Military nursing to something else...?

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I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge in this area. I'm completing my BSN this May (counting down the months!). I've worked as a paramedic for about 5 years now. I talked with the Navy recruiter who just wasn't that encouraging. He said there really aren't that many "bonuses" right now for anyone coming in, that there isn't that much of a demand but he would put a package in for me. He said my experience counts for nothing and I'd be looking at a minimum of 2 years on a med-surg floor. Do you concur?

Secondly, does anyone have any experience with people who have gone into Nurse Corps and decided that it just wasn't for them? I have another bachelors degree in an area that would lend itself to intelligence and have considered this as well. Is there any opportunity to transition between jobs as an officer? The recruiter told me that there CERTAINLY weren't any general officer spots open right now. Although, he was the medical programs recruiter, imagine that...

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I've been a paramedic for more than 7 years, and that time didn't count for constructive credit for the Army -- they only looked at my time as an RN, and my board certification bought me a little extra credit as well. All that medic time means nothing in that context, but I like to think it made my application packet stand out a bit. ;)

The military is very competitive right now -- full of nurses, too many applicants for too few slots. I've heard more here about the Army and Air Force than the Navy, but I think it's the same for them right now as well. You really don't have anything to lose by submitting a packet, though. But it seems that for most branches of the military, if you want to go into a specialty like critical care or ED, you might have a better shot if you're able to secure a job in the civilian arena and get some RN experience, then try applying.

Congrats on the upcoming graduation, and welcome to allnurses! :)

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you have quite a few options that you might not realize, you can pm me after you meet the minimum allnurses min posting threshold (10 posts) and I'd be happy to help w/ some ideas.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
after you meet the minimum allnurses min posting threshold (10 posts)

It's actually 15 posts, not 10. ;)

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