Published Apr 11, 2012
Maevish, ASN, RN
396 Posts
I'd gone to an Army recruiter when I first started working at my current job, right out of school. He'd said that I needed to get my BSN and that the ARMY would pay for it, etc, etc, etc. I know that his job is to recruit so some of the things I heard didn't sound QUITE as glowing as what I hear from other people actually serving as nurses.
I have student loans amounting to over 75K since I was another major before my parents talked me into nursing (which I'm now glad they did!), plus bills and stuff and I'm concerned that when/if I tried to apply for any branch, I'm actually thinking Navy now, I'll get behind in my payments while at OTC and lose my apartment, etc.
I saw a job posted for Navy that required a minimum of an ASN, which I have and I'd be willing to take my BSN if it weren't for all the loans I already have and money leaving quicker than I can bring it in. Did anyone else have that problem?
Also, I would have to work on the physical requirements as the only thing that stands in my way is that I have next to no upper body strength and am "overweight", even though I'm close to meeting/exceeding the other physical requirements even at my current weight. I've already done the ASVAB when I was looking into the ARMY and did well, but I can't imagine going back to school as well as OTC and getting behind in my payments, etc.
Also, I get migraines about 2 times a month and near daily headaches (the latter of which I know is because of a neck problem that I'm seeing a chiropractor for and it seems to be helping. Is that an exclusion?
Oh, I have experience in Oncology, MedSurg, and Post Partum, and have been in the ICU for a couple years now, if that would make any difference. Thanks! :-)
jeckrn, BSN, RN
1,868 Posts
The position with the Navy would be for a civilian position. For all services have to your BSN to become an officer. If you have taken an ASVAB you have been talking to a enlisted recruiter and if you join you would be enlisted and work as a LPN not a RN. You need to speak with a HealthCare Recruiter not your local neighborhood recruiter. Not sure what you mean about falling behind on your bills while at OTC, and losing your apartment. If you join while you are in training you recieve a paycheck. If you are keeping your apartment sounds like you are looking into the reserves.