Reserves/Guard Nursing w/ Perm Profile

Specialties Government

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Hello everyone,

I'm currently a SSG in the Indiana Army National Guard. I received my B.S. in Nutrition Science last October, and JUST resigned my AGR position to attend Nursing School (just revived my acceptance letter a few days ago!).

I'm in somewhat of a different situation than others... I feel like I need to Commission, and FAST! Since I'm already in the military (9 years total, 7 years active duty), I feel like I'm wasting time towards my 20 by not becoming an officer. That being said, I also have a permanent profile.

I have completely collapsed arches in my feet an get a lot of knee pain from running. I stay is GREAT shape (been doing CrossFit for 2 years), but recently tore my meniscus and had knee surgery last December, so running is now WAY out of the picture... I've already been told that I cannot attend OCS or participate in ROTC with a perm profile, but I can accept a Direct Commission... If only I was qualified for one, lol!

Anyone out there with a similar experience? I'm assuming that a profile isn't going to hinder my ability to direct commission once I become a RN. I'm coping with the fact that, even though I already have a degree, I'll probably have to wait until I get a BSN before I can commission (hopefully without being deployed as a finance or infantry Soldier, my only 2 MOS's in the mean time.... Wouldn't THAT suck? To be an RN on the civilian side, but then deployed as Finance?).

Any tips or advice would be very appreciated!

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Specializes in CCRN, TNCC, CEN, CFN, CNOR, CMSRN.

I think a nurse recruiter would best be able to answer your questions. I'm prior enlisted and went Nurse Corps (Navy reserves) after earning my degree and passing the state boards (NCLEX). I would definitely talk with recruiting regarding your profile and other questions. Lots and lots of prior enlisted have gone nurse corps so I'm sure they'll have the answers.

One thing though, It's mine understanding that Army and Air Force will commission associate degree RNs. The Navy will not. They want a bachelors, which stinks in my opinion. We have a saying; navy corpsman are the best source for Army Nurse Corps recruiters. Many of them get an associates and jump to the Army for a commission since the navy won't recognize a two year degree. Hope this helps and good look

R/

Lieutenant Commander Frank B.

Fallujah Iraq 2004-2005

Kandahar Afghanistan 2010-2011.

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Specializes in Trauma.

Gonavy is mistaken.... They all require a BSN now. The only exception is the Guard will take an ADN after they are admitted into a BSN program. I am not sure about activation status. I agree it would suck to be a working ADN in a BSN program then be activated and have to put everything on hold until you come back. Especially if you are in the middle of a semester and will have to repeat that semester. I have chosen to put myself into the IRR while in school.

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Specializes in CCRN, TNCC, CEN, CFN, CNOR, CMSRN.

Doc, thanks for straightening that out. I wasn't sure if all branches had gone Bachelors or if it was still just the Navy.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

But what stinks about the Navy is they will only count your time working after you have completed BSN towards constuctive credit.

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Specializes in mental health, military nursing.

How had you been handling your guard PT tests?

Can't speak for the Army, but I can't see the AF commissioning you on a permanent profile. Long-term inability to run is enough to get you med-boarded out, even once you've already got your commission - any profile that lasts longer than a year warrants an automatic med board. You can always apply for a waiver, but that could be months of waiting to be disappointed.

From AFI 10-248:

"4.2.7.2. Members who are physically unable to participate in a fitness/exercise/training programfor greater than one year due to medical conditions should be presumed to be non-deployable, non-assignable and MEB processing will be initiated NLT one year after the first profile for the affecting condition IAW AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards."

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Specializes in ICU, ER, OR, FNP.

Laura,

I write Narsums that start the MEB process for a living. We don't automatically kick out anyone for the inability to perform an aerobic component. I don't think we'd allow them to enter, but we don't auto kick them out. We Narsum, then code 37, then submit it to Lackland. They determine it the SM gets separated or return to duty with limitations. The latter being the majority of decisions when the SM has a high value low density job like the medical field.

For the OP,

A MEB is final, but can be overturned by the DAWG/SGH at the command that initiated it if they get new information and don't think the decision matches the SMs current health status. Also, MEB results can and are debated with a civilian lawyer of your choosing and I have seen amazing results on the behalf of the SM. Some folks that don't take "no" for an answer can get stuff done that otherwise was unheard of.

Good luck.

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