Naval Nurse Hopeful!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2014

The US military is currently overstrength (a.k.a. overstaffed) with nurses at the present time. And with the wars winding down in Afghanistan and elsewhere, the military will continue to be overstrength for years to come.

You will need a baccalaureate (BSN) degree and several years of experience in a high-demand specialty to direct commission into the Navy Nurse Corps. The US Army does enlist LPNs, but you will be an enlisted member versus an officer.

Hopefully some current active duty men and women in uniform will come along and chime in with more information. Good luck to you!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 13, 2014

A BSN is required to commission as an officer. Have you looked into BSN programs?

General info about military nursing: https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/military-nursing-885815.html

Good luck!

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · Sep 13, 2014

You need a high GPA in a fully accredited BSN program to even have a shot at a commission. The Navy and Air Force still take small numbers of new grads once per year. It's very competitive.

I assume you have some family history to uphold? Joining is a huge commitment with many hidden costs as well as benefits. You should really ask yourself what you hope to gain by joining first. The application process alone is very in-depth and can take the better part of a year.

th3kandyshopp3 · Mar 1, 2015

LoL!! Family history to uphold??? No sweetheart this is ALL me. I've had a ton of time to think about what it is that I want (about 9 years Navy and 3 years nursing). Much of that time spent figuring which one I wanted more, FT active duty or civilian nursing and Navy reservist. I only recently figured out that the Navy employed nurses and that was to my surprise. I understand how demanding and competitive the job is and I'm not entirely sure how but I'm getting in. Thank you so much for your response darling =)

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 1, 2015

Your first step would be getting a BSN. They won't look at you without it. Also, you will want to keep up a high GPA (goes hand-in-hand with the first step). It is very competitive right now and will be for the near future as other posters have stated becAuse all military branches are overstaffed, and in some cases are even liquidating staff at a high rate.

My best advice would be to go into this decision with a realistic mindset.

SnakeEyes · Mar 2, 2015

Every December an annual report is published that details the manning levels of Navy Nursing. Currently most subspecialty areas are overmanned. I've heard this is the same for the USAF. It will be very competitive from now on. I will echo all of the above posters. Yes, an approved BSN is your first step. I recommend you get the absolute best grades and finish the top of your class. I also recommend you go advanced practice (CRNA, FNP) or specialize in something the military community really needs (ER, ICU, NICU, PICU). Good luck. If you want it bad you'll make it happen.