Joining as an experienced Nurse

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Any active duty or retired Nurses willing to speak with/email/text an experienced nurse considering joining?

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

It would be helpful if you described your background and what you're looking for.

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Sorry! I'm an RN with Ambulatory certification. I have an MSN in nursing education. I have lots of clinic and telehealth triage experience. I also currently teach nursing, class and clinical. I always wanted to serve, and am finally in a place where that is a possibility. I'd like to eventually get my CNM. So I'd hope to go in as OB. I am married to a civilian with 4 kids, if that makes any difference. I'm not sure which branch would be best, and I am interested in hearing the experiences of other nurses. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond!

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Specializes in ICU, Military.

I'm an active duty Navy RN. I joined with 8 years of ICU experienced and they brought me in as a little higher rank (O2 vs O1) and promoted to O3 about 8 months later. Promotion to O3 normally takes about 6 years so I was pretty happy with that since the pay is better). Which branch are you considering? All the advice I'm giving will be from the Navy's perspective. I will say that since it is January, I'm sure the FY2017 quotas (which starts in October of the prior year) are filled for new accessions but it wouldnt hurt to start talking to an OFFICER recruiter (make sure you are talking to an officer, NOT an enlisted recruiter. This is very VERY important).

How soon are you looking to join? I would start the application process NOW for FY 2018, which will start in Oct 2017. There is a lengthy process of paperwork (for you and your family with your dependents), and then you have to go through MEPS, which makes sure you are medically qualified to join. If you have any skeletons in your closet (depression notably) or any concerning health issues, those require a waiver and can take months. If you are in perfect health with no previous illnesses it makes it easier to join, however understand that lying on your entrance paperwork regarding your health history is never a good idea.

Gone are the days of walking into a recruiting station and just "signing up". They go over you with a fine toothed comb. Also, since you will be an Officer, a Secret Security Clearance is required. So any bad credit, arrests, DUIs, serious debts, etc, and also if you are married to a foreigner will be called into question before you can get your security clearance. That process also takes a while.

Start now! If you can get your foot in the door you may be able to get into officer school by October. Officer school is 5 weeks long in Newport, RI unaccompanied, meaning you cannot bring your spouse/kids. After you graduate from officer school, then you will go to your duty station and get set up. You can email me at [email protected] if you need more info

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