Navy Nursing

[knell]

I am a junior in a BSN program and am interested in joining the Navy. I saw that there is an opportunity called the NCP, but I'm not sure I am still eligible to apply since applications are submitted a year in advance. I really liked what I read about that one, especially the fact that you become an officer right away. So here are a few questions I have:

What other ways can I join and become an officer pretty quickly?

What do you like/dislike about being a Navy Nurse?

How difficult would it be for me to get my CRNA while working in the Navy? (I know they have their own program but I'm not sure how that would all work out in the timeline, especially if I am able to participate in the NCP...)

What do you think are qualities necessary for someone to be a great Navy Nurse?

Any other advice to someone considering this option?

Thanks!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Government/Military forum

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

You're on officer right away as a nurse in any branch, provided you are filling a nursing job (Navy, Army, or AF).

You're probably late to the party on NCP or any other program that pays you while you're in school (you're actually a cadet not an officer while in school in those types of programs). You can direct commission as a nurse in the AF and Navy after graduation as a new nurse; you typically start applying at the end of your junior year. It's essentially like applying for any job, except the application process takes close to one year. Just contact a healthcare recruiter; you find them on the Navy or AF websites.

If you're willing to wait a long time, you can do CRNA while in the military; all three branches have programs that send you back to school full time. Generally, new military nurses must do a few years of med-surg before they can get into ICU. Then, you would need to do 2 years of ICU (not just 1) to apply to the CRNA program. That program is extremely competitive, but it pays your full salary and benefits while in school.

[onemoreday, BSN, RN]

Did you end up talking to a recruiter? I'd love to hear what, if anything, you were offered since you already started school but you have a year and a half to go.