Need info/input/opinion on Air Force/Navy nursing.

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Specializes in OR.

OK. I graduate this May with my ADN... which you all know I cannot get a comission in the Air Force or Navy with that. I need a BSN. I was talking to an AMEDD recruiter with the army (I ETS July 1st, I've pput in 8 years reserve time) and I can do it that way with them, and use the straps program to fund me for my BSN.

I'm not sure if I want to continue with the army. I haven't had great experiences with them, but I'm sure thats just because of my reserve service. I dunno, I'm ready for something different.

I talked to an Air Force recruiter, and he said that I would get experience towards enlisted rank with my degree, and I would get listed as a "well qualified candidate" when I went to MEPS to get a physical and what not.

I guess my question is... would it be wiser to wait? Until I get my BSN that is? I don't feel like being screwed around with and being ordered to do this and run around and do that (like I was as a SPC in the army). I've been to PLDC, just never cared enough about putting in a packet for E5. Honestly, I hated my unit, hated my MOS, and really disliked the majority of the people I went to drill with.

I'm thinking this is why I want the change to the Airforce or Navy. But also, I don't want to go enlisted as a new nurse, then maybe get deployed doing a job thats lower than what I worked my butt off to get for two years. Are deployments a high possibility in the air force reserve? Do I know realistically how much my "experience" will count towards my enlisted rank?

I know this is all random, but I know you all on this board have so much combined knowledge. maybe some personal info and experience from you all can help me make an informed decision =)

I really like the aspect of serving my country, and serving those who serve. At the same time, I have to watch for my own needs too.

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Do not go enlisted as a nurse. You will be a nurse but will not be able to fully act like one. It will probably leave you confused and frustrated. Get that BSN ASAP - do not wait!

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

If you did not like being enlisted in the Army I would not think that there would be much difference being enlisted in the Air Force. I know first hand that there is no difference in the Navy. If you did not care about becoming an E5 is being a "O" really for you?

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Jerck, I'd agree with the closeness of the branches when you isolate it to the 'health care' realm, otherwise I'd disagree and say they are different realms depending on the job/billet/location.

OP - I'd wait until you get 1 year out from getting BSN, start contract - if you want to join military. At this point which branch isn't important.. keep head in books and then slowly decide.. continue reading this forum and monitoring requirements, advice, changing incentives and go from there..... you will see difference between enlist vs commission, how your enlist time wouldn't change your rank but you'd be an 01 regardless... and yeah there's a ton of info floating around here~ Also if you want to work around / with / for Soldiers but in the past didn't love being IN the military - VA nursing is always a great option as well.. there are some programs to get a bonus there and start working after your junior bsn year - depending on your loc and the va near you having slots for this program.

v/r

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

I agree OP should look at the VA vs the military because if you did not like the military as an enlisted there is a strong chance that you will not as an officer. My intent about enlisted and the different services is that when you are enlisted you will have to this and that and run around like OP stated, otherwise each service is different. I

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Specializes in OR.
If you did not like being enlisted in the Army I would not think that there would be much difference being enlisted in the Air Force. I know first hand that there is no difference in the Navy. If you did not care about becoming an E5 is being a "O" really for you?

"I've been to PLDC, just never cared enough about putting in a packet for E5. Honestly, I hated my unit, hated my MOS, and really disliked the majority of the people I went to drill with."

its not just about "not caring enough to become an e5".

im currently an 88M. driving trucks in a convoy is different from nursing. like i said, im ready to try something new. if i liked my job and unit in the army, then yes, i would care about becoming an E5. at one point, when i was deployed onto active duty from the reserves, i did care. i was young, in way better shape, then i got jerked around a few times. at this point, i really stopped caring. my point to the thread is not whether i should be an officer or not. im asking for opinions.

ive pretty much concluded with some people today and responses already that i shouldn't enlist while waiting. so its either go into the army reserves with my ADN, or wait for my BSN into the airforce or navy.

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That truly is going to be a matter of opinion. I am pro Air Force so all I say will be biased towards Air Force. As long as you are able to use your nursing degree it doesn't matter. Yes, yes, WE ALL WANT to serve but I am not going to have a nursing degree and "scrape bird **** off a runway". If your age is correct (24) you do have time to wait and do it exactly the way YOU want. You just have to know what you want. Good luck!

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Specializes in OR.
That truly is going to be a matter of opinion. I am pro Air Force so all I say will be biased towards Air Force. As long as you are able to use your nursing degree it doesn't matter. Yes, yes, WE ALL WANT to serve but I am not going to have a nursing degree and "scrape bird **** off a runway". If your age is correct (24) you do have time to wait and do it exactly the way YOU want. You just have to know what you want. Good luck!

exactly that was pretty much my point. my opinion of enlisted was because of my MOS and unit. not because of the military itself. i know people who are like me in personalities that loved the military simply because of the opportunities they had. im sure if i had ones like that i'd love it too. im sure id love nursing in the military. totally different than being in the reserves as an E-nothing. know what i mean?

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OP,

have you looked into the Navy's "Nurse Candidate Program".

You can apply once accepted to a BSN program gain 5K up front, 5k at grad and a monthly stipend around 1,200 while in school for a 5 yr obligation.

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Specializes in OR.

hrm.... no i haven't. i know that someone mentioned the navy allows ADN, but it was a certain way. i'll look into this! thanks for the advice.

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Jolly,

The navy nurse candidate program has nothing to do with ADN.. navy does not accept ADN grads to be nurses.

The NCP program is for those enrolled (accepted) into junior and senior year of BSN program.....

ADN not involved in the equation - google it, best of luck.

v/r

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Specializes in ER.

Hello,

My opinion is to wait and get your BSN and then get commissioned. Think about it, you'll be doing the same job as a commissioned nurse, alot of work but with lower pay. Plus, depending on your unit or command, you may not even get a chance to complete your BSN. Just think about it though. good luck with your decision.

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