Physical requirements to be a Navy nurse

Gennaver, MSN · Dec 19, 2006

Thanks Gen!
I've been following your journey and it seems that a little persistence and patience does pay off! My application went up for review almost three weeks ago and still no word. My recruiter told me to "relax" but I am beginning to get worried. My brother-in-law who was an Army Ranger informed me that after December 1st, the military comes to a standstill until after the New Year. I'm hoping that's why it's taking so long.
Again, thanks for your support. I hope to have good news to share soon!
Jennifer

Hello again Jennifer,

My recent packet was before the December first review too. This was the second review where it took three weeks to receive word.

Thank you for the well wishes. Try to be patient, it is indeed hard.

My recruiter told me that I should know the results of the Dec 1st board by the Holidays, so I imagine that would be the same for you. Remember, if it isn't taken by this round...TRY AGAIN!!

Gen

NavyCheerGirl · Dec 19, 2006

Is lazer sugery acceptable before I go in? I was told I could get it done (I don't think my astigmatism is that bad). The funniest thing though is, my youngest brother had an astigmatism in his right eye and had glasses. He never wore them but his eye got better. I hope that goes the same for me, because glasses actually weaken vision...

MCHnurse · Dec 19, 2006

SInce you are older it is really not possible that it will spontaneously correct. Sometimes, in younger kids wearing glasses or a patch might make it better, but unfortunately you've passed that window of opportunity.

As for getting laser surgery, I wouldn't get it done before getting in. My recruiter told me that once I join, I'll be able to get the surgery for free. You might want to double check that statement, but if it's true, that will save you some cash!

Jennfer

navynurse06 · Dec 20, 2006

Check out the OIS web site. https://otcn.netc.navy.mil/ois/index.cfm/fa/dir.dir/index.cfm

It has good info on the physical requirements. As far as the lazer surgery, the Navy will pay for that after you get in. I work with a nurse that had it done. I don't see why that would keep you from getting in.

Also, here is the web page for the newest prt standards.

Navy PFA Standards

Hope this helps.

ENS PM

NavyCheerGirl · Dec 20, 2006

I'm guessing I need to start working out before I go in from the looks of the exercise list on the OIS web site... but it's ALWAYS good to be fit just the same!

As far as any eye problems, as long as I only need my glasses for driving and reading there shouldn't be a problem.

NavyCheerGirl · Dec 20, 2006

Hi Navynurse06! Thanks for the info. What does PRT mean? Also, I looked at my age range at the exercises and stuff... everything is timed, right? I understand what it's meant by "outstanding"- after all, we need to be fit!- but what does it mean to achieve an "outstanding low"?

raskolnikov · Dec 20, 2006

PRT stands for Physical Readiness Training.

Phases of Physical Readiness Training (PRT) (ArmyStudyGuide.com)

navynurse06 · Dec 20, 2006

PRT means physical rediness test. In the navy we have to do the PRT every 6 months. THis is the navy's way of making sure everyone is fit or ranging the fitness of the members. Also, part of the PRT is the weigh in. The push ups and curl ups are how many you can do in 2 mins. If you fail (including wt) any part, than you have to got to mandatory excersie sessions so many times a wk.

Now if you fail 3x than you will be adm. separated.

I don't think you understand what the rating system means. To pass you have to have (I think) SATISFACTORY. I don't know many who have recieved an outstanding high overall on the prt. Each section (run, pushups, curlups) are rated by points. Then your points are added up for your total overall score. But you have to pass each part.

Here are some more references to help you out:

Navy Physical Readiness Testing (PRT)

http://www.jag.navy.mil/documents/Careers/PRT.pdf

Navy PFA Standards

I think the above is the newest standards for the prt (not the one that I posted previously).

I hope this is as clear as mud now! :lol_hitti

And yes it would behoov you to work out/get in shape before you go to OIS.

smattles1of2 · Dec 22, 2006

My husband and I just did a practice PRT...whoo hoo... I did the run in 9:30. Now I just need to work on push ups But I doubt i'll get in, so it's a moot point

NavyCheerGirl · Dec 22, 2006

Wow, that's amazing time, smattles1of2! I think women actually have more time than men, but the less time the better! I get aches on my left side of my rib cage and it can prevent me from running well (although I played soccer since I was in kindergarden until I was a junior in high school). Before it got too cold to run outside, I would do a light jog and stop/walk. A couple of times I have been able to jog a full mile without stopping. What stretches do you recommend before running?

navynurse06 · Dec 22, 2006

Smattles that's an awesome time! I wish I could run that fast! I've never been a fast runner, but the times we have to get aren't that bad. Plus the older you get the longer the time is for running! Good thing!

Navycheergirl,

The pain in your left side is from being out of shape. Trust me; I get it when I'm not in shape. The best thing to get rid of that is to do carido. Also, before you run do calf stretches, and stretch out your hamstrings. I think that OIS website that I gave you has some stretches on it.

I'm in my resting period right now; so I don't think I've run since my prt in Oct. But I've got to get back with it at the 1st of the yr, to prepare for deployment on the Mercy in the spring.

NavyCheerGirl · Jan 3, 2007

I just have a few small questions: what are some other small things that the military likes/dislikes in terms of physical features (as in how long can I keep my hair and I know the Navy won't like the four piercings I have on my ears...)? Oh, and a biggy for me is weight because I'd like to gain some more... what's the physical requirement for weight?