Hello everyone, well I am still considering my options, but I have been strongly considering the Navy lately, after speaking to someone from that branch a couple weeks ago. I graduate in December this year with my BSN
Anyway, I just had some general questions about everything, being new to the military. When would be the best time with me to go and meet with a recruiter? When will they make me take the fitness test? Also, do they give you a choice of where you want to go for your first assignment? Do you have a choice of what area you can work in? I really liked OB, but I know this is a hard area to get into as a new grad so I was just curious. Finally, if I am offered a sign-on bonus, when would I receive that? How are working conditions, the hospitals, etc.? How are living conditions? How do your duties as a military nurse differ from those of civilian nurses?
Anyone with any information or who wouldn't mind sharing their experience, that would be greatly appreciated too! thanks:balloons: :typing
i'm currently an HM3 with 2nd Battalion 5th Marines Golf Co,
it's pretty much the best duty i've had while in the navy. but it's just about time to say goodbye to long deployements and field time and move on to bigger and better things... which brings me to a subject maybe some of you can help me with. does anyone know how to go about getting your LVN/LPN through the navy? i've heard of people challenging "the board" and taking an exam but no one seems to know how to go about this. any help would be greatly appreciated.(side note: i've been stationed at cherry point, nc, lemoore, ca, and now at camp pendleton if anyone has ever served there)
Alright Lt. Dan, now I have some questions for you.
I'm an aide right now but plan to graduate with RN when I'm about 28 or 29. Is that too old to join? Also, I have Crohn's which I am not currently taking any meds for. Does that prevent me from joining? Plus I have mitral valve prolapse, haven't had any problems with that nor am I taking any meds. People seem to worry about these problems much more than I do.
It's always been my dream to join the Navy. Don't ask me why as I'm as girly as they get. I can't swim but I love the water. I love challenges and travelling plus when I took my ASVAB waaay back in high school I scored extremely high. When the recruiter called and told me my options I was hooked. My family wasn't.
Babygurl- Honestly, you do not get to choose your first assignment. They will let you list your first 3 top picks and they will go from there. You may not get your first one so dont be disappointed.
As for when to go see a recruiter, in my own experience, there is never a good time. They are always looking for that person to fill their quota for the month.
As for bonuses, you may not be gauranteed one. Not everyone who joins is entitled to one. If you do get offered one, get it in writing no matter what. For when you receive it, it can take up to 6 months. If its a big sum of money, they will spread it out over years. We were given $40,000. We would get atleast $8000 every year for 5 years.
Alright Lt. Dan, now I have some questions for you.
I'm an aide right now but plan to graduate with RN when I'm about 28 or 29. Is that too old to join? Also, I have Crohn's which I am not currently taking any meds for. Does that prevent me from joining? Plus I have mitral valve prolapse, haven't had any problems with that nor am I taking any meds. People seem to worry about these problems much more than I do.
It's always been my dream to join the Navy. Don't ask me why as I'm as girly as they get. I can't swim but I love the water. I love challenges and travelling plus when I took my ASVAB waaay back in high school I scored extremely high. When the recruiter called and told me my options I was hooked. My family wasn't.
if you mean you'll be graduating with your BSN, then no, 29 is not too old to join.
as far as the crohn's and mitral valve prolapse go, you'd have to ask the medical recruiter. you will certainly have to pass a rigorous physical exam, and be able to pass a yearly bodyfat and fitness assessment, so if your heart condition excludes you from any strenuous physical activity, it will probably be a disqualifier.
swimming is a requirement for the navy, but they will teach you. there were several people in my division in basic training who couldn't swim at all, and were taught to at least tread water.
I'm going with Josh on this one. Neither one of these may disqualify you out right, but it will raise some eyebrows. Keep in mind, if you're in the desert and your Crohn's flares, it could be a miserable experience. You would have to speak directly with someone about these conditions before moving forward. The age thing is not an issue.
hey im currently a BSN student at NYU and am very interested in the navy nurse corps. i like all the benefits and perks. I had one question tho for LT Dan. If i were to get deployed while being a navy nurse would i get hazard pay? oversea pay? or combat pay?
smattles1of2
282 Posts
That's a great point! :)