I am a RN with my ADN degree going into my Junior year of BSN at CAL State next month. I'm thinking about signing up for the Navy's NCP. To the best of my knowledge, this entails a $10,000 sign on bonus and a monthy stipend of $1000 a month for up to 24 mos. while in school for a 5-yr commitment. Wow thats a long time! For any of you that are familliar with the program, here are my questions....
1. It that amount of money negotiable? I was thinking about asking for repayment of my $8000 in federal student loans I have accumulated from my ADN program as well. Is that OK to ask for?
2. Does the Medical/Dental insurance coverage in the Navy cover both you and your family? Or do you have to pay extra for them?
3. How is the housing on base for officers? Are single family homes available? What is base life really like? Do you like your community?
4. Overall, do you think it is a good experience to become a Navy nurse? It's not all about the money for me, I would rather be happy with my job and have security over anything else. Please some feedback from anyone who served in the Navy Nurse Corps. It would be much appreciated.
I have begun looking at doing the NCP program as well. I start applying to nursing schools this fall so I am trying to stay ahead of the game so if I do apply I have a shot of getting in the program at the beginning of my junior year. Has anyone else looked at the Army Nurse Candidate Program? I am trying to figure out which would fit me best, because I am set on joining the service for nursing, just need to see what branch. I like the travel and places the Navy go, but the Army has some of the top facilities. Any advice or pointers would be awesome!
The only real difference between the two i believe is the army you get the other half of your 5,000 at graduation if i remember what my recruiter told me. Tour a hospital if you can talk to nurses in each branch. I liked both so i applied for both. Was accepted for both and chose the navy.
Is there any advice you can give on the application process, when to really start? What made you choose the navy? Is there anything that could really help my chances on getting accepted, volunteering, etc.? Really appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks :)
The only real difference between the two i believe is the army you get the other half of your 5,000 at graduation if i remember what my recruiter told me. Tour a hospital if you can talk to nurses in each branch. I liked both so i applied for both. Was accepted for both and chose the navy.
Is there any advice you can give on the application process, when to really start? What made you choose the navy? Is there anything that could really help my chances on getting accepted, volunteering, etc.? Really appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks :)
Is there any advice you can give on the application process, when to really start? What made you choose the navy? Is there anything that could really help my chances on getting accepted, volunteering, etc.? Really appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks :)
I started researching and talking to recruiters in December of 08, Didn't start the actual paper work process until December 09 when i was accepted to a nursing school. Was selected in December 10. GPA is going to be your biggest thing in helping you get accepted. I was accepted with a GPA of 3.4. Had my CNA, and tons of recommendations from people in the medical field and then the 2 interviews with navy nurses. Army doesn't do interviews. Also i think they really look into your essay on why you want to serve in the military and what you can do for them. I chose navy for personal reasons it's up to you to decide which one is right for you. sadly i did not do any volunteering besides job shadowing so none of that really helped me. Best advice is to start early because it is a very long and bumpy road. Your meps physical is good for 2 years so get that out of the way. start talking to people for letters of recommendations. you may not get selected the first time, i was an alternate before getting accepted. Hope that helps and sorry for any typos, been a long day at work.
breezee9
9 Posts
I have begun looking at doing the NCP program as well. I start applying to nursing schools this fall so I am trying to stay ahead of the game so if I do apply I have a shot of getting in the program at the beginning of my junior year. Has anyone else looked at the Army Nurse Candidate Program? I am trying to figure out which would fit me best, because I am set on joining the service for nursing, just need to see what branch. I like the travel and places the Navy go, but the Army has some of the top facilities. Any advice or pointers would be awesome!