Joining the Nurse Corps... Army vs. Navy

[NurseLilo]

Hi Everyone!

I'm brand new here, but not to nursing. I come to you with 7 years of nursing experience, 3 of those in Pediatric orthopedics (52 bed unit with a 5 bed SICU). I'm going to be finishing my RN to BSN online within the next few months and a long term goal of mine has been to join the Nurse Corps. Not sure whether I will go active or reserves, I would prefer active.

I seem to be getting conflicting information from recruiters and was wondering if anyone with inside information could give me the pros and cons of what the Nurse Corps for the different branches offers. Like what the day in the life of each looks like/what a standard enlistment and deployment for each could/would look like.

What would you tell someone the best things about military nursing and what are the disadvantages?

Is there any advantage to coming in as a seasoned nurse? Or is it a disadvantage?

Thank you SO much for taking the time to read/respond to this!

Lauren

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

The Navy will not count any of your time as an ASN-prepared RN. For them, your experience starts when you have the BSN. I believe they are the only branch with that policy.

There are lots of "day in the life" posts in this forum. Best of luck!