Navy Nurse Corp Info

MURunner86 · Dec 4, 2011

If you really want to join the military and gain life experience, go Active. The Reserves isn't going to do anything for you except keep you near your family and some extra cash in your pocket. Just my two cents.

rustynail · Dec 13, 2011

Navy might be easier to get into than the Army as an RN without experience these days. You might also want to look into ANCP or NNCP programs.

Good luck on your NCLEX-RN!

nva22 · Jan 1, 2012

I am currently a nursing student and am very interested in the Navy Nursing Corps (active duty). I am not sure this is the correct place to post, but I was wondering if anyone knew how difficult it is to receive a medical waiver? I am guessing that it probably depends on the type of medical condition. I couldn't get a straight answer from the recruiter I was in contact with and he kind of blew me off once I mentioned the word "medical waiver." In fairness, I realize the application and recruitment process is a lengthy one and perhaps someone who requires a medical waiver wouldn't be worth a recruiter's time. Anyway, I would really appreciate input from anyone who is currently in the Navy Nursing Corp or a recruiter. Thanks!!

UCAFblue · Jan 2, 2012

I am currently a nursing student and am very interested in the Navy Nursing Corps (active duty). I am not sure this is the correct place to post, but I was wondering if anyone knew how difficult it is to receive a medical waiver? I am guessing that it probably depends on the type of medical condition. I couldn't get a straight answer from the recruiter I was in contact with and he kind of blew me off once I mentioned the word "medical waiver." In fairness, I realize the application and recruitment process is a lengthy one and perhaps someone who requires a medical waiver wouldn't be worth a recruiter's time. Anyway, I would really appreciate input from anyone who is currently in the Navy Nursing Corp or a recruiter. Thanks!!

It definitely depends on the medical condition. Do you have something you already know you will need a medical waiver for, or are you just assuming you will need one? You may want to google "DODI 6130.03" It is the Department of Defense Instruction on medical standards for joining the military, and pretty much just explains what is disqualifying for military service. Anything that is disqualifying requires a waiver, but you can't apply for a waiver for certian conditions. As far as the recruiter goes, I wouldn't say anything about medical waivers right away. As part of the application proccess you will fill out a medical screening form. Fill it out honestly - don't leave anything out and the recruiter will send it to MEPS. The people at MEPS are the only ones who can say whether or not you are DQ'd. The recruiter can't decide that. If you are DQ'd then MEPS will either recommend or not recommend a waiver. If they recommend one it is up to the specific branch you are applying to to decide if they want to let you apply for the waiver.

I know it's confusing, but hopefully some of that helps...

And I wouldn't get yourself feeling like you not worth a recruiters time if you need a waiver, it is their job to help you get in, even if the odds are against you.

oaktown2 · Jan 2, 2012

There are also lots of people who are also wanting to get into a nurse corps and so recruiters may not be as interested if you are stating that you would need a waiver. If it is something that you really want, I would contact a healthcare recruiter and get the process started. I agree with UCAFblue that I wouldn't mention anything about a waiver in the beginning. It obviously depends on what you would need it for, but they are possible. I also might take a look at the conditions that they won't give waivers for so that you are at least prepared if they say no or you may decide it isn't worth the hassle as it is definitely work getting your kit together!

nva22 · Jan 3, 2012

Thank you UCAFblue and oaktown2 - I really appreciate the feedback. I did look up the military medical standards and found that my medical condition may or may not be disqualifying depending upon severity. I realize that there are a lot of nurses interested in the navy nursing corps, but it is definitely something I would like to pursue if possible. Based on conversations I have had with current/former navy corps nurses, I feel pretty strongly that this is what I would like to do after nursing school.

Thanks again!

oaktown2 · Jan 3, 2012

If you are interested, I would definitely get started as soon as you can. Starting the process doesn't lock you in to anything and once the spots are filled that's it. Once you have your acceptance to your BSN program you can start the process. Good luck!

Sw88t Pea · Jan 9, 2012

Took me 26 months to get in! Just apply! I got into the Army Nurse Corps but they didn't have a job for me. I just got into the Navy Nurse Corps and commissioned before Christmas. I signed on a 3 year contract for active duty. I'm moving from Oregon to work at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center. I'm so excited. Good luck!

shrkbyte · Feb 6, 2012

@ Sw88t Pea That is so AWESOME! Good luck on your move! I'm also from Oregon, looking to get accepted into OHSU's ABSN Program, and hopefully from there to the Navy as well.

@ nva22: hope you can do it! I have similar questions as you, so if you proceed with the application, would you mind posting back with your general experience of the process?

HM2Doc · Mar 12, 2012

At the start of Nov 2011 I began my NCP kit and I submitted it to the board at the end of last month. I will hopefully find out if I got picked up for the Nurse Corps by the end of this month. Excited!