Navy Nurse Corps

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Hi! I graduate with my BSN in December. I've been considering going into the military as a nurse for quite some time. I'm starting to get my package together for the Navy. I'm a former Army brat and my Dad's parents were Marines in WWII and my grandfather went back in after the war, this time in the Army, so my family has a strong history in the military. My fiance was a corpsman in the Navy for 8 years and will graduate with his BSN next December. We both want to be a part of the Navy Nurse Corps. I spoke with a Healthcare Reserve Recruiter a few days ago who told me that there are little to no spaces expected to be available for FY11 but that the Reserves will have open slots. I asked about starting off in the Reserves and then later switching to AD and he told me that it is "extremely difficult" to do so as a nurse. I am working on getting more information from an active duty Healthcare Recruiter but he is on leave at this time.

I know there is a shortage of slots and a large number of well qualified applicants. Given that I will be a new grad I understand that most likely preference will be given to a seasoned RN. I am also looking at other options, including new graduate/nurse residency programs across the country. If I do not get accepted the first time, I will reapply. My question is this, if I am not accepted the first time around, how many more times can I apply? This is assuming that it is related to lack of open spaces and not the inability to get a security clearance or something of that nature.

Thank you,

Tiffany

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shouldn't be a limit.. you will just have to update your packet... letters of ref are typically good for one year... physical 2 years from physical date to commission... and security investigation doesn't truly begin until after you are selected.

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Thank you! I know some things have time limits on them as far as validity. Thank you for the information on that! :) I'm 32 now, will be almost 33 when I graduate. If I am not selected first go around and it is something I can either fix or it is related to lack of open spaces, I will continue to apply. Obviously if it is something I can't fix then that is a different story. I don't believe I have anything disqualifying however.

I know candidates are interviewed throughout the process; does motivation for wanting to join and desire to join play a role in selection?

Thank you,

Tiffany

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

I can't speak to the Navy process, but I know for Army Nurse Corps applicants, we submit a "motivation statement," which is a one-pager about why we want to be part of the ANC. It's submitted as part of our packet, so I know it goes before the Army Nursing Board. I have to think that motivation, etc., does play a part in the selection process.

Welcome to allnurses, and good luck in your endeavors!! :)

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Thank you! I would think that would play a role, but I have no idea how much. I just know I've heard a lot of people talking about joining the military because they "just want a job" and honestly that scares me. It isn't for everyone. I grew up as an Army brat and our family made sacrifices frequently because my dad was in the military. (And I know we didn't have it anywhere near half as bad as many military families because although he fought to get a chance to go to Desert Storm, they wouldn't let him go as we were stationed in Panama at the time already.) I don't regret a single minute of it and I think it made me a much stronger person, and someone with values I don't know that I would have had otherwise. But I digress... LOL

Thanks again,

Tiffany

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

Yep ... I was an Army/civil service brat, and grew up overseas; I wouldn't trade the experience for the world. I lived in Italy, then Germany, from the age of 9 until I was 20. My stepfather (retired Army and civil service) urged me to join the military when I graduated from high school, and I believe I said something like "I'll never join the *&^%$#@ military!" LOL. He had a good belly laugh when I told him I was looking at the Army. He wants to do my swearing-in himself, which I guess he can do as a retired officer. I told my recruiter about that the other day, and she thought it was a great idea. Assuming the plan comes together, that is! :D

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Initially my mom was very against me joining any branch of the service. (When I first mentioned it when I started my prerequisites in 2005) More recently however, she's been very supportive. She's been working as a contractor in Iraq the last 2 years, my dad was in Iraq from 2004-2008 and now is in Afghanistan working as a civilian for the Army. My Dad has always been supportive, although I'm sure he would prefer I joined the Army over the Navy. LOL

Can a retired officer from another branch swear you in or does it need to be the same branch? I didn't even know that was an option. It would be pretty cool if he could swear me in!

Thanks again,

Tiffany

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Specializes in Med/Surg, APU/PACU, Peds, Flight.

I joined the Air Force and leave in a week : ) (yay!) but I had a retired Army Lt. Col swear me in for mine. So yes, you can cross branches. And as to motivation, I don't know if it counts for the Air Force. I did have to answer 9 questions about who I was, what I could offer, etc, etc and that was submitted with the packet. Ha.

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Thank you. :) Congratulations! I hope all goes well for you!

I've learned quite a bit from reading the posts on this forum in the last week or so, including questions that I wouldn't have otherwise have thought to ask. Thank you all for asking questions and sharing your knowledge!

Tiffany

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