Navy Nurse Candidate Program

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I was wondering if there was anyone on here who could give me some info on the Navy's nurse candidate program? I am 34, a nursing student, and married to a career Marine. I think it would be an awesome opportunity to serve our country and also maintain a career through all our PCS moves.

Specifically, I'm curious about what the requirements are to get into the program. I know I'm young enough, am healthy, and have nothing adverse in terms of obtaining a security clearance. Is there anything else that might be disqualifying? What steps are involved in obtaining a seat in the program? Am I also correct in understanding that after graduation, the nurse receives a direct commission and doesn't go to boot camp...just the officer indoctrination school?

I'm going to talk to a recruiter in a few weeks. I just want to make sure I meet at least the basic requirements for getting in before I waste anyone's time. Thanks so much for any info you can share! :)

Just a quick remark on the full status on NCP. I am currently in the NCP and asked my recruiter where I'm located about it. The word is they are looking at NO ONE right now until they start their new fiscal year sometimes in October. BUT if I were y'all, I would get a head start on the paper work and everything since it is almost May. By the time you got the paper work (correctly) fill out , went to MEPS for a physical, had an interview, it will be about October. That way you'll have all of your ducks in a row and your application can be waiting to be looked at.

Specializes in Emergency.

They also told me that they won't accept any BSN that has been done on line, it has to be done in person. In case anyone was wondering.

I'm curious about that. I've heard both yes and no on the online programs. Personally, the nurse recruiter I spoke with said any program that was NLN or CCNE accredited was acceptable, and the fact it was online didn't make any difference. But I know someone else on these boards was told no also.

I don't know, that is just what the recruiter told me. He said "as long as the program was not completed in an online format". I don't doubt that people have gotten different answers, but I have dealt with the military long enough to know that you can ask 3 people a question and get 4 different answers. So, that is just what I was told when I talked to someone.

...or you can look up the reg yourself. It specifically talks about the online.. the accred requirements along with few provision specifics.

That is what I did on the army side of the house - all the info is available (typically) if you look.

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Dumb question... what is the difference between a reserve Navy Nurse and an Active Duty Navy Nurse? I clearly don't have a military background but am interested in the scholarship opportunities the gov't provides. Are active duty nurses sent overseas vs. reserve nurses work at hospitals in the US?

Specializes in Emergency.
Dumb question... what is the difference between a reserve Navy Nurse and an Active Duty Navy Nurse? I clearly don't have a military background but am interested in the scholarship opportunities the gov't provides. Are active duty nurses sent overseas vs. reserve nurses work at hospitals in the US?

Reserves are typically, "part time" military. It is the one weekend a month/ 2 weeks a year thing. You are not full time, and you only get paid for the weekend that you work. many reservists have jobs and full time careers outside of the military.

Active Duty is full time military, that's your job all the time. 24/7/365

As a reservist, you can and will most likely be activated and deployed at one time or another just like an active duty service member.

I also have no military background so this is all new to me. What is the difference between a Navy Nurse and the Navy Nurse Corps??? Or is it the same thing.

Specializes in med surge.

Do you get military benefits, health care?

Specializes in med surge.

I believe it is the same thing. A navy nurse is a member of the nurse corps.

Specializes in med surge.

I was told that as well. Can you tell a little about the program, any requirements while in school other than GPA.

Just a quick remark on the full status on NCP. I am currently in the NCP and asked my recruiter where I'm located about it. The word is they are looking at NO ONE right now until they start their new fiscal year sometimes in October. BUT if I were y'all, I would get a head start on the paper work and everything since it is almost May. By the time you got the paper work (correctly) fill out , went to MEPS for a physical, had an interview, it will be about October. That way you'll have all of your ducks in a row and your application can be waiting to be looked at.

The Federal fiscal year runs 01 October to 30 September.

Do you get military benefits, health care?

Reservists only get health care when they're actually on paid status. So your one weekend a month/two weeks a year, or on your deployment/whenever you're on orders, you're covered by Tricare - but not the rest of the time.

You can use the commissary/exchange and get on base whenever, because you still have an ID card.

Reservists only get health care when they're actually on paid status. So your one weekend a month/two weeks a year, or on your deployment/whenever you're on orders, you're covered by Tricare - but not the rest of the time.

You can use the commissary/exchange and get on base whenever, because you still have an ID card.

Tricare for reservists is an option, now for several years, and has a small (relatively) cost to gain tri care benefits YEAR ROUND.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

TRICARE Reserve Select premium rates are established annually on an calendar year basis. You are required to pay the monthly premiums if you decide to enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select. The 2010 monthly premiums are:

  • TRS Member-Only coverage: $49.62 per month.
  • TRS Member-and-Family coverage: $197.65 per month.

If you are a reservist and need health care for a family - it's a good deal.

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