Prior nursing exp applies to higher rank?

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In one of my previous posts, someone mentioned that prior experience as a nurse (not military service) will apply as "constructive credit" towards a higher rank. Does anyone know the particulars or that, or how I can find out? At an O-1 pay grade (with BAh and BAS and healthcare) it's going to be TIGHT for us (family of 6). I was wondering today if my 2 years of nursing experience would count towards my rank, since I'm not a new nurse. Thanks!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I know that my creds/certs/degrees/CV plus a few other forms will be used to determine my rank, so I think it is theoretically possible to go in as a 1LT/O-2 (though my recruiter was pretty sure I'd still be an O-1 with perhaps a shorter time to O-2). I'll have 2 years of RN experience by the time I graduate with my BSN this summer.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I don't think your 2 years will get you a higher rank initially, but you will make rank that much faster. I think they count years of nursing as half. I've been a nurse for 14 years, so that makes 7 years to them. I'll be a O3 (that is if they ever get back to me! lol)

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Specializes in Flight/ICU/CCU/ED/Trauma.

Your 2 years civilian will count as 1 year AF, which will move your promotion time up by a year. You will still be an O-1 to start.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
In one of my previous posts, someone mentioned that prior experience as a nurse (not military service) will apply as "constructive credit" towards a higher rank. Does anyone know the particulars or that, or how I can find out? At an O-1 pay grade (with BAh and BAS and healthcare) it's going to be TIGHT for us (family of 6). I was wondering today if my 2 years of nursing experience would count towards my rank, since I'm not a new nurse. Thanks!

In the AF you get 1/2 credit towards rank for previous full-time RN experience. In your particular case you would 1yr constructive credit if you came today, but your constructive credit actually counts right up until the time you swear in. It takes 2yrs to make O-2 if you are brand new nurse. You would make it in a year or less, but after that you would progress just like every other nurse. You need to consider all pay allowances when joining the military not just base pay. The only branch where you can swip a rank is USPHS. USPHS starts their nurses out at O-2s.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

You will recieve the same for the Army, but you would be a O-2 in six months. As was answered in your other post you need to look at BAH, BAS and your present cost of benefits.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
I don't think your 2 years will get you a higher rank initially, but you will make rank that much faster. I think they count years of nursing as half. I've been a nurse for 14 years, so that makes 7 years to them. I'll be a O3 (that is if they ever get back to me! lol)

If you are going in the AF then you should have gotten 3yrs credit for the 1st 6yrs then 1:1 credit after that or 11yrs total. That puts you eligible for the Major's boards within your 1st couple of years!

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

During my interview, the colonel discussed promotions (like I cared... I just want in! lol). But he said I can make major in less than 2 years. Just need 3 things: a specialty cert, master's degree, and an online class that is required. Scary, but I already have 2 of the 3. I really can't imagine the rank. I am so pleased with Captain. If, that is, I ever hear an answer. So much for November boards.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, Home Care, Med-Surg,.

this is a table that i was told of, not sure if this is army only. it worked out correct for me, 13 yrs of nursing. i am coming in as cpt. hope this helps.

less than 2 years01/2lt

2 years or more, but less than 7 years02/1lt

7 years or more, but less than 14 years03/cpt

14 years or more, but less than 21 years04/maj

21 years or more, but less than 23 years05/ltc2

23 years or moreltc or col

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, Home Care, Med-Surg,.

Also I am not sure if you looked at 2010 Pay and BAH for your area, for me I noticed it will go up a little over $200/month!

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
During my interview, the colonel discussed promotions (like I cared... I just want in! lol). But he said I can make major in less than 2 years. Just need 3 things: a specialty cert, master's degree, and an online class that is required. Scary, but I already have 2 of the 3. I really can't imagine the rank. I am so pleased with Captain. If, that is, I ever hear an answer. So much for November boards.

Squadron Officers School is the other thing you need.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Nope... I NEED to get in! lol.

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