Navy Nurse Questions

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I'm sure this question has been asked more than once, so please bear with me. I've been sifting through all the information I can find, but I still don't quite understand...

I've just started toying with the idea of Navy Nursing. I graduate from a BSN program in December. But have very little knowledge about the military in general, less about the Navy specifically, and even less about Navy Nursing.

Specifically, I'm wondering about the following:

1.What are the requirements for being accepted?

2.What is the minimum length for which you can sign up?

3.After being accepted, what happens as far as training? (What kind, where do you go, how long etc)

4.After training, then what? What kind of setting do you start off in, how long will you be there, and do you get any real choice at this point in where you'll be?

5.What about deployments? How often and how long? Do deployments differ for nurses and if they do, how so?

6.What other things do I need to know but I don't know enough to know that I need to know them? :bugeyes:

Thank you so much for any insight. I'm planning on speaking with a recruiter soon, but I want to be a little more informed first. You know... wouldn't want to have “sucker” written on my forehead.

Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

Gen-

Glad to here things are starting to fall into place. One thing though, the rules and regs change all the time, so what applys now may not apply 2 years from now. I personally think that things will stay this way at least until we get out of the Middleeast or downsize. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help, decisions like this are never easy, nor do they go the way you want either.

LCDR(s) Dan

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Gen-

Glad to here things are starting to fall into place. One thing though, the rules and regs change all the time, so what applys now may not apply 2 years from now. I personally think that things will stay this way at least until we get out of the Middleeast or downsize. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help, decisions like this are never easy, nor do they go the way you want either.

LCDR(s) Dan

Thank you again DanzRN,

First things first and I must complete my degree and pass NCLEX-RN. I am pushing things by adding the academic work for the FNP. I do not plan on working as one anytime soon but, since there is the DNP to entry issue in a few years it is possible to complete the academic and clinical portion and test sooner. However it is "a lot!"

First things first and we will see how things go.

Everyone here has been so helpful, even the folks who suggeested going to the CC of the PHS and that is where I hoped to go after the military...I can be flexible after all this wheel spinning and trying...

Gen

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Dan;

Am also looking at returning to the military, was prior enlisted for 3 years (Army). Have since graduated with a BSN and have 7 years of experience as an ED nurse. Where are you currently stationed? Have you been out to sea for any extended times? What rank would one typically enter with the above, O-2? What is the typical time progression to O-3, O-4????

If possible could you please email me directly as I have posted here in the past and have trouble finding the thread...

James

[email protected]

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, US Navy.

James-

Sent you an email.

LCDR(s) Dan

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I just got accepted into the NCP! I am really excited and I wanted to thank all of you for all of your information! I was just wondering is there anyone else that reads/writes on this forum that just got accepted?? It would be nice to keep in touch with someone going through the same process.

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Well I am in the process of applying. I have to wait for all of my official transcripts from the universities first though. What a process! How long did it take you to complete all of it?

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I really busted my butt to get my stuff together and in, also my recruiting officer was really efficient too. So, I got everything in in 2 weeks. But also I have not had too many jobs and I have only in 2 places my entire life. I know a majority of the SF86 was stating your former jobs and residences! Such a long process!! :( I finish it so fast bc I was worried that if I didn't get it in soon that they would already reach their limit for how many they can accept. My recruiting officer told me that they only accept 25 in the whole US each year! ..... do u know if that is true??? Bc that was reason I rushed my application! I started my application that week of Jan and turned it in the 2nd week in Feb and I just heard back!! It took forever!! but I guess the wait is definitely worth it! Good luck!!!

~Lisa

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Hi Navynuse06

I noticed you said you will be deployed for 100 days. Do you have children and if so how do you deal with that? Is this deployment voluntary or was it just something that was required?

Thanks

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Specializes in ER,ICU and Progressive Care Unit,Peds.

Sweetpotato,

I don't have kids so that is not an issue for me. I have a husband but he can take care of himself without me. He did it before we were married and I'm sure he's capable of managing without me for a few months. I put my name on the list for deployments at the hospital. I didn't care where I went; I just wanted to deploy. And this deployment is a short one; some navy deployments can last any where up to 14 months. However, most navy deployments are 6 months.

If you are called up to deploy then yes it is required; unless you are medically waived or do something stupid to get out of deploying. You can't just say no I'm not going if you name gets put on the list to go out. Deployments are a part of being in the military, and is something that should be expected sooner or later (if you plan on being in for an exteneded peroid of time). Even members with kids get deployed.

ENS PM

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ENS PM,

Thanks so much for your reply! Oh I understand the requirements of the military. I grew up in a military household (father was in for 30 years). I just wanted to know about your deployment because the recruiters told me that it is pretty competitive to get a spot on a ship and that there are many nurses who never deploy their entire career. I love to travel and would not mind deployment. I probably would not seek it out (just because I have a child) but, I know that if I had to do it then I would! I hope you enjoy your deployment and if I have more questions I hope you do not mind me asking!

Thanks!

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Specializes in L& D, High Risk Antepartum.

I am a MECP candidate who grads in a few days. I noticed that you are in San Diego. I have been in the navy for 12 years and will be doing my first tour as a nurse in San Diego. I have my orders and am attached to the Mercy Det. I check in at the end of August. I was wondering if you can tell me about the Nurse Intern program and the hours they usually work?

Thanks in advance,

Allison

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Specializes in ER,ICU and Progressive Care Unit,Peds.

Sweetpotato: Keep the questions coming. I'll try to answer then as much as I can. I don't know how mucy access I'll have to the internet after 28 May (when I deploy). I wasn't for sure if you understood the nature of deployments, etc. Some people come into the military thinking that just b/c they are a nurse that they won't have to deploy. If you don't ever want to deploy then you shouldn't join. But you understand all that stuff since you grew up in the military.

Allison:

1st off...being attached or having platforms don't really mean much. You can get deployed to other areas; not just on the Mercy. Or you may never deploy with the Mercy, even though you are attached to that ship. Just wanted to make sure you know that...which you most likely do since you've been in for 12 yrs.

The nurse intern program is pretty cool. There is a different director now than when I came through. He's not as good (IMO) as the previous director. However, the program is a good way to easy into the hospital setting, network, and meet new people. You will have round table every almost every Friday, which is just a meeting with all the interns. During these meetings different interns will do presentations, you'll talk about your wk, experiences that wk, etc. Then afterward you guys will do group pt. (like softball, volleyball, etc). Fun Pt!

When you 1st start you will be doing a lot of classes, so you might be there 5 days a wk at 1st. Then you'll work shifts with preceptors on floors that you are crosstraining to, and the floor you are assigned to. You'll get special experience days like in the ER and PACU.

In what area do you want to work?

Do you have to go to OIS?

When you check in I'll be gone on the ship but I'm sure I'll see you around once I get back! If you need any advice on housing in the area, let me know.

Do you have a sponsor?

I'll be happy to answer any question any of you have...that's what I come to these boards for!

ENS PM

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