Navy Nursing????

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Does anyone know anything about being a nurse in the Navy Nurse Corps? I talked to a recruiter who made it sound like they really needed nurses and I would get a signing bonus. What are the chances I would stay in California? Would I have any control over where I ended up? Can they keep me after the 3 years I sign up for?

I have a boyfriend here in the Bay Area and the idea of leaving him for 3 years kills me but, as a new grad, what other options am I left with? Its a nursing job that is guaranteed for 3 years and from what I understand I would be in a great position to find I job when I get out. I just never, EVER, thought I would consider joining the Navy!!

Any info would be much appreciated.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

You would have very little control over where you ended up. Recruiters often promise a lot of things that they cannot deliver just to meet quotas.

As far as getting a great job afterwards, it would give you a leg up when applying to VA hospitals for sure. You would get veteran's preference.

I would definitely post in the military nursing section. They would be better equipped to give you information.

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Thanks Nickilaughs- I didn't even know there was a military nursing section (I'm sort of new).

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Specializes in ED/TELE.

I wasn't a Navy nurse, but I was a Navy Corpsman. I joined the Navy after graduating from college b/c I didn't know what the heck I wanted to do with my life (they even offered to pay for me to go to Nursing school, but I did NOT want to be a nurse...lol...haha - ironically I'm starting Nursing school today). I have to say I LOVED the Navy nurses I worked with and you would have the opportunity to learn a lot. I believe as an officer they would not be able to retain you after your commitment - you can resign when you like. If you're all out of options I say go for it! Joining the Navy was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself!

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OK I give up... where is the "military nursing section"?

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Specializes in ER-TRAUMA-TELEMED-PEDS.

Hello i just wanted to say "ditto", I too was a corpsman NEC 8489 but hated the Navy nurses I worked with and vowed never to become a nurse........but what do you know, look who ate his own word....I have been an RN for 7 yrs and it was best career move ever. Now looking back, I feel that the Navy experience did me good. I hated my RNs at that time because I was young and immature.

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The Navy can put you anywhere...including out to sea for 6 months at a time...go talk to a recruiter and see what you need to do to put your package in....also unless there are still 3 year programs, you would do 4 years active and 4 inactive ready reserve...can they call you up during that time, yes they can...espicially since we are still at war...best of luck

As soon as I am done with NS I am switching to the Nursing Corps...I'm in the reserves now

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