Navy Nurse Corps... Should I or Shouldn't I??? Need help!

utamaverick · Nov 22, 2012

Hello! I am a recent graduate from college and have my BSN. I have been working as a floor nurse for about 6 months now and I have recently been thinking about joining the Navy Nurse Corps. But I don't know too much about and it and their website doesn't provide an abundance of information either. I'm interested in going into maternal/infant care, if I can. I was wondering, if I join the Nurse Corps, am I required to serve overseas? Also, what is the beginning pay/salary of a nurse going into the corps that already has their degree and some experience? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!!! :)

Hello there SeminoleNurse90,

I would say to talk to a nurse recruiter. You would go through as Direct Commission Officer (DCO) and go through ODS, which is a 5 week course. Your interest in Maternal/Infant care is great; the Navy always has a need, and usually in overseas billets like Rota, Spain or Italy but also in places stateside like Camp Pendleton. Make your interest known. You will be starting out at the O-1 pay like everyone else, however, you will advance to O-2 faster (than the typical 24 months) depending on the years of experience you have.

Fair winds and following seas!

romaniam · Dec 20, 2012

Are you currently working in maternal/child health? I believe it's easier to choose your specialty if you have experience in the area you want to go into...and it would be better to have a minimum of one year experience. One year of civilian experience equals one year of military experience.You can do an Internet search for military pay grade charts to see what your monthly base pay will be as an O-1. But remember that's your base pay...your taxable pay. You'll get untamable extras for housing and other extras.I say go for it...it's worth a try. You have to commit for a minimum of three years that will hopefully go by quickly (if you absolutely hate it). You'll continue to get experience and it will look good on your resume if you choose to return to the civilian world.Good luck and let us know how it turns out!