Max age for Navy Reserve nurses

Gennaver, MSN · Jul 15, 2007

I just posted as part of another thread this same question, but thought I'd be more specific in this post. I'm 37, hoping to be getting into nursing school which would be 16 months as an accelerated BSN program. Does the Navy Reserves waive age limits especially for nurse recruits? I think joining the Navy Reserves now would slow down my goal of going to school for a BSN, correct? Should I wait until I'm done with school? Would it even be possible?

Hello,

As a fellow graduate of a post-Bacc RN program I am not real fond of using the term "accelerated" as it gives a misperception to non post-bacc folks.

So, as a post Bacc MS entry student who just graduated and is new Army I hope I have some help for you.

The Navy accepts nurses up to age 44 right now but you will need an age waiver if you are over 40. However, the Navy has a nurse candidate program, (not the title though, I think it is titled with 'transition program'). This will give you a stipend and a bonus during your final, (senior) year. For my my program was 22 months, 7 quarter and Congress recognizes the final year as "senior". This program is very competitve and last year they made their quota early so, I'd jump on communicating with a Navy Nurse recruiter if I were you and interested.

The application process and medical/security clearance and review boards can take months so, I would not wait to begin until later. My own packet was ready right away but, ended up taking five more months until it was truly accepted, then even more time for other things. I am now 41.

The Army and Air Force accept nurses until age 46 and the Navy, (edit for typo mis-spell) until 44. Regular Army accepts soldiers, (and we are soldiers) until the age of 42. At least they do for now, which is why I jumped on getting my paperwork done, (before they change their minds!) I wanted in while I had the chance.

Welcome,

Gen

edited to add: as a nurse you will not be a 'recruit' but an officer. :) Make sure that you do not talk to an enlisted recruiter as they are not able to help you and you'd be wasting both of your time....oh, they 'might' try to enlist you but, then you'd not be a nurse officer working as a nurse. :)

DanznRN, RN · Jul 15, 2007

I totally agree with Gen on what she has said above, however I offer this. Are wanting to go Reserves or active duty? There was a time when I first came in that Navy nurses were referred to as "reserve officers." We would through our careers transition to become "regular Navy," we were active duty, but still known as reserve officers, as you can tell this caused a bit of confusion. So as of May '06 all Navy officers lost the "reserve" title and are known as just regular Navy officers. So your referral to the Navy Reserve would be different than active duty Navy. Tell me whether you want to be active duty or reserve? If you clear this up I can be of more assistance.

LCDR(s) Dan

cajjj · Jul 15, 2007

Thanks for your replies. In answer to your question, I am interested in the Reserves. Active duty is appealing, but I really don't know if I could do that, as I have two boys who are almost 8 and 6.

I thought the Nurse Candidate program had a cut off age and I wouldn't be eligible for that, as I am 37 and will turn 38 in January, or is the Nurse Candidate program referring to those wanting to join as a nurse?

It sounds like I might be better off going for my nursing degree, then joining the Navy Reserves/Navy?

DanznRN, RN · Jul 16, 2007

Yes, going for the nursing degree first is a better idea. As far as kids go, I've got 8,6, and 2 and the Mrs. and I are both active duty, so it can be done.

LCDR(s) Dan