Prior service Army nurses, did anyone get back in?

Published

I am a prior service Army nurse with almost 14 years active time. I got out in 08 to go back to school and now I'm trying to get back in. I transferred to the Reserves and will be submitting my packet for AD next week. Did anyone in the same situation get back in last year? Does anyone know if they look at PS differently than NPS? Is it better or worse to have so much time in? I know it's going to be a rough board this year and they are only taking nurses with at least two years experience, but I'm not sure where that leaves me. I am an O-3E with ten years nursing experience. TIA!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

I changed over from reseves 2 1/2 years ago with 20 years of total service, 15 of those years where enlisted. What it might depend on is your total commissoned years, not sure though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was commissioned in 2002 so I had 6 years as an officer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Commission time should not be an issue. Being a CPT might be a advantage because of the number of 2LTs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

If they're leaning towards experienced nurses, I'd say you have an advantage! Do you have any skill identifiers?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I qualify for the N2 identifier, but I can't get a course guarantee. I have to come in as a straight 66H. Do you know if I am compared to other packets with no PS or are they looked at separately? Because it's not really nursing experience I have that I'm hoping makes the difference, it's the MILITARY experience I have that I'm hoping will set me apart.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I think you have to compete with all the direct commission hopefuls, etc., but I think the prior service will definitely set you apart. Many of the direct commissions I met at officer basic were prior service -- there were just a few of us who were completely vanilla direct commissions (although I'm a military brat, but that doesn't count!).

What is an N2? I'm not familiar with that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Informatics nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi all, I'm a 66H and was wondering what the requirements were for your N2 identifier. I have my A.S. in Computer Science, have been working in the field now for 1.4 years and 1/2 way to my Master in Nursing Informatics. Thanks for your reply.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

After you obtain your Masters, you can request to attend the Health Systems Functional Proponent course at Fort Sam. It's a two week course that will qualify you for the identifier. Keep on mind it is very difficult to obtain a position as an N2. There aren't very many and, last time I checked, they were only giving them to Majors. You will need to contact your branch manager to coordinate. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion