Navy Nursing Deployment question

[msuRNcc, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I'm strongly considering joining the navy nurse corps, I have about 1 yrs experience in critical care and am hoping to stay in that.

My only concern is that I got into a DNP program. Its online except for clinicals and they said they will work with students to get clinical placements wherever students are stationed.

My issue is regarding deployments. Do you get them in your first 3 years? If you are in rota or somewhere else overseas do you get them? My concern is having clinicals I have to get done, if I'm deployed then I can't complete those unless its only for part of the semester. How long do deployments last and where/what do they consist of?

Also, I want to continue working where I am for about 6 more months, is it possible to start the process and get accepted but not actually join until my current employment is over?

I'd really appreicate any answers! I really want to do this but am nervous about any surprises/finishing school.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

In joining any branch of the military, you must accept two things:

1. Your schooling/needs/desires are secondary

2. You may deploy at any time depending on the needs of your branch.

Active duty Navy folks can give you more insight on this, but deployments will be threats to your ongoing education. There are programs you can be accepted into once you're in that may allow you to go back to school without worrying about deployment, but those are very, very competitive right now. I've known several LPNs who have been in school for their RN degrees and deployed 2-3 times right in the middle of their education, then PCS'd, only to have to start over again in a different state.

Also keep in mind that unless you're in one of the aforementioned programs that allows you to go to school, clinicals and full-time (often with overtime) on active duty is going to be extremely difficult. You may or may not end up in a command that is willing to assist and accommodate your schedule for clinicals. Perhaps they need you to work so many hours per week or what have you. The point is, with the climate of the service right now, don't think that you can join and still keep your education as a priority unless the branch you join gives priority to your education in your contract.