Navy nursing questions

nursie1280 · Jun 28, 2010

I also want to know if I have to do the Navy Fit test???

Wheaties · Jun 28, 2010

Good questions. I'm wondering these myself also since I am looking to join the navy.

meg314 · Jun 29, 2010

I can answer SOME of these, but not all.

Recently I have been thinking a lot about becoming a Navy Nurse. I am currently an RN with a BSN and I am not sure what that means as far as joining the Navy. I read over the qualifications on the navy nurse webpage and I am curious as to what qualifications/requirements there are that are not on this page.
I have so other questions too and if anyone could answer any of these questions for me I would be very greatful.
1. Do I get to pick where I want to work?
You will fill out a "Duty Preference Sheet" and list the top three choices of which hospitals you would like to work at. Ultimately, it is the needs of the Navy over your own. Some people get their first choice, others do not. I was left between my third choice and a hospital I had not even listed.
2. Do I get to pick what department I want to work in? (I want the NICU)
When you arrive at your first duty station you will fill out a wish list of areas you want to work in. You will do an orientation where you rotate to various departments. This is more geared towards new grads, so it may be different if you have prior nursing experience (I can't speak for that situation). However, again, the needs of the Navy take priority, so you may not get your first choice.
3. Do I have to go to boot camp?
All nurses (and other healthcare professionals as well) go to Officer Development School in Newport, Rhode Island for 5 weeks. Here they will train you how to be an officer in the Navy, and there will be physical fitness training as well.
4. What are the health requirements?
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by this specifically. As long as you don't have any serious medical conditions, you should be alright. You would need to talk to an officer recruiter.
5. I saw the fit test on the navy website. Would I need to complete this fit test?
6. Do a lot of people get turned down for this?

If you want to know more information I suggest talking to a MEDICAL Officer Recruiter, they can answer some of the more specific questions. I went through the Nurse Candidate Program for my last two years of nursing school so I am simply speaking from my own experience. I graduated in May 2010 and just passed my NCLEX last week, and will be headed to ODS on July 18th.

HM2Doc · Mar 16, 2011

Recently I have been thinking a lot about becoming a Navy Nurse. I am currently an RN with a BSN and I am not sure what that means as far as joining the Navy. I read over the qualifications on the navy nurse webpage and I am curious as to what qualifications/requirements there are that are not on this page.
I have so other questions too and if anyone could answer any of these questions for me I would be very greatful.
1. Do I get to pick where I want to work?
2. Do I get to pick what department I want to work in? (I want the NICU)
3. Do I have to go to boot camp?
4. What are the health requirements?
5. I saw the fit test on the navy website. Would I need to complete this fit test?
6. Do a lot of people get turned down for this?

1. Yes and no. You can ask for a particular duty station, and if it's where they want you to go then you will get it. Chances are it will not be where you want to go. In the Navy it is always "the needs of the Navy" before the needs of the sailor. You get what you want only if it benifits them. I don't mean to bash the Navy, i love the Navy, but there is NO WAY they can cater to every persons wants and needs and still achieve their goals.

2. Same answer as number 1.

3. Yes, but it is a pretty easy and short bootcamp. It isn't like the enlisted bootcamp either, it's officer only and is much easier and laid back in comparison.

4. You HAVE to go get a physical done. Big things like AIDS, heart disease, diabetes, uncorrectable orthopedic disorders, severe psychiatric illnesses, etc. will disqualify you. Unless it's a small case of depression or some minor joint pain, then they WILL find out about it...if not at first, then eventually. Them finding out you lied about a disorder could void your contract and earn you a one way ticket home. If it's something you had as a child and haven't had any problems your adult life then don't both mentioning it since it may hurt you. I had seizures when i was a kid, but didn't have any signs or symptoms since then and i didn't mention it (per my recruiters advice).

5. Everyone in the Navy has to complete a fitness test...EVERYONE. You also have to do it twice a year. They are becoming more strict about these fitness tests too. If you have weight problems and can't run to save your life, then the Navy might not be for you.

6.YES! YES! YES! There are so many nurses fighting for entry into the Navy that they can be as picky as they want...and trust me, they are.

PennyMc · Dec 30, 2012

Hi, I have already joined the navy but when I asked my recruiter about this she would never give me information so I'm stuck with a job I do not want. I am suppose to leave in April. Do you know if it is possible for me to change it before then and how? I am currently a sophomore working on my BSN in nursing.

DSchulte99 · Dec 31, 2012

Your in the ncp program? Yea drop out if you don't want it so someone who does will have the opportunity.