Is there any shortage of military nurses?

[sholtzma]

Hello -

I have been considering joining the military after I complete a second degree BSN, which I hope to start in January 2011 (so I will be done in August 2012 if all goes according to plan). I have been really concerned about the economy and whether I should dive into this but I've been plugging away at pre-req's and really want to do it. I am very concerned with the job market and whether or not it will improve for new grad's by the time I am done. One option, on the assumption that I am fit enough and can pass age requirements (I turn 39 next week so this means that with everything going according to plan, I will have just turned 41 when finished and hopefully taking the NCLEX) I can go into the military (I like all branches for different reasons, so I am not too picky there, although Navy and AF sure do appeal to me due to family members' having served); this would allow me to get my much needed experience, pay off the money I will borrow for tuition, and get good insurance, etc.

Questions: what do people here generally think of military need for nurses and since the economy is so bad right now, are you seeing more new grad's joining the military for precisely the reasons I am? Also, if I do want to pursue this course, when should I talk to various branch healthcare recuiters? Do I talk to them after I am accepted to the program, or 12 months prior to finishing, or right when I am done? I know people can't predict the future, but I would appreciate any input/opinions on this subject. Thanks in advance!

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

From what I've been told, yes, there is a shortage. I'm getting sent directly to my first duty station because the first training date is sometime in 2011 and the Army needs nurses ASAP. Conversely, it's not as easy to get into the military as an RN as you'd think (again, from what I've heard, this is due to budget cuts). As far as when to talk to recruiters, start talking to them before you get accepted to nursing school and follow up with the branch you end up going with after you're accepted if you decide that's what you want to do. That will give you time to explore your options and decide on a branch. I can only vouch for the Army (not familiar with other branches and their programs), but they might be able to get you into the Nurse Candidate Program, which pays a monthly stipend and guarantees you a spot in the Nurse Corps after you graduate, pass the NCLEX and complete your comissioning physical. Again, this will be really helpful if there's still a shortage and budget problems because applicants to the Nurse Corps only come up for review twice a year and it's very competitive right now. Best of luck!

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

As of today I would say there is not a shortage of nurses in the military. That does not mean there will not be when you complete your BSN. Because of your age I would start talking with them about 16-18 months out from graduation or as the previous poster stated for help in college. This is for you to be able to put in your packet as early as possible. If you wait until you graduate there might not be any slots left for the year. Since many nurses are joining the military because of the economy I would almost bet that there will be a large turnover once their active duty obligation is over.

[jgcadet]

As of right now and for the next few years, there is no shortage. (unless you have some serious experience or furthered education)

[AFFam]

Our AF recruiter actually got the entire AF recruiting group in trouble for telling us personally that there is no shortage. The way it was explained to us is that, there is a bottleneck at training that is causing processing applicants to be slowed down. They only have so many places that nurses can train, and with all the applicants, some people are being pushed out, but once they finish training, it opens back up again.

I am not personally signing up, my husband is, but I am extremely involved in the process.

[Flipper911]

I think in general the nursing shortage is over. Just look at all the new grads that cannot find work, hospitals laying off or closing, schools continue to pump out grads with no jobs available and older nurses putting off retirement.