lubdubRN

Your detailer is the person that arranges your orders to your duty stations. You can speak with your detailer to "negotiate" meaning for your particular job what locations is open that will still fulfill the navy needs and possibly close to yours.

I formerly was active duty Navy enlisted. At the time my kids were 5 and 6 years old. My kids remained with my parents during boot camp and subsequent training school, but when it was all over I wanted my children with me. There were a lot of people DISCOURAGING me to do so (how crazy is that) but my kids are MY kids. And yes I was afraid after all of that....(new state, new job new set of rules, new lifestyle) but it all worked out. The Navy is a different lifestyle, yes. But if you have a great support system and (not sure how old your kids are) but keep them in the loop and let them know what's coming down the line I think all will be well.....not easy all the time, but well. It is do-able... I saw many others including myself that made it work. My recruiter did tell me (for officer side) that you can negotiate with your detailer, but the bottom line is the "needs of the Navy" hope this helps some

I think Just Cause just put it all in a nutshell, and would concur that it would be impossible to get your BSN while enlisted unless you apply to a program that would allow you to focus on your degree with the desired end of becoming an officer. There are some available to help. Best of luck to you.

I put down Portsmouth Naval Hosp, VA as my first North Carolina, and then Bethesda. I will definitely keep you posted. I agree it is good to know someone.

Hey guys, Thanks for the encouragement:rcgtku:. March will probably be warmer. I talked with my recruiter today she admitted she just plain ol' forgot about the form. so I believe that things will work out how they are supposed to as well. Sassy maybe we will be there together...and second week in Feb is not so bad. I will keep you all posted...What is your duty station choice Sassysailor?? Jordaa thanks for offering your help...It so appreciated!! Ciao for now

Sassysailor, AAGGGGHHHHH!!!!:scrm: I got a call from my recruiter today telling me is missing some paperwork. We just went over everything last week and she told me we had all we needed. Now, since the board meets on the 28th, I am not in the two week window for having all my paperwork in AND the her chain of command has not signed it.....therefore my packet is missing boards on the 28th AND she does not know when the next one meets... I was really hoping for the March ODS....but now I just don't know!!!

I started running and working out in December. I will be taking a swim class in Feb. I am trying to prepare as much as possible. How long did it take YOU after the board meeting that you get your decision? What was your first choice? I hope that you get to go to ODS is February. I am a little antsy not knowing what to expect as far as selection....like what would prevent you from getting selected?? Waiting for Jan 29th!!!

Hey Jordaa!!! I am so happy to know that all is going well with you in Bethesda. I am currently waiting for the board date of Jan 28 or 29th. My packet was sent off on Friday and I hope to have it go to the board for the above date. It has to be there by this Thursday....I am hoping for a selection and then go to ODS in March. How long did it take to get your selection letter after the board? How was ODS. Did you get your first choice of Duty Station? and a biggee when did you get commisioned? before school? Thanks for answering my questions??? What area are you working in now, and how are you liking it so far?

Yeah I must admit I was ready to fire "RN" out of every writing utensil I used to signed my name with when I passed my boards, but then said....Nah!!! But I too have done it on accident.

Nurses take care of others, however we are infamous for feeling guilt or playing the "I'm fine" card, when it comes down to us needing to be taken care of. There's only one of you...take good care of the you that you have!! My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

I just yesterday went to MEPS. I was recommended for a waiver. How long does this process usually take? I was kind of nervous when they wrote disqualified...then the final review recommended this.

Thank you Jordaa and Just cause....I will be sure to ask about the board meeting dates...I feel better knowing that its less than the 90 days I was told!! Oh one more question... the MEPS physical....you have to wait 10 days after the physical to request it to be placed with your packet? I am trying to weigh info given to me. Thanks to everyone on this site!!!! This is a great resource and help!!

Sassysailor, How is it going for you?

I am in the process of gathering my packet. I have filled out the clearance form (pheeeewww!!!) and have done the interviews. I have been cleared for a physical for next week Dec 18. My original recruiter meeting was Nov 10....I thought it has been going rather well and fast. My recruiter told me that it takes 90 days from the time your completed packet is submitted that you will hear a decision.....from the looks of your post, thats not the case...was she giving me worst case scenario??? confused and wondering:confused:

Thanks Just cause....yes I am currently in the process of applying. I met with a recruiter and she sent me the paperwork to get started. Man its a lot!!!! but I am on it.

I know this is a Super Old post but I have been reading you responses to members and I think you are a great resouce. I am prior enlisted Navy...8 years ago. I have since graduated from nursing school and received my BSN. I was accepted into an internship in Cardiac Surgery ICU and I have done almost 18 months of it. While I enjoy it I often feel myself drawn back to AD, of course this time as an Officer. My questions are: Typically will I enter as O1-E or does the experience bump your rank up at all? And because I have a "little" ( I am still a fairly young nurse) experience now will I still get the major hospital tour for my first 3 years or will overseas be a first tour? Thanks in advance.

Jordaa, I know this is an old post, but I was just wondering how long did the process for the Nurse Corps take? I am a civilian nurse interested in being a navy nurse.

You know, I have heard the "go the med/surg floor first and get your feet wet before you go the unit." I chose to go to the unit-Cardiac Surgery ICU. They have an intern program in place for new grads. I jumped on it! Most are coming around about the new grad on the unit, but there is still some resistance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that. I needed to read that. lubdubRN

Hi there, I am also a new grad. I take my boards Thursday! I will be starting orientation in 2 weeks in Cardiac Surgery ICU. I worked there as a Care Partner (CNA on steroids role) for two years and am familiar with the unit, but not from the RN side. I am nervous and excited and nervous! Did I mention I was nervous!? It is a new intern program:uhoh3: About the boards...I have been studying and I feel like I'm ready, but when I keep looking at the darn Kaplan question bank its something else I never heard of ...and I'm like OH my God! I guess you can't know everything. I would like to know how someone else's studying for the boards is going.

I disagree with giving baths at night unless its an ICU setting as well. Have we gotten so task oriented that we have forgotten basic human need ie sleep?