Life as a Navy Nurse - Real Stuff Please

79Tango · Feb 28, 2011

I wasnt aware the Navy had bonus $$ right now? If you can get through the paper work and recruitment process you should go all in. Family considerations would be a mandatory "Family Care Plan."

littleluvbugnavy · Mar 1, 2011

I think the OP is referring to the Navy Nurse Candidate Program, I was just accepted last week. I think it's the only way you can get a signing bonus right now as a nurse.

Nuke'sGirl · Mar 1, 2011

I am a new RN grad and am in the process of doing Navy Reserve. I'm not sure about the details for active duty Navy nurses but I am getting a sign on bonus.

hamburglar · Mar 17, 2011

Just piggybacking off of what everyone else has said.

Navy life is great. Great training and certifications more so than my civilian counterparts. Regarding bonuses, they do offer sign on bonuses, depends but it depends.

They offer specialty incentive bonuses. NPs and Anesthetists annual bonus of $20k but $15k after taxes to keep them competitive with civilian sector. CCRNs do get an incentive specialty pay as well, not sure how much. There are additional pays depending on job such as hazardous duty, sea pay, flight pay, family separation.

singsongRN · May 19, 2011

Does the Navy Nurse Corps still give sign on bonuses for active duty?

hamburglar · May 19, 2011

Yes, NPs and Anesthetists annual bonus of $20k but $15k after taxes to keep them competitive with civilian sector. CCRNs do get an incentive specialty pay as well, not sure how much. There are additional pays depending on job location actually such as hazardous duty, sea pay, flight pay, family separation.

Cheers

TripleM33 · May 19, 2011

The navy has its ups and downs, definitely. You work more than civilians, at least 50 hrs a week. You have to do alot of extraneous duties, and come in on many of your off days. The pay and benefits are good though, and you get to travel. You will often be used and abused by people who are lazy and will pawn their work off on you because they outrank you. You have to get everything you want to do approved by your command, and it is needs of the navy first always. If they want you to be an administrative nurse, that's what you'll do. You get to feel pride of being a part of the service, and they even make you an officer. Although because there is a rank structure there is great potential for abuse. You may not be allowed to take all the leave they supposedly give you, but the civvies you work with will always get their pick. For every upside there is at least one big downside. Don't do this to yourself just for money, do it to serve.

Honestly, I am glad I was given the opportunity to be an active duty navy nurse. But this lifestyle is not family friendly, and not for everyone.

Viper1104 · May 22, 2011

Life as a Navy Nurse is what you make of it. Like all jobs, you will have a hierarchy of leadership. In the military your are an officer first and a nurse second. I have been in over 20 years and have been a Navy nurse for over 15. I have had the opportunity to serve in humanitarian activities such as the Tsunami in 2004, the Pakistan Earthquake in 2005, The indonesia quake in 2006, and deployment to Iraq. The experience was second to none as you must think outside of the box and determine how YOU will care for patients with limited supplies and resources. Your leadership skills will be tested. It is a great experience, but it will always be what you make of it.