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I have a few questions for anyone out there who can answer them. I have a BSN in nursing and have been working in dialysis for about 3 years. My overall goal is to be a nurse for the military. I applied to air force last year and I was put on the alternate list. I have a 3.0 GPA and I don't really feel that I compete with others with higher GPA's and more work experience. I am thinking of enlisting and applying internally. Has anyone taken this route before? I have had a few people advise against this, however I am tired of waiting to get accepted and I wouldn't mind learning a new skill in the mean time.

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It's competitive all over. Do you mean enlist as something other than a nurse? I don't think you can just change MOS mid contract. I'm not sure though.

or did you mean apply as some other nursing specialty, like med-surg? That's probably not smart. It's incredible competitive. Applying with your own specialty is the best option. Get used to "hurry up and wait" because it may take a few years to get selected. But if you are passionate about it, you can stand the wait.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Do not go that route. The chances of you being picked up this way are slim to none. If you do not think that you are competitive for a direct commission how would going the enlist route change that? If for some reason the recruiter is able to sell you on this route remember you will not be working as a RN in the Navy, a LPN at best depending on your NEC. This would make you less competitive then you are now.

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I am aware I would not go in as an RN. I am currently in a Mental Health NP program. I would be able to continue the program since it is online. I wouldn't mind working as something else until school is over. I guess what I am asking is... Would military experience make me make me more likely to get picked up when I finish the program? Is it more competitive? Less Competitive? There is also a program for enlisted members to pursue a MSN degree but it is really hard to find any info on the program.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

I do not believe it will make you more competitive. As far as your MSN I am not sure if they would send you for a master degree while you are enlisted. The Navy does has a program to send Nurse Corp officers to obtain a MSN. Your best bet would be to complete your NP and then try to get commissioned.

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Don't do it!!!! You will not be working they way you are now and your skills will not be utilized! The program that you are referring to has a very slim chance of panning out in your favor. I was enlisted for 12 years and put in five officer packages, never picked up. It wasn't because I was a bad candidate, but because everyone is a great candidate and it's super competitive! Keep doing what you're doing and get the experience. The pay off in the end will be more worth it. Not to mention the horrendous pay cut you would take enlisting as an E3!!!

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Thanks for the info everyone! That helps with my decision.

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