Military Nursing. Dont know what to do... Help

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Hello everybody,

First time poster, but I've actually been a 'lurker' on this forum for quite some time; in fact, thanks to the individuals of this site, I've gotten so many answers to any questions I've had about the nursing profession, so in short, I'm taking a brief moment to give a special 'thank you' to whoever cares... but anyway I'm in need some advice/guidance as far as military nursing goes...

New Grad here (May 2010) and I was just turned down from the US Air Force Nurse Transition Program due to excessive applicants/down-sizing this year. Pretty much, as a result of the aforementioned, they said that they will NOT be accepting anything below a 3.5 CGPA (which I don't have) or any waivers whatsoever (I have allergies to shellfish therefore I needed an SG Waiver). Not to mention, I've had a troubled youth and had 1 or 2 run-ins with the law during my adolescence (my record is currently clear btw, but I didn't want to lie about my past to the recruiter). So with all those strikes against me and how fierce the competition is, my recruiter told me that my application will not undergo review this year (was kinda hurt when I heard that). I was then told by my recruiter to go the "long route", i.e. work in a civilian hospital for about 6 months to 1 year and reapply as a "seasoned RN".

My questions: will this honestly make any much more of a difference?? Because after reading this forum, I've noticed that there are many folks with "better" credentials that are being put on a waiting list or flat out told "NO". Is there anything I can do to better my chances of entry? Should I pursue another branch such as the Army for a better chance??

I hope I don't sound too overwhelming; it's just that I really have my heart set on serving, but after realizing how difficult it may be for me to join... then maybe I shouldn't bother. Any words of wisdom/guidance would be nice.

TIA

*FOR THE ATTENTION DEFICIT*

The "Too Long; Didn't Read" version:

I applied to join the Air Force as a new grad nurse and they said NO, please give me advice on what to do next lol

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Don't let the answer "NO" let you down..if military nursing is your thing, then try another branch, Army or Navy...I am also new grad (May 2010) and selected as alternate in the Army..I plan to compete again the next board (Nov 2011), if alternate didn't work, but I realize I will only have a year and half experience as an RN...If you are currently working, your other option is to wait and gain more experience and get your certificate such as CCRN, ACLS, PALS etc..whatever you needed to do to be more competitive then try to apply again...If you are not currently working, I suggest to start applying at the civilian hospital in ICU, ER or OR department..

About the GPA, I am not sure if the Army or Navy care about the GPA..I have 3.55 overall GPA and selected as alternate..

About your issue when you were young, you said it is already clear right...but I am also not sure how those things work...other people who's knowledgeable about those issues will soon answer your question...stay positive!!:)

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If you want military and specifically Air Force then I'd recommend getting an RN job and 1-2 years of experience. Along the way try to meet / make a few contacts that would be good references (perhaps future prior service MDs/RNs that you meet) and strengthen your packet for future submission.

You could also look at AF reserve / national guard unit needs in you area if that is of interest to you. However if you want active duty slot I'd suggest skipping reserve / national guard and just gaining some experience to enter directly.

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You guys, I humbly thank you both for the reply and for the words of encouragement.

@ elumine

Yeah, I've had my heart set on military nursing ever since I first started nursing school. I've done the necessary research and I've come to the conclusion that this is, in fact, something that I really would like to do. But again, my stipulations hinder my chances (despite the fact that I'm a totally different/mature person in this day and age; plus my flippin allergies to shrimp!). Don't know whats a fella to do *shrugs shoulders* that's why I sound so bummed lol. But you did give some great advice; I actually WANT to be a critical care nurse, so going for my CCRN in a year or so is a great idea. Again thanks!

@ just cause

I'm aiming for active duty. Also, I actually DO know a prior service woman that was a nurse so I will be sure to get in touch with her. Thanks.

So all in all, I guess I have no choice, but to go the "long route" huh?? Because I'm actually GETTING job offers in the civilian sector, but I've been downplaying them because I ultimately want to join the military. Civilian nursing it is! (lol) Well... for NOW at least...

P.S.

Happy holidays :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Should I pursue another branch such as the Army for a better chance??

It seemed like the Army selected more active duty RNs this year than the Air Force did, so you might definitely consider Army. Not sure how many Navy nurses were selected, but I have to think they're like the other branches and not "taking everyone" as many branches did in the past. Hopefully by the time you get some experience some certs (like the CCRN), things will have improved where the economy and job market is concerned; my recruiter tells me that the military mirrors the civilian world in terms of hiring.

*FOR THE ATTENTION DEFICIT*

The "Too Long; Didn't Read" version:

I applied to join the Air Force as a new grad nurse and they said NO, please give me advice on what to do next lol

Okay, this made me LOL, for real! :D

If it is your dream, do NOT give up. Please keep us posted!

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Specializes in Emergency.

I would agree with the other replies, and also add. Do not down play your civ offers. Any experience is good experience, and unfortunately you were not selected on the first go round. Every day that you work as a civilian RN is a day of experience that can be applied toward your military career. I honestly believe that civilian experience does make a difference in the people that are selected, especially if you have experience in a critical care area (OR, ED/ER, ICU, L&D, Psych, Comm. Health) For reasons the same as any other organization. It takes time, training and $ to make competent nurses in critical care areas. The military needs competent experienced people to care for our service members, retirees, and families.

Do not give up on military nursing if it is truly your dream. Try the AF again, and I would also contact the NAVY and ARMY healthcare recruiters, and see what happens. The AF is known for being a bit more selective(picky) about everything. I did not know you needed a waiver for shellfish allergy. I would check on this with Navy and Army. Good Luck to you.

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Apply to the Army, they'll take anyone - LOL

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Apply to the Army, they'll take anyone - LOL

Hardly. 300+ applicants and 50 slots? More competitive than before!

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I was kiddin' , plus I knew you would call me out - LOL

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