Military Nurse Reservist Question

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 24, 2016

Unfortunately you are past the age for the Army Nurse Corps â€” the cut-off is 42, and waivers are difficult to come by in a time of drawdown (which we are definitely experiencing). But if you don't ask, the answer will always be no, right? Just don't be surprised if you don't get a waiver. One year of ICU is not enough to be commissioned in the ICU specialty because one civilian year equals 6 months of Army time. If you had two years of ICU and your CCRN, it would be much more possible, and your waiver might comes easier as well. But the longer you wait age-wise, the lesser your chances are.

As an officer, you are responsible for procuring your own uniforms (everything from boots to t-shirts). You may get a one-time uniform allowance, I'm not sure if that applies to the Reserves â€” I got it as an active duty Army nurse. Standard equipment is typically issued (things like Camelbaks, field equipment, etc.).

Was your BSN CCNE or ACEN accredited? The particular accreditation matters to some branches, while some accept either; all require accredited BSNs, though.

tprkt · Jul 24, 2016

thanks for the reply Pixie,

So what you are saying is that if "my skills are needed" than I probably will not receive a waiver, is that right?

And that the Military only gives you credit for 6mos for a full year worked, that's strange to me, but it is the gov't...

My BSN was from a CCNE accredited program.

tprkt · Jul 24, 2016

Pressed the space bar and it cut off my reply

I have heard of a co-worker who was recently sworn into the Army Nurse Corps and I have reached out to her via email, still waiting to hear back so I can hear the steps she went through, etc...

As for paying for uni's and such, that truly doesn't bother me, I've had to do that before for other jobs & received a 1x stipend to do so.

And I totally "get" you on the age thing... Again, thanks for the info, I'll eventually post back when I actually decide or "have it decided for me", if not able to obtain a waiver

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 24, 2016

thanks for the reply Pixie,
So what you are saying is that if "my skills are needed" than I probably will not receive a waiver, is that right?
And that the Military only gives you credit for 6mos for a full year worked, that's strange to me, but it is the gov't...
My BSN was from a CCNE accredited program.

If your skills are needed, the waiver is more likely. CCNE is good â€” I believe that the Navy is picky about that. Be sure to check with all branches because needs do differ. Good luck!!

tprkt · Jul 25, 2016

I should have used "if my skills are in demand" not necessarily "needed"...

My main thought of posting this was to try and obtain those who have gone into a branch of nursing corps and what they learned/liked or disliked about the different branches of nursing corps... still trying find the real differences between all of them.

Appreciate your comments, thanks.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 26, 2016

I think that you'll find most branches don't really need anything right now. Deployment tempo is way down. In the Air Force, we only really need OR nurses or flight nurses (would need ICU experience).

There is also an AF need for ICU and ER nurses with between 1-7 years of full-time RN civilian experience. In other words, they need people that will start as 2nd or 1st Lieutenants.

The reason they only give you 50% credit is actually a very good one: you're more than a bedside nurse in the military. With all your nursing experience, you won't know anything about the military itself: military customs, wear of the uniform, supervision of junior personnel, etc. I find that experienced nurses come in with way too much rank as it is. Some come is as Captains (O-3s) and immediately supervise people without knowing how to wear the uniform, much less write military performance report bullets. Even with the 5 weeks of basic officer training you get, you're far from an expert on the military.

tprkt · Jul 26, 2016

Thanks jfratian

I totally understand that military life and civilian life are vastly different and that the basic officers training will not get everything firmly rooted on how the military wants things done. Plus (i'm sure that) some people get a big head about rank and try to show off, I'm just a humble, non-self horn tooting guy who wants to "right a self-proclaimed wrong" by not serving my county at an earlier age.

My co-worker got back with me and she joined the Army Nurse corps, still waiting hear on why she choose the Army over Navy or AF. As for the AF, my civilian goal is to be a flight nurse, so that would be right up my alley, although I have read other posts on this site saying that it is difficult to obtain in the AF.

But this all preliminary, just trying to do my due diligence about researching all the possible angles of the various nurse corps before I commit to one over the others, and who knows, I may not get selected anyway so this could just a waste of time...thanks, I appreciate the response

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Jul 27, 2016

You are not too old for the AF but you'd better hurry. The age is 48 but it can take a long time to get you in. I wouldn't expect any monetary inducements at this time. My unit does not have a bonus now but did a few years ago. Uniforms are provided when you enter and last a long time, not a significant expense. You need a bachelor's degree to be an officer, and a nursing degree to be a nurse. The best way to get in is find a reserve or guard unit near where you live that has nursing jobs. Contact the unit and they can facilitate your entry. Get their interest in you, and they will push recruitment. Good luck.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 29, 2016

Officers buy their own uniforms. You get a one-time uniform allowance when you join (I think it's $400 or so), but that doesn't really cover the $1500-$2000 in uniform costs. I would say they are a very significant expense.

Also, you may be able to join. However, the mandatory federal retirement age is still 62. I'm not sure if you'd be able to collect a retirement if you were somehow able to join.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jul 29, 2016

Flight is only really difficult to join due to the stringent medical requirements. They are more stringent than the basic military medical requirements. If you take pretty much any meds, then you'll need a waiver.

techraider77, ADN, BSN · Aug 4, 2016

Do you know if they are offering sign on bonuses for Perioperative nurses in the Air Force Reserve?