Should I get my BSN before joining Navy Reserves?

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Hello, I am new to this site and was open to anyone's advice in regards to finishing nursing school or joining the Navy Reserves. I am currently 37 and about 3 years away from getting a BSN. I am in the process of joining the Navy Reserves but have not gone to the military processing center yet for my physical and swearing in (my recruiter wants me to go next week). I am a mom of 2 kids and have always wanted to work as a nurse in the military. The reason why I want to join the reserves now is because of my age and I'm also hoping to get help paying for school. However, my sister thinks finishing school should be my priority and that the Navy can wait. I am just worried about my age by the time I finish nursing school. Any insight on this would be much appreciated! Thank you!

I am also looking for some information about the navy nursing reserves. I currently have a BA and am starting an associates RN program this fall. Do I have to have a BSN or would I qualify with a BA and an RN? Thank you.

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For the Navy, Yes. You must have a completed BSN and RN for both Active and Reserve programs. I know the Army had a program that would take an ASN with RN and send them to school to complete their BSN. Unsure if still availabale, but might be something to look into.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

The Army Reserves is not taking any ADN's at this time. All nurses have to have BSN's to join either active or reserves

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NavyMM,

Do you know if I would be eligible for the HM to BSN program since I'm not with OHSU? I'm attached to a SeeBee unit, however, I work in the clinic with OHSU pretty much all day when we drill and train on occasion with them as well. I'm sure I could get the OHSU OIC to write me a recommendation, I'm just not sure how stead fast they are on only allowing OHSU HM's into the program.

Thanks, HM3 Frick

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Friction, you will need to contact a local Medical recruiter. There is usually an officer recruiter at each NOSC. If not, then your local Enlisted recruiting office should be able to but you in contact with one. I am sorry, but I have transferred from officer recruiting and I am only able to help with some information, but am not current on specifics. The medical officer recruiter should be able to contact BUMED to see what steps need to be taken specific to your situation. I am sure, at a minimum, you will need an acceptance letter from an accredited university stating that you have been accepted to a BSN program and your ASN GPA should be competitive (3.0+).

The plus side is that the required documents (previous post above) just state that an OHSU statement must be submitted and doesn't state that you must be assigned to one. I hope thast helps some. If you need more information, please let me know and I can help you as much as I can or at least point you in the direction of finding the information you need.

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hello, im just wondering if you need an experience in order to be commissioned as a nurse? im a newly grad just passed nlex

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I'm not 100% sure, however, you shouldn't need any experience in order to apply for a commission for the Nurse Corps. Your best bet is to contact your local medical officer recruiter and talk to them. Additionally, you need to possess a BSN degree (not just an RN) in order to be eligible for the Nurse Corps. NavyMM, previously told me, she use to be a medical recruiter so she may be able to answer any further questions you may have. But like I said, your best bet is probably to contact your local medical officer recruiter. Let me know if you have any further question, I may or may not be able to help based on my previous research :)

Good luck, HM3 Frick

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Darts, what Frick is saying is true, you must have your BSN and RN. If you have those, then the reqs for commission state at least three months of experience and be currently employed as a nurse. If you need more details or help locating a nurse recruiter, let me know. I guess a question needs to be, are you looking at Active or Reserve force?

FYI... I am Male. Not a problem, just letting you know.

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:banghead:

Sorry, not sure why I figured you were female.

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Specializes in Research.

I am interested in the active duty Navy Nurse Corps. I begin an Accelerated BSN program in January and I'll be done in December. I suppose I should wait until I finish the program before I contact a Navy medical recruiter, or can I get the process started earlier?

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cdscmb - it can be a really long process to get your packet together and it really varies. I would contact a medical recruiter now and just find out what your options would be.

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Navymm1swaw-

I have a few questions for you, I hope you can assist...

I have a BA in communications, an Associate in Respiratoy Therapy, I'm currently enrolled in an Associate Degree Nursing prog, I will be done July 2012, I plan on getting my BSN also, I have been toying with the idea to join the Navy Medical Corps, I understand that I need my BSN first.

I am a 29 yo single mom of 1 and I'm afraid that it could take me away, however I heard that I can request to work in navy medical centers and not the ships, is that correct? Also, my ultimate goal is to become a CRNA, I know the navy will pay for schooling but how does acceptance into CRNA prog work also? I saw on the website that is a officer development school that's five weeks long, does that include running etc? Lastly, what advice do you have for a single parent wanting to join the navy medical corps, luckily I have a huge family support system.

Thanks in advance!

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