Looking to join the national guard.

Published

Hello fellow nurses! I have my ADN and am a few months from finishing my BSN through Western governors. I work in a skilled nursing facility and have (as and LPN then RN) for 8 years.  I’m interested in joining the national guard, should I wait until I finish my BSN to start the application process? 
 

Does the NG only take critical care/ER nurses? 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating room, ER, Home Health.

You will need to contact a healthcare recruiter for your state. The NG does not have as many medical slots compared to the reserves. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU.

You will need your BSN to apply but not to find a job. I would recommend you contact the unit where you want to work. They can facilitate recruitment. Reserve and Guard are roughly equivalent in their time commitment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for the replies! Contacted an AMEDD guard recruiter and they’re over Strength right now. The reserves want 1 year ER experience, looks like I’ll be applying at local ER’s and try again in a year! Thanks! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating room, ER, Home Health.

It’s true that they are over strength. The Major (O-4) boards just came out and the pick up rate was 29%. Normally it’s over 70%. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I'm an RN in the Army Guard, they require BSN to apply. New Army nurses generally come on as 66H unless they have years experience in a specialty like ER, ICU or surgical. I would suggest considering getting some experience on a med surg floor. I don't think you necessarily need any certain amount of time but it might help if you when you apply. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I'm a 66H in ARNG, I'm in ER now but wasn't when I joined, was Tele RN. You don't need ER or ICU.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion