Reserves Question - Enlisted/Officer

[redshott]

ok, i have what's hopefully a quick question. i'm trying to get into school for nursing (for a year or so now) and one of my goals after i graduate is to join the reserves - not sure which one though but leaning towards navy. i'm getting frustrated with the school processes and am debating about going ahead and joining the reserves while still in school. what holds me back is: what would i do before i get my rn and i've heard/seen on here that if you go in as enlisted, it's hard to transition to officer- which i want.

i've even debated about joining full-time but i have a dog i can't give up right now :) i've tried to contact a navy reserve person thru their website but haven't heard anything in a month or so. does anyone have any recommendations as to which branch (for reserves) and how hard it is to transition? i am a former usmc wife so i've had a taste of navy and marine bases.

thanks for any advice!

amanda

[mehelena]

I'm not sure...but I know that the Navy just created a Facebook page where you can talk to real Navy nurses who can answer your question. Here's the link if you're interested: http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/US-Navy-Healthcare/58255525412

Hope that helps! =)

[woknblues]

First, the Nurse Corp in all the forces only takes a BSN grad. http://www.navyreserve.com/opportunities/officer/healthcare_nc.jsp (AFAIK)...There is a reserve/school option that pays you a stipend each month until you graduate, then a commitment to go active (I could be wrong here) but I believe it is for specialized nursing degrees and training (army), like psych and CRNA. Going active duty will give you the biggest bonuses and money towards schooling, obviously. http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/graduate.jsp

One thing I have learned in my own search for information so far, is that every single person "seems" to ask the same questions, but really, we are asking the same questions, from our unique perspectives. These unique perspectives mean that of the dozens of types of entry paths, bonuses and other options, you really need to sit down, draw it all up on a time line or a spread sheet, then talk to a medical recruiter (only, not regualar), take excellent notes, then talk to your family/spouse (maybe an accountant?!) and take it from there. The main thing for me is "timing issues" and money. I have no need for tuition reimbursement, unlike many of my peers, so am more interested in accession bonuses. In a way, it is not fair that the forces will pay a huge debt in tuition, and not the same amount to folks who have not carried forward debt, but as it goes, more are in debt and need relief before they could consider commision or enlistment, so it seems to be popular. Am I going to be overseas when my future wife is pregnant? When are we going to buy a house? When can she re-enter the workforce? When can I re-enter the civilian workforce? Do I have enough time to continue school, deploy, raise a family, support my wife's career, etc. All of these questions need to be answered before I can go further in MY search. Good luck with yours!! (Sorry to hi-jack, hope I was somewhat helpful)

[redshott]

Right, I used to live on a Navy base and have a cousin who is a USMC officer so I knew about the BSN. My main thing is there is nobody that I can talk to about it on the Navy side. Can't find a phone number for a local place and the website, I never get a reply. I don't really need them to pay for school as I'm paying for it as I go but like you said, the bonus is nice! I'll let you guys know if I get in touch with someone! Thanks for all your help!