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Discussion

Navy Nursing

Hi!

I have been interested in applying for the direct ascession nursing program through the Navy after I pass the NCLEX (I was too far along in my nursing curriculum to apply for the nursing candidate program), but once I talked to my family about it, they had a lot of concerns based on negative things they have heard from other people who are in branches of the military, stating that it won't be like what my recruiter says. Can anyone on here who has experience as a Navy RN share what it's been like and your overall satisfaction with it? Thanks so much!

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    I am an Army medic. I have worked with Nurses, PA's and Physicians. I am planning to go Navy Nurse when I complete my BSN. Recruiters tell you the benefits of a career with the military. There is sacrifice, and it isn't all that glamorous, but it is rewarding.

    What are your expectations? What does your family say is a lie?

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    Welcome!

    Thread moved for best response

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    • Experts

    As a current AF nurse, I think it comes down to what you value in life. You are giving up certain freedoms that you probably take for granted as a civilian. Do you need to travel greater than ~300 miles on your off days (when you aren't taking vacation)? Are you going to have an issue working the occasional unpaid (you're a salaried employee) overtime shift? Is moving every 3-5 years and deploying 6 months out of every 3 years (varies depending on your specialty...could be more or less) going to bother you? Is dealing with a gigantic, slow bureaucracy going to be a deal-breaker (getting your flu shot twice because they don't have good records or filling out the same 29B form every vacation)?

    However you are getting a lot of opportunities that you wouldn't otherwise get (travel, extra responsibilities, extra education). Your co-workers are generally incredible, type A, and driven. Your room for career advancement is far greater in the military. The money is decent (especially coming from the South as a civilian nurse) once you get to the O3 or O4 range.

    Find some current and former active duty nurses and ask them their opinions. I like it, but I'm single without dependents. There are far more people that want to do military nursing than there are spots right now, and I think that says a lot. It's not for everyone, but it's great for certain kinds of people.

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    Good Morning.

    I am a Navy Medical Recruiter, As of right now, Active duty may not be an option for a new grad nurse. FY14 has been closed to Direct Accession. The NCP has really been the only way to get into the active duty side. Reserve Nursing is the best option as of right now, but things may change when we hit the new FY in October.

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