bigdaddyCCRN

Thanks for the reply! I figured there would be a decrease in pay, just not sure how much to expect. I'm definitely not interested in the military for monetary gain, but honestly the retirement is a big factor in my decision to pursue this. It seems like with money for housing and food, along with base pay I would not be taking a huge cut, but again something I will have to research. My main concern at this point is my house and whether or not I should start getting it ready to put on the market. I've sold a house before and it is not a fun experience. I spoke with a recruiter this morning and he mentioned the $30K bonus, but I had no idea there was potential money for having my CCRN, this is good news! The recruiter wants me to come in either tomorrow or one day next week to get some general info and my weight, etc and fill out some paperwork. He didnt take my number and the only person who took my name was the person who answered the phone at the recruiting office (I did introduce myself, however so perhaps he wrote it down). Thats concerning to me a bit cause that seems a little like he was uninterested, but we'll see what I'm dealing with when I go meet him. He did say with my experience and certifications I should be an ideal candidate, but we'll see. He also told me the process would be a lengthy one and if I got my packet ready to submit by July 1st the soonest I would be able to go to ODS would be in January. Right now I'm focusing on getting back in shape, working out and running, etc and we'll see how it plays out :) I'll keep you all posted! Thanks again for all the advice! Any other insight would be appreciated!

Hey all! Again I wanted to thank everyone in the forum for all your advice regarding military nursing (esp. LunahRN and josephstrahan). As I prepare myself to talk with a recruiter, I was wondering if any current military RNs that had significant experience at the bedside as an RN prior to becoming commissioned could shed some light on the difference in pay they have experienced. Basically, as i've said in some of my earlier posts, I have 7 years of ICU experience, I have my national certification in critical care (CCRN), and I have my BSN. Due to the fact I have been in the profession a respectable amount of time, and I have worked my way up to the max level of my hospital's clinical ladder, I wondering if I should be expecting a significant paycut (or raise!) to join the military. Since I own my home, this information would be extremely helpful in deciding when/if I should place it on the market prior to beginning this journey. I am located in Raleigh, NC so cost of living is very close to the national average. Did any of you experienced RN's take a significant paycut to join the military? If so, approximately what percentage decrease or increase are we talking here. Thanks! Jeremy

sent u an email

I too am thinking of joining one of the armed forces as a nurse, the navy being definitely in the running (especially since my dad was navy)

I completed an Accelerated BSN program (although not ROTC) in 16 months at Eastern Kentucky University. This was back in '02-'03 so the length may have changed but I would agree that most are less than 2 years so maybe quicker to do that than the ROTC route.

Gotcha! thanks for clearing that up! do they offer housing on base for officers after you finish your training? or are you required to get an apartment off base?

You guys have to find your own apartment for BOLC? I would have thought the army housed you on base?

Hey there! I'm considering the military as a nurse. The navy is very appealing to me (my dad was navy). So why did you choose navy? and what has your experience at ODS been like? living conditions, etc? (i have my BSN, CCRN, and 7 years critical care experience)

I'm looking at all 3 at this point, my dad was navy but I've given army the most attention thusfar (mainly cause I thought the army was the only one who would take me at my age for active duty - 34). After a bit more research i've realized that all 3 will take me at my age so i'm giving the others a look too. How do you like the army and how long have you been in? I'm assuming your in their nurse corps?

After more research into the possibility of me joining the military as a nurse (currently i have my BSN, CCRN, and 7+ years of critical care experience), I've uncovered a few issues that have me a bit worried about starting this whole process: 1) I was diagnosed with very mild depression which my doctor gave me Wellbutrin. I filled the scrip a few times, but ended up stopping the medication because of side effects, and it turned out my Vitamin D level was super low and I took supplements to correct this and all has been good. This has turned up on many searches as a "Disqualifying" factor. Would this be true? I've also read that recruiters tell people just not to disclose this but would this show up on a security clearance down the road? Have any of you dealt with this or just didn't disclose a matter such as this on your health screening? The depression diagnosis was just a few months ago (January) and was basically applied to me because i was tired all the time (after correcting my Vitamin D level this is no longer an issue and I don't require meds at all. 2) Security Clearances - I've also read that if you have a history of bad credit (i.e. chargeoffs/judgement) in the past it can affect your ability to obtain a top level security clearance. I have had chargeoffs and 1 judgement in the past (all paid off >5 years ago). My credit now is stellar, i haven't had a late payment or any bad mark in over 5 years. What security clearance is required for an army/military RN and would this affect me being able to serve? Any information with insight into these issues would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

I hadn't looked into the air force, for some reason I thought that their upper age requirement was late 20s but thats great news! As far as the flying, i'm 6'4 aroung 220 lbs (which meets the army's wt restrictions for my height) but I've always been under the impression that someone my size wouldn't be the best candidate for flying in a helicopter due to wt restrictions and limited amt of room in them. Also - what kind of bonus are we talking about here for air nat'l guard?

Great! thanks for the info! I was hoping to hear today from the recruiter but they told me no later than monday. i'm hoping i get a great recruiter!

Excellent! congrats! what made you decide to do army nursing? do they factor in prior experience and certifications? (i.e. CCRN)? A recruiter is supposed to call me by monday, ive been putting together a list of questions for them. do you have any advice? also I own my home, would you recommend getting it on the market prior to starting this process? Also what kind of bonuses would i expect? I'm sure my recruiter will have answers to these questions but I'd like to get your insight since youve recently went through all this

ahh so you are a new army nurse?

Thanks for clearing that up!