Reserve RN

[jjphoenix]

Hello,

I was thinking about joining the reserves as a nurse and had some questions about joining and the benefits. Most of the info on the forums is pretty old and wanted some fresh info.

I am 32 and am a prior service Marine (I've been out since 2008), honorable discharge, 0 disability. I've been an RN for 4 + years (ICU, Swat, ER, Flight, and House Supervisor).

Is that too old or have I been out too long for my service to count?

Are my options decent with my current experience?

Do my nursing years of experience count year for year?

Can I receive help with loan repayment for school or bonuses?

Any help from someone with recent or related experience would be great appreciated, thank you.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the Government/Military forum

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

You would receive 6 months of Army credit for each year as a civilian nurse, so you would commission as an O-1/1LT because they consider 4 years civilian to be equal to 2 military.

I don't believe there are currently any bonuses or financial incentives for the nursing AOC, but if you don't ask, the answer is always no. The Army has been overstrength in the nurse corps for a while.

Edited to add: you are not too old. :) I commissioned as an active duty nurse when I was 38!

[jjphoenix]

Hmm I was told that you get half credit per year below 5 years, after 5 years you get year for year credit. I will have to clarify, thanks. I havnt done more than briefly chat on the phone with a few recruiters.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Hmm I was told that you get half credit per year below 5 years, after 5 years you get year for year credit. I will have to clarify, thanks. I havnt done more than briefly chat on the phone with a few recruiters.

Not in my experience. I commissioned with a friend who had just under 8 years of experience and she came in as a 1LT but promoted to CPT with the board the following year.

[Wolfe24]

I've been looking in to Navy Nurse Reserves and I've been told only your years as a BSN nurse count toward your rank. I'm not 100% sure as I haven't yet talked to a recruiter, but I was told this by someone who recently commissioned into the reserves.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

I've been looking in to Navy Nurse Reserves and I've been told only your years as a BSN nurse count toward your rank. I'm not 100% sure as I haven't yet talked to a recruiter, but I was told this by someone who recently commissioned into the reserves.

That is correct for the Navy but the Army and AF will accept your ADN time.