I'm 31yrs old and I want to go back to school to become a nurse. I have been looking into various options and the Navy is one of them and I have some questions.
I have submitted a form on navy.com for a recruiter to contact me, but figure that will not be until next week some time and thought I would ask on this forum for now.
I have been looking into 2yr RN Associate degree programs. If I have a 2yr RN can I still join the Navy and work as a nurse?
One train of thought for the 2yr program is that would allow me to get into the work force sooner and there are lots of options (programs to pay for bachelor degree) available to 2yr RN's to complete their 4yr degree.
Doing some snooping on the 'net I ran across the Navy Nurse Corps and want to get more info on this.
Is this a program that will help a person obtain a 4yr degree in nursing? Or do you already have to have your 4yr RN to join this program?
I've done some reading on the NROTC programs and found a University that I would like to attend that even has it.
But everything I read sounds like you will only be joining the Reserves? Is that correct or am I reading it wrong? I would really be interested in going active duty if possible.
I guess the big question I should have asked first concerns age limits. As stated I am 31yrs old and will be 36/37 by the time I graduate with a bachelor's degree. Does my age automatically disqualify me from being able to join the Navy as a Navy nurse?
I feel I need so much info! Do you know there are classes to help you plan a Disney Vacation? I need a lecture to break all of it down!! If anyone already in Navy Nurse Corps can help I would really appreciate it. I have BSN. I have been ED RN x 11 years. I am thinking of going active duty because my husband is quiting his job to stay home with our kids. He is very supportive and wants to help me start getting more out of my career.
I am interested in moving, but not all of the time.
I want to be learning new skills not just filling up space.
I would love to get my master's for "free".
I want my kids to have a great childhood. I can see a lot of great teaching moments for my kids, but I don't think changing schools every 3 years is good for them.
Is it difficult to live on base? Or do you get enough to afford living off base?
My recruiter told me to expect longer deployments in Reserves than in active duty.
Recently found this thread and would like to assist with any questions. I have been a Navy Nurse for over 10 years and have been in the military for well over 20. I am currently on active duty as a student obtaining my MSN through a program offered exclusively to navy nurses. Please feel free to message me with your quetions as I have served as a mentor to many junior officers and nurses during my years.
Thanks for your reply. I really am interested in joining the Navy active duty. My husband is home with the kids full time and is supportive. I am mostly concerned with how Navy life will affect my family. I believe they will have a much broader world view than if they stay in the suburbs of Denver. Do you have kids? If so, what has that experience been like for you? Since you are a critical care nurse also (I am an ED RN 11+ yrs), do you feel you deploy more than other nurses? This has been fast moving for me. I called a recruiter to get info about reserves, but because my husband just quit his job, I saw active duty as a great way for me to really advance my nursing career and serve, and to live life a little more fully. I am under the impression reserves often has longer deployments. I am willing to serve, but my family is also a very high priority for me. I would love to get a feel for your experience. I have spoken with a recruiter at length, but want to know a more personal story.
I have been deployed several times since becoming a nurse with the Navy. My case is the exception not the rule as I served in a one to one capacity with the Marines for about 4 years. I went where they went. Critical care nurse are sought after for deployments because of the independent nature of deployment nursing. Nursing during a deployment is unlike nursing in a hospital. You are working with limited resources and limited capabilities on what your deployed hospital can do. As a nurse you must know how to adjust to this and work within these restrictions. You become creative for solutions and see some really oddball stuff that seems to work for us.
My children are grown and out of the house, but it was a little challenging to be gone for extended lengths of time. Average deployment to a combat theater for the Navy is 9 months. This includes pre-deployment training with whatever branch you are deploying with. Navy nurses will deploy with Navy, Marines, Army and Air-Force. Depending on which branch you deploy with you will receive individual training with that branch.
Feel free to message me privately if you have additional questions or concerns.
Do you know for sure what the current restrictions are on entering the Navy as an RN. I am 43 but have nearly 6 yrs active as an Army Nurse, 17 yrs ICU/CVICU experience. I was let out under a RIF back in the late 90's and would like to return to active duty in Navy or AF. I have noticed on the board that the AF is taking in very few nurses right now, is that the same situation with the Navy?
running.rn
2 Posts
I feel I need so much info! Do you know there are classes to help you plan a Disney Vacation? I need a lecture to break all of it down!! If anyone already in Navy Nurse Corps can help I would really appreciate it. I have BSN. I have been ED RN x 11 years. I am thinking of going active duty because my husband is quiting his job to stay home with our kids. He is very supportive and wants to help me start getting more out of my career.
I am interested in moving, but not all of the time.
I want to be learning new skills not just filling up space.
I would love to get my master's for "free".
I want my kids to have a great childhood. I can see a lot of great teaching moments for my kids, but I don't think changing schools every 3 years is good for them.
Is it difficult to live on base? Or do you get enough to afford living off base?
My recruiter told me to expect longer deployments in Reserves than in active duty.