NCP Selectee

[mavs]

Hello everyone,

I found out just before Christmas that I had been selected into the Navy Nurse Candidate Program. I started my kit in June with my recruiter and all I've ever talked to them about was what paperwork, physicals, and interviews needed to be done but not about their experiences in the Navy.

My family is hesitant for me joining the US Navy, but at the same time they tell me that they are supportive in whatever I decide to do, even though they know they won't see me as often.

All I know is that my committment is for 5 years. I made the decision to join the Navy after talking to one of my cousins who is a Marine and my uncle is retired Army.

I have 1.5 years left in my nursing program and NCP scholarship lifts the financial burden off of my shoulders as my parents can no longer support me through school.

I would consider myself an active person and I enjoy the outdoors, so the opportunities to serve in remote locations is exciting. I am a thrill-seeking person and I love to travel.

My question is, is there anyone here who gone through the NCP program or is currently a Navy nurse who can give me an accurate depiction or describe the lifestyle I can expect when I graduate? I know I will attend OCS upon passing the NCLEX.

I've been reading a lot of the discussion postings on allnurses and I've found that many people are unhappy with Army nursing, but I've seen mixed opinions when it comes to the Navy.

Also, for those of you who joined the military and were in a relationship, did you have problems upon being commissioned or enlisted?

Thanks in advance for your time and input.

[hardline]

Hi mavs,

Congratulations on your selection to NCP! I was accepted in August after what seemed like forever at every step of the way. I hope that I will be able to assist you with my experience so far.

I am glad to see that you have the support of your family. As a veteran of the Marine Corps, I can tell you that that is important.

Like you, I have yet to experience what is to come after graduation, but I can give you some general military information. As for your training after graduation, it will be Officer Development School (ODS) not Officer Candidate School (OCS). ODS is only 5 weeks compared to a longer OCS. Also, you will already be a commissioned officer upon graduation.

Other pointers that I can give you based on my experience is to read the student handbook and other information on the NAV MED MPT&E website. Be aware of the information within such as information to keep updated, timelines for activities to be completed before graduation and before coming on active duty, etc. Keep in contact with your recruiter and the people at MPT&E and make sure that everything that should be happening is.

I hope that I was able to help out. Best wishes to you.

[izzycatswimRN]

Hi! I just graduated nursing school and was/am in the NCP. As far as keeping in touch with your recruiter...now that you are in the NCP they don't really have much to do with you. You will report to and turn in all forms to the lovely people at MPT&E. Also, be prepared to send paperwork multiple times. I sent my duty pref sheet in when the website said to yet my detailer needed me to send it again because they couldn't find it. What I did was each semester print off my final grades, scan, then email the picture file to the correct person. That way I had the paper on hand if they needed it sent again. I can give you more info about what comes next as far as how things role after I attended ODS in March. Finally...ask all the questions you want on here and of the people at MPT&E. They are so fast at getting back to you. Good luck w/ the rest of nursing school!

[deftonez188]

Also in the NCP - I skimmed the handbook (it seems the 100+ pages or so don't particularly apply to us) but the other booklet did.

Other than grades each semester and duty preferences I believe it was 6 months out, was there anything in your experience that we were also required to do?

[hardline]

Yeah, I only read the parts of handbook that were applicable to the NCP and the other general information such as when to expect orders and not to buy uniforms prior to attending ODS. There are contradictions in the documents, however - there is a FAQ that states that graduates must be in Navy uniform for the oath of office. However, the ODS website strongly suggests not to purchase uniforms.

I called the recruiting office and they verified that no uniform is necessary.

Another thing to check for are that your orders are at your Navy Recruiting District at least 30 days prior to graduation to for signature and pickup.

I am not saying that these people aren't on their game but I have been around long enough to know that you shouldn't assume that things will always go as planned.

One more semester to go!

[deftonez188]

In my prior military experience, every move anywhere can be crazy. As enlisted I lost a form after boot camp (firing qualification) and they wanted to keep me there an extra week!

All I know is that paperwork is supremely important to have.

[mavs]

Thank you for all of your replies and advice. I appreciate it :) Good to know that it is ODS, thanks hardline.

I was just sworn in. And the remaining paperwork is about to be sent up. Took 6 months to get through all of the paperwork, but staying patient allowed me time to reflect on my motivation towards the program. I've contacted others who have gone through NCP and are now at their first duty station, and collectively, they are enjoying where they are at, even when not assigned at their first choice.

Now, time to focus on finishing the rest of nursing school!

[oaktown2]

I am thinking that I will be applying to the NCP this year. I know that it is competitive, but I am trying to get a better sense of what the selection criteria is. Do they solely look at GPA and recommendations? And it is your cumulative GPA (I've done a lot of schooling...). Thanks for any info!