Nurse Candidate Program and DUINS (Navy)

hehrhardt11, RN · Jun 19, 2019

While GPA is a large factor into the application, it is not the only thing. My cumulative GPA was a little less than yours and I was just accepted into the NCP program due to graduate in May 2020. I have been a CNA for 4 years, a lifeguard for 2, I am in a leadership and honors fraternity, and am the VP of my sorority. I also have participated in a little bit of volunteering here and there. The interviews are very important as well so if you can present yourself well that is a huge bonus. You have to give a motivational statement in your application package too and I believe that is another way to really showcase some of your leadership qualities.

Derick C · Jun 19, 2019

19 hours ago, hehrhardt11 said:
While GPA is a large factor into the application, it is not the only thing. My cumulative GPA was a little less than yours and I was just accepted into the NCP program due to graduate in May 2020. I have been a CNA for 4 years, a lifeguard for 2, I am in a leadership and honors fraternity, and am the VP of my sorority. I also have participated in a little bit of volunteering here and there. The interviews are very important as well so if you can present yourself well that is a huge bonus. You have to give a motivational statement in your application package too and I believe that is another way to really showcase some of your leadership qualities.

I am in the process of setting up an online interview with a Navy Nurse commander. Is there any tips or whatnot you can give me?

hehrhardt11, RN · Jun 20, 2019

2 hours ago, Derick C said:
I am in the process of setting up an online interview with a Navy Nurse commander. Is there any tips or whatnot you can give me?

My interviews were relatively relaxed. They mostly want to know what you are like and why you want to be a Navy nurse. Being able to describe leadership experience is good too. If you are just personable and professional and have good reasons and motivations for wanting to go this route you will be fine! Make sure you have questions to ask, it makes conversation flow easier and shows you are interested and have put thought into it. Even just asking broad questions about what the average day is like or how their personal career has evolved are good conversation starters. Also respect things like yes Sir/yes Ma'am, standing up to shake hands, little things like that go a far way.

Derick C · Jun 20, 2019

I guess I just truly don't know what to expect walking into this interview. I want to make myself stand out somehow but I am not someone from a military family or from a military background at all....not even amongst my friends.

I wonder if I should bring up my background? My parents were two non-English speaking immigrants from China and I decided on the nursing path and recently military myself. I know that I want to join because I believe every critically thinking American who deeply cares about the country should serve in some fashion and this is one opportunity the Navy presents for me.

Maybe my aspirations and what attracts me too? I also believe that this allows me to be able to conduct humanitarian work as that has always been an aspiration of mine (e.g 70% of naval missions are humanitarian apparently!). It also allows me to further my education and be able to contribute more to society as a whole.

One thing I did is already ask a TON of questions to people on other forums and other connections I have made with other people in the NCP...guess I should just ask my interviewer the same thing?

polyacik · Jun 29, 2019

Regarding DUINS, yes you can apply for duins about a year before the end of each tour, beginning with your first tour (which is two years usually). If you’re a hotshot you could go straight from your initial tour to an advanced practice program in DUINS.

kaha2321 · Jul 3, 2019

On 6/20/2019 at 3:30 AM, Derick C said:
I guess I just truly don't know what to expect walking into this interview. I want to make myself stand out somehow but I am not someone from a military family or from a military background at all....not even amongst my friends.
I wonder if I should bring up my background? My parents were two non-English speaking immigrants from China and I decided on the nursing path and recently military myself. I know that I want to join because I believe every critically thinking American who deeply cares about the country should serve in some fashion and this is one opportunity the Navy presents for me.
Maybe my aspirations and what attracts me too? I also believe that this allows me to be able to conduct humanitarian work as that has always been an aspiration of mine (e.g 70% of naval missions are humanitarian apparently!). It also allows me to further my education and be able to contribute more to society as a whole.
One thing I did is already ask a TON of questions to people on other forums and other connections I have made with other people in the NCP...guess I should just ask my interviewer the same thing?

Hi, I was selected for NCP fall of '17, sworn in spring of '18 and will be graduating August of '19. I think including your background will be very beneficial, as will your humanitarian aspirations. I was really lucky in that my favorite Professor, who I had for 2 classes and 2 clinicals, was a Commander with 30 years of service under her belt. She really guided me, did one of my interviews and answered the millions of questions I had. If possible, doing the Nurse Candidate Facebook page, or even the Navy Nurse Corps page and then you'll have a lot of resources, especially the older more experienced nurses who love their career and want to share.

I think the interview is what you make it: be positive, engaged, on time (actually be early), have questions for the nurse like 'chances for advancement, what do you like about working here, why do you think it is different from other choices, are you able to do humanitarian things on the side etc' (we just had an interview session today in class so that's straight from my notes). Make sure your resume is proof read well, look and act professional, and have examples of leadership, conflict resolution and maybe times you've had to face your morals to decide a situation on hand and ready. Stories about dealing with feuding roommates when you were an RA, a near drowning as a lifeguard, providing care for a criminal or something like that. I had a near drowning at the pool I lifeguarded at a month before my interview and I was the one to step up while my bosses were doing CPR and I cleared the facility and did the work while they were busy: showed I can take charge, know how to lead and delegate. My interview went well and I got it.

Best of luck, reach out as needed!

hm808 · Jul 14, 2019

Hey Derick,

I am on the same boat as you. I'm also applying for the NCP 2-year program (FY2022). I heard it's very competitive as they only accept a few applicants each year. I Just recently passed my physical exam at MEPS, and now waiting for my interviews with 2 Navy Nurses. Did you do your interviews yet? If so, how did it go? Good luck to you!

Derick C · Jul 14, 2019

I have one of my interviews conducted with a Commander (CDR) whom was overseas, on the phone! Other than that I am just waiting for MEPS and waiting for my second interview. Good luck!

hm808 · Jul 14, 2019

Nice. If you don’t mind me asking, what were some of the questions asked? Any tips? Thank u

Derick C · Jul 15, 2019

Its going to be specific to your motivational statement, resume, experiences etc. For example, he asked me about conflict management as a resident assistant, my experience as a PT/OT volunteer at the veterans home, my time as a lifeguard/swim instructor. The more general questions are the same as nursing school (why do you want to be a nurse) and obviously why do you want to be a navy nurse.

hm808 · Jul 15, 2019

Awesome!! Thank you!