Prior Service Army Nursing Corps

[gere7404, BSN, RN]

I was in the Army from 2002-2014 first as a 91W (medic) then as an 11B, but got out when the deployments slowed down at the behest of my wife since she was sick of it. I'm in the last year of my BSN program. My wife's gone and I got the bug to go back in, likely the reserves so I wouldn't take so much of a pay cut (right now I make more money than a 2LT, and my salary will increase as a nurse).

Just wondering about a couple things. First, I've got a couple of VA disability ratings for things and was wondering if all I have to do is waive my disability through the VA, or if having a rating at all is a show stopper.

Second, I got a DUI five years ago that I ended up doing a diversion program for so it wasn't a conviction. Wondering if that's also going to be a potential barrier to commissioning.

Lastly, how exactly do you select a nurse MOS? Does it go off of the field you've worked in the civilian sector or do you pick a specialty and you go to an ASI-kind of course?

Thanks in advance for the responses.

[InquisitiveAPN]

I can't answer the army specific questions as I'm applying for commissioning as well. I am applying for two medical waivers (hypertension and another) for a high need, missioned area of concentration. I do believe without experience or certification you are inherently brought in as a med-surg nurse with an expectation you have at least some experience. So regardless of the VA deal, you'll have to apply for medical waivers after MEPS.

Now, here's the part I wish to chime in on. The DUI thing might be an issue for your state nursing board. If you haven't examined this you might wish to...on the down low. My state's board concerns itself with a number of things that probably shouldn't be their business but is.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

The DUI could be an issue with the services and you might need a waiver for it.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Regarding the VA disability, my understanding is that the disability won't prohibit you from serving again, but the injury or reason for disability might - so you are back in waiver-land on this one. My disability rating is greater than 30%, and I would probably be able to serve in the Reserves (I am technically in the IRR now, for another 7 months).

Just a thought: have you check with your state BON regarding the DUI issue to ensure it won't interfere with obtaining licensure? While it might seem invasive into your past, the BON's mission is to protect the public, which means that EVERYTHING shows up on background checks for them.

Another thing about making more money than a 2LT as a civilian, here's a few things to consider: if you went active duty, you'd also tack on BAH and BAS (not taxed) each month as well as not having to pay for healthcare (probably another $200-ish per month). And since you've obviously served more than 4 years, you'd qualify for O-1E pay too. That kind of stuff really adds up. If you end up in a specialty area you might also qualify for incentive specialty pay; I got that as a 66T (ED/Trauma), to the tune of $20K per year x 4 years (unfortunately taxable). When I left active duty as an O-3, I was making more than I have yet as a civilian, and I make a pretty good salary in my current full-time position.

Congrats on getting close to the end of your BSN!