Officer rank

JDCitizen · Jul 31, 2008

Question for anyone who can help... I have 10 years prior enlisted service. I have been a RN for 11 years--ADN in 1997, BSN in 2003 and MSN in 2008. Any ideas what my rank will be coming in? I asked the question in a previous thread but it will probably be a while before it is discovered buried deep in the discussion. My application is currently at the board. My recruiter says CPT but one of her fellow recruiters is saying CPT. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Probably depends on service branch you are entering. Whatever you are told get it in your contract...

Air Force (From what I have been told)

ADN: I never had my ADN so no idea.

BSN: I received credit. Not as much for the degree as years worked.

MSN: I received credit. Not as much for the degree as years worked.

If I get past medical DQ (sorry I know it sound like a broken record): Captain with enough credit to be two years out from major. Hmmm I wonder having to wait so long if it will be changed to one year...

Also from what I have read instant rank like this can very well have its disadvantages... You, me anyone else with this kind of rank will expected to not only be nurses and/or providers but leaders...

MSNin2008 · Jul 31, 2008

JDCitizen,

I'll be going into the Army. I also have DoD experience at Ft Bragg. I have been Head Nurse of an outpatient clinic and currently work as a Case Manager in the Warrior Transition Battalion. I have plenty of experience with military facilities and want to be ranked with my peers not looked at as a "brand new" nurse. Thanks for your response!

JDCitizen · Jul 31, 2008

JDCitizen,
I'll be going into the Army. I also have DoD experience at Ft Bragg. I have been Head Nurse of an outpatient clinic and currently work as a Case Manager in the Warrior Transition Battalion. I have plenty of experience with military facilities and want to be ranked with my peers not looked at as a "brand new" nurse. Thanks for your response!

I don't know how the army works but I have read about some going in with higher rank.. From my humble opinion, with your listed experience plus looks like you have the leader part down pat.: Wow... if less than captain.

allnurses Guide · Jul 31, 2008

Question for anyone who can help... I have 10 years prior enlisted service. I have been a RN for 11 years--ADN in 1997, BSN in 2003 and MSN in 2008. Any ideas what my rank will be coming in? I asked the question in a previous thread but it will probably be a while before it is discovered buried deep in the discussion. My application is currently at the board. My recruiter says CPT but one of her fellow recruiters is saying CPT. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

In general for the AF:

For the 1st 6yrs of RN experience you get 1/2 credit towards rank (3yrs)

Everything past 6yrs you can get 1 for 1 credit (5yrs) with usually a cap on getting no higher than Captain or Major.

It takes 4yrs of AD time to make Captain in the AF and generally 12-14yrs total to make Major.

So, you should come in as a Captain, if your looking at the AF, with a total time towards rank of 8yrs.

The MSN doesn't matter in this case as far as rank goes, but an MSN usuall gets you 1LT and Doctorate in Nursing general will generally start you out as a Captain.