nurse*sunshine

NCP is for civilians with the benefit being a bonus and monthly stipend for up to 24 months. MECP allows qualified enlisted service members to attend nursing school while retaining full pay and benefits plus paid tuition up to a certain amount.

harmonizer, There is a reason you will see more jobs listed for FNPs than PMHNPs. A greater portion of the US population is treated for chronic medical conditions than chronic mental health conditions. Greatest demand is not determined by the amount of practice opportunities. I have found job listings all over the US with very good salaries for both FNPs and PMHNPs. I researched your claim about salaries and found several sources that listed the average salary for PMHNPs as higher than FNPs but nothing to support your claim.

Check out University of North Florida. I bet you can find MECP participants at plenty of state universities.

Harmonizer exactly what states are you talking about and are you a Psych NP? "Most employers still prefer to have psychiatrists" Did you mean some or most?

I checked out the new site and I think the USPHS may be the best option.

That would be a month longer than my last one. I actually like deployments; rarely a dull moment. I've never seen the show but I'll check it out. Thanks

Thanks for all the replies. I have thought about the USPHS but would only go that route if working with the DOD. My specialty is Psychiatry and I know there are opportunities everywhere. I am no stranger to the military; I’m prior enlisted Navy and worked with all branches during my 7 years in. I don’t know what military medicine is like and would like to know what you like about army, air force or navy nursing.

I've spoken to recruiters from each branch. At one point I had completed the army nurse corp application but decided to go to grad school instead. I have a few years as a BSN RN. I'm just having a hard time making the decision.

Having too many options can be just as hard as having too few. I graduate in May and I'm trying to decide which branch to join. How did you choose and what do you like or regret about it?