Looking to Begin My Career as a Military Nurse

[tori1]

Hi all,

I'm brand new to this site, but have visited this site for years. I just graduated nursing school with my BSN and am interested in becoming a military nurse (I'm mostly interested in the army.) I've read a lot of posts talking about how difficult it is to become an officer and am just wondering if this is true? I'm just wondering if this is a dream I should put on the shelf for a while until I get some experience, or should I go for it?

I didn't have the top GPA on my class, but I'm above the minimum they look for. I'm taking my boards this month and plan to call a medical recruiting officer this week, but what are people's experiences with joining?

I know these questions have been asked a thousand times on here, but I just need answers for myself :)

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

If you don't try, the answer will always be no. Meet with that healthcare recruiter and go from there. The recruiting landscape changes often, they will have the latest information for you. If it's your dream, go for it. Best of luck!

[JillyRN]

The sooner you get in touch with a healthcare recruiter the better! It took me weeks just to get a call back and another week to actually meet with someone. The selection boards meet at various times during the year and last I heard the Army and Navy only have one per year for fully qualified nurses (Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, that was just what the Army recruiter had told me). The AF holds a few per fiscal year. The application process alone can take a few months so it's good to get a head start. In the meantime, get as much experience as you can, volunteer, and maintain your health and fitness. Those should all improve your chances if you do pursue military nursing.