I've been reading on here and have a few Navy questions

FloridaERRN · Sep 27, 2010

Hello all! I've been reading on here for a few months now trying to decide if I want to join the military and if so which branch. Let me explain my situation. I have always thought about joining the military and I feel like now is the best time for me to do it. I have about 72k in student loans (i have a bachelors in Biology, a BSN, and loans from about 7 months in medical school) and while the loan payback plan is a motivator, I would join without it I believe but while making about 22 an hour I still struggle each month with rent, utilities, etc along with over $600 a month in loan payments. I'm thinking of making it a career due to a feeling of debt I have to this great country and everything they have provided for myself and my family. I do have some questions even after reading through the forum and a lot of posts I have found are 3+ years old. So now I'll finally get to my questions!

1. I know the new bonuses will come out next month with the beginning of the fiscal year, does anyone know at what point in October this is available?

2. I've been reading that it's becoming increasingly difficult to get into the military as an RN, will starting the process at the beginning of the fiscal year help get in or do applicants from last year roll into the upcoming year?

3. I graduated nursing school in Jan and got a job directly into an ER here in Orlando, is it easier to get in with ER experience? Will I be able to stay in the emergency field with only about 6 months of ER experience as of now or should I wait and get some more time in the ER (floor nursing isn't for me)?

4. As an ER nurse what bases would I likely be stationed at?

5. This might seem a little different than other questions I've seen on here, but for me it is important. I'm currently single and one of my goals in life is to have children and a family. How is the social life for a single male nurse in the Navy?

6. I'm extremely interested in trauma nursing and flight nursing. What are the opportunities for these in the Navy?

7. How do promotions work in the Navy? I've read that in the USAF the first few are based on time served and experience coming in, is it the same for the Navy?

8. Lastly I think I might want to become an ARNP in the ER, is it possible to get this specialty while in the Navy, or do they just want CRNAs, family practice, Peds, and the like?

Thanks for reading and spending some of your time helping answer questions we all have. From what I've read this is a great community and it really is appreciated!