Military reserve and civilian career

[Dandy Lion]

Hello AN, I'm a new grad RN and I'm debating whether I should join a reserve military branch before getting my first RN job or after I get one (a year or two after)? Are hospitals less likely to hire a new grad RN who is also a reservist? I am located in southern California if it makes any difference.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

First of all congrats on getting your RN. My advise to you is to not join the reserves you have your BSH otherwise you will work as a medic or any other MOS opening they need. Ifyou do decide to join the reserves to help pay with school etc. you do not haveto say if you are a reservist. I have never filled on out that has thaton a application. There was questions about military service but its foractive duty. From a workshop I just went through the consolers statedthat it is illegal to as about reserve status.

[ED Nurse, RN]

Do you have a BSN? Also, the reserves to not allow new graduates. You need at least a year of experience.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Do you have a BSN? Also, the reserves to not allow new graduates. You need at least a year of experience.

Correct, I think your choice is made.

[dingus]

Piggy backing, since I'm a few years away from getting a BSN I want to enlist in the reserves for the experience. I know my chances of getting a medical job will largely depend on ASVAB scores and availability. My top choices are the labs, medic, diagnostic imaging, or some other type of medical tech job. If by luck I do end up in one of those jobs, how would the tech school credits affect my overall GPA in regular school besides basics counting for PE?

[sarahmarie14]

Reserves do allow new graduates, active duty does not. I just commissioned as a RN new grad, in the reserves. When my packet was excepted I only had 6 months of experience.

[NV Nurse]

If it were me, I'd focus on getting experience first then join the reserve. Your first year as a new RN can be challenging. If you join the Reserves now, you may find that you are spreading yourself to thin between your primary RN role and Reserve time.

[ED Nurse, RN]

Reserves do allow new graduates, active duty does not. I just commissioned as a RN new grad, in the reserves. When my packet was excepted I only had 6 months of experience.

Active duty DOES take new grads- I was active duty as a brand new grad, they have a whole program devouted to new grads called NTP. I spent six years in the Air Force active duty, I think I know the system very well considering I lived it for so long.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Active duty DOES take new grads- I was active duty as a brand new grad, they have a whole program devouted to new grads called NTP. I spent six years in the Air Force active duty, I think I know the system very well considering I lived it for so long.

The Army is not taking new grads, though — except for ROTC grads.