Navy Reserve Nursing

Specialties Government

Published

Hello to all out there in the all nurses community. As suggested by my login I am a Navy Nursing Program Manager. What that means is that I function at a HQ level - above the recruiters and below the board. I decided to get on here because I am noticing there are so many answers and discussions regarding military nursing, and they can tend to be very confusing when multiple people answer and confuse the branch, desired affiliation, and actual question. I am on here to try and help out both my recruiters and my potential peers. My goal is to try and check this at least one a week on Monday nights, and more often if I can. Ask anything you wish. What I ask in return is that you ask a specific question with as much detail as possible. My fellow recruiters do an amazing job given that I update information constantly and this changes their lives from day to day as it sometimes does yours. Give me a chance to explain what you are most confused on, but in the end it is the recruiter you will be working with and through if you choose this life as your path. Once I figure out how to blog I am going to try that also. Let me know if there is a specific topic or post you would like and I can try that too. Best wishes to all, and I hope this helps :-) Ciao, Ciao

LT, NC, USN

Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

You could carry the O4 pay grade (as a Lt Commander), but it's all dependent on what billets the local Navy reserve unit has available and how they value you experience and education. Have you spoken to you current chief nurse about this? They might be able to answer that question or at least get you in touch with someone who can. I highly doubt anyone on this forum seriously has the specific information you want.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello,

I don't know if someone has asked this question yet, but do the reserves require a certain amount of work experience as a nurse before applying?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, I hope this thread is still active, decided to jump in with some questions about eligibility and success in applying for the Navy Nurse Corps Reserves. I'm 32, graduated May '15 with Nursing Diploma/AS, passed NCLEX in July '15, enrolled in a CCNE-accredited online RN-BSN program Aug '15, hoping to complete the degree within the next 12-15 months. Right now my work experience is mainly dialysis (op), but at this time I'm trying to move to acutes or to a new clinical area altogether (sights set on PACU). No prior enlistments or ROTC involvement, no health restrictions. At this time I am very interested in applying for the Navy Nurse Corp Reserve but not ready to contact a recruiter just yet... 1) Within what time-frame of my expected graduation date should I apply? If all stays on track with my program I would hope to apply for FY 2018.. 2) Does the Reserves require a certain amount of BSN-work experience for consideration? 3) Is there any way to find out which specialty(s) are in high demand for the FY? I'm currently not specialized/certified, and actively trying to change clinical areas as I said so not sure where that would put me in naming a specialty on a Navy application, should I assumed I'd just be meshed into new-grad status and/or general med/surg? 4) I read somewhere that online programs aren't recognized for consideration into NNC, is there any truth to this? The program I'm in is CCNE accredited, its a local (real!) university that I chose the online track for convenience but the conferred degree will be the same as that of the traditional BSN. I just want to be as sure as I can that I'm even on a track that would allow me to apply for the Nurse Corp and not be a huge waste of time.. I have been really considering this for a long time, and don't want to miss my chance if I can still get one. Reserves is my best choice; I'm married with an 8-month old, so Active duty and/or enlistment is not in my scope at this time. Basically I'm only looking to pursue this opportunity if I can go in on direct commission as an officer into the Reserves, and the rest I will take as it comes. Any and all information/advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

What the difference between the active reserves and inactive reserves?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

Both active and inactive reserves are federal entities. Active reserves is your typical '2 weeks per year and 1 weekend per month." You earn money for your time. Inactive ready reserves (IRR) is nothing more than an activation list. You don't drill at all or make money. You're essentially the last line of people called-up before the draft.

A typical military contract is 8 years total. If you do 4 years active duty, you'll have the option to do the remaining 4 years as either active or inactive reserves.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

Do OR. Get your CNOR. PACU isn't really considered a specialty to the military; I'm currently an AF PACU nurse by the way. I don't know Navy manning, but OR is typically the most undermanned specialty in a hospital. It certainly is in the AF.

Have you considered the other two branches?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

is it possible to start as reserves then transition to active duty? or you need to finished your 8 years reserve then go active if you still have enought time based on your age

Up Vote Up Vote ×

jfratian thank you, I'll definitely consider that advice, at this point I'm applying for anything that will get me out of dialysis, have several friends in PACU who love it so that's where I've been mainly looking, but not giving up until I get something new. Loved OR in school so if that's a good bet for Nurse Corp acceptance then that's what I'll focus on!

At this point I've really only researched Navy Nurse Corp, not to say I wouldn't also be willing to look into Air Force or Army if it comes down to it. Again, thank you for your advice, it's greatly appreciated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

I've heard reserves to active duty is extremely difficult. Active duty reserves is supposedly a piece of cake.

If active is your goal, it'll be much easier to do as a civilian.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU.

Toto7891, I'm a SICU RN interested in joining the Reserves. I've done some research but I still am wondering, is it possible as a reservist to be pulled into Active duty, or put into an assignment lasting more than the required 2 weeks/year. I have two young kids and other than this major concern, I really want to take the next step in applying.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I graduated with my BSN in May of 2015 and have obtained my RN license since. I currently work as a Transplant Coordinator which does not have direct patient care. Would this count towards my experience when applying?

Am I even still able to apply now that I am already a graduate and did not apply while I was in school?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know this thread is old but are you still active duty nurse ? I'm currently in a BSN program, and current enlisted reservist/prior active duty. My command has a NC1 that knows nothing about going from drilling reservist to applying for navy nurse corps active duty! Any info or direction about what a first next step would be ??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment