2012 NCP Graduates, any news about ODS?

willhigg6 · Feb 29, 2012

swore in last week for the navy ncp. graduate december '12. wbu? interested to hear some news also

deftonez188 · Feb 29, 2012

This is my last semester as well, so i'm looking at going some time after April. I was told we start negotiating orders this next month (which is a odd, negotiating = which big 3 base do you want to go to?). I'm looking forward to heading to ODS, and have been preparing physically for the past 6 months, now i've got to start memorizing the materials we need to know prior.

Also trying to figure out the moving situation (buy, rent, house, apartment, van by the river).

littleluvbugnavy · Feb 29, 2012

I graduate May 2012, so I'm almost there. I too heard that we are beginning "negotiations" next month, I'm just curious about others that maybe graduated in Dec and whether or not they have left yet...want to get started!!

deftonez188 · Mar 1, 2012

Same, I'd prefer not to wait around for 3 months post-graduation (passed my NCLEX 2 years ago), especially since I'm not employed while full-time in school :rolleyes:

VentcSN · Mar 4, 2012

Hi everyone! Just curious if anyone has heard any news about when they are leaving for ODS and first duty station. For those that have recently graduated and gone to ODS, how long from graduation until you left for ODS? Just getting anxious and wanting ANY news!

I graduated December 2011, and I am going to ODS Mid May-Mid June. And afterwards Im going to Walter Reed Military Medical Center in the DC area. You going to ODS depends on when you take your NCLEX boards and how soon your detailer schedules ODS for you. It does fill up real quick so the sooner you take your NCLEX, the sooner you get a spot in ODS. It usually is about 2 months after you take your NCLEX. Until then study for NCLEX so youll pass the first try, and physically train at the same time.. Good luck...

littleluvbugnavy · Mar 5, 2012

Thanks VentcSN! When did you pass NCLEX? Congrats by the way!! So they haven't given you a "firm" date yet for ODS? I'm in a pickle because I have several hospitals offering me jobs. I live in a rural area and they are pretty understaffed in every direction around me. I didn't want to sign on if I was going to be leaving 1-2 months after graduation, but it looks like it could be up to 6 months for you...Just trying to figure out what people have been averaging...are you working?

VentcSN · Mar 5, 2012

I took and passed my NCLEX-RN on February 23rd, called my Detailer on the 27th. I took Hurst Review Live course and I only studied that material for a month. I didnt get my first pick which was San Diego, but I got my 2nd pick which was Bethesda. After scheduling me for ODS for May 13th to June 15 Class 12070, he told me to contact my recruiter to arrange flight tickets, household goods, and commissioning oath taking. Currently I am not working, you can ask if you want to work, and try to find some temporary jobs for the time being cause I do not really see harm in doing it. All of us got bills to pay. I probably need to work cause I have about 2 months before going to ODS. You graduating in May 2012 and taking about 1 to 1.5 months to study for NCLEX and depending if there is ODS classes open, you probably get scheduled around September or October, maybe!!, it may be earlier than that. But no, you do not go to ODS the day after you pass your NCLEX. I was in the Nurse Candidate Program also and NCP grads usually get first pick before the Direct Commission Nurses cause they already gave me money, and they wanted their investment working for them right away. So my suggestion is, yeah try to work for the time being, or yet call your detailer, or Mrs. Smith for advice. Again, no harm in doing it. Where you in the NCP? or direct commission? Good luck

willhigg6 · Mar 5, 2012

VentcSN--Did you graduate in December? When were you originally told you would be going to ODS? I am in the NCP now and I was led to believe that I would more than likely be leaving a month or two after graduation, but it doesn't sound like that is what happened for you. Also, were you told to contact your Detailer after you took the NCLEX? thanks!

MURunner86 · Mar 6, 2012

If you guys have any questions about ODS, feel free. I just went in September.

deftonez188 · Mar 6, 2012

Ventscn,

I just found out I'm headed to Bethesda as well, and will likely be going to ODS when you do (passed the nclex a few years back), maybe i'll see you :)

VentcSN · Mar 7, 2012

Yes I graduated nursing school December 2011, I was supposed to take my NCLEX on January 24th but I had some family emergency, so I was forced to move it forward to February 23rd. I was told I might be going in March and this was back in November. You have to realize that ODS consists of other professionals such as MD's, lawyers, chaplains,and not just nurses. And in the military, nothing is certain, you do and go at the whim of navy, meaning you do not always get what you have been told, it is just expected. My first choice was San Diego but when I did not get it, they gave me my second choice, all I can do is say "Yes sir". I joined the military to serve our country, our servicemen, and gain valuable experience I would never learn in the civilian world. You have to realize that we consider ourselves lucky to be selected for the NCP because right now, it is very very hard to get a commission especially to the Navy Nurse Corps. And yes, my Health Professions contact told me to contact my detailer ASAP when I pass or fail my nclex. You only get 2 tries to pass, if not, you are out of the navy. So make sure pass the first time!! even if you know you got 1 more to pass. It is always better to pass it the first time cause if you don't, you will not have the same confidence in you when you take it the second time cause youll know what is going to happen if you fail. I am just trying to motivate you, that's what the military is about, everyone motivates each other. Good luck with everything, I still got 2 months to spare before I go in May, I'm more excited than scared now cause I'm tired of being broke!!...lol