Rob J

I'm graduating in August as well. Any idea where you may be going? I had a message from the detailer left on my phone last week but haven't been able to get in contact with him yet.

That was my understand as well and how it was explained to me by my recruiter, but a recent email regarding filling out my Duty Preference Sheet said: e.)Education level is total # of years in school to date. ***I need an accurate graduation date as that will be your Date of Rank to ENSIGN***. I'm prior enlisted as well and when I made 3rd class I had to wait until I was frocked before I could wear my rank, but for pay purpose it was whenever the Navy selected me for third class and sent out my frocking letter to my command. Maybe it is similar for officers?

Josh, If you are serious about going back into the Navy I would first apply for the NCP as soon as you can. The biggest hurdle you will face being that you are prior enlisted, have a strong GPA and nursing experience is not getting picked up before all the billets for that year are taken. That way if you don't get picked up in time for the NCP you can still apply via direct accession...essentially giving yourself twice the chance of getting back in. Getting your package ready as soon as possible is the key, I got mine done as soon as I could but it got kicked back 3 different times and I almost missed out on being picked up for the NCP in 2013.

PalmHarborMom is correct, nurses are direct commission officers which means you are commissioned prior to leaving for ODS. When I was signing my papers for the NCP and enlisting there was a recently graduated NCP student that was being commissioned. He had already passed the NCLEX and was leaving for ODS in about a month.

Remember your lungs full of air are what is keeping you afloat. When you go to take a breath, exhale and quickly turn your head to the side and take a nice deep breath (being careful not to suck in water). A soon as your lungs are empty you will sink so you want to do it all in one smooth motion. It's a similar motion to how you breath while swimming the freestyle stroke.