Navy vs. Army Nursing

allnurses Guide · Jun 28, 2010

So I have been thinking about nursing for the Navy or Army but not sure which one. The Army seems to be giving a higher amount of money for student loan repayment.
Is one easier to get in then the other?
Is one better then the other?
If anyone could shed some light on this topic it would be greatly appreciated.

Basically, who ever needs the most recruits at the time offers the highest bonuses/loan repayments. I would say the Army is easier to get into right now, because they are more in need of nurses than the Navy or AF.

The service that is best is totally up to you. The benefits are basically exactly the same. You can read through the threads on here and decide for yourself which seems like a better fit for you.

Also, don't rule out all the uniformed branches AF, Army, Navy, and USPHS.

opensails · Jun 28, 2010

I would look at Air Force also. As wtbcrna said, the benefits/pay are almost identical across all the military branches. Its just a matter of where you would rather be. Try to get a recruiter to connect you with someone who is current a nurse in Navy or Army and get the inside scoop on what it is like. Maybe something they say may also influence your decision.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2010

as other posters have inquired... you can gain a lot of info by looking their recruiting websites... you can search for the major branch hospitals and think whether you like the Army or Navy's selection as you'll likely be at a hospital. Look at the types of nursing roles / specialties as this lends a hand as to what each has a focus of. Would you rather care for Soldiers or for Marines and Sailors. The loan repayment can be a consideration but is only relevant depending on your loan.. I'd say the majority of anyone who joined the military for an incentive as their motivation will be counting down the days until their obligation is complete...

I recommend contacting an army or navy recruiter (depending on where you live) and ask if they are doing a tour of a hospital facility... many health recruiters consolidate applicants and do this at given intervals.. giving a full tour of facilities, allowing you to talk with nurses - your future peers in the service, and to see the installation, environment, patient population and get to ask questions of the those working there.... this also is a time where they typically might have a few guest speakers and talk about their overall mission, show some of the training facilities, etc... if you haven't been exposed to the military health side then this would be invaluable to you. I wouldn't worry to much about which is harder to get in - as all branches have few slots and lots of applicants. Focus on what branch you want, identifying why and then working to convince the board / and submit your packet at the right time - in order to have the best chance for selection.

v/r