Specific questions before beginning military nursing application

[FroEJ25]

I have some questions regarding military service and nursing. The basics first- I'm a 29 YOA male, finishing my 3rd bachelor's (B.S.N.) in April (1st was B.S. Zoology, 2nd was B.S. Medical Technology). I have been intermittently considering military service since I was young, but didn't want to go enlisted, and didn't want to work as a med tech. My family has a history of service- my brother and dad were Marines, and several cousins have served as officers, so I think I have a fairly good idea of what I'm getting into (although none served in a medical capacity). From past history, I would prefer Navy, but I'm not ruling out Army or USPHS.

1) The first questions I have are about qualifications. My academic history is sporadic- my cumulative college GPA is around a 3.2, with my nursing GPA hovering around a 3.0 and my advanced science classes averaging a bit over a 3.5. Not impressive; however, I scored a 35S on the MCAT (15 Biological Science, 11 Verbal, 9 Physical Science, 93-95th percentile bracket overall), 98th percentile on the GRE-Biology, and a 1900 on the GRE (but its an old score, they score them differently now). I don't think these grades would disqualify me, but I would like to know if anyone is aware of them being a problem before I go through the hassle of the long application process...

2) My next question is regarding physical / medical issues. I am 29, and will be 30 in May; this isn't an outright disqualification I know, but realistically I suspect that the military would rather select someone younger. I believe I can meet the physical fitness requirements, so that's not a huge concern, however I am curious about how to handle some of my medical history. I had asthma when I was very young, but when I attempted to get the records from the hospital, I discovered that they had been destroyed; should I not mention the asthma, or inform them of the situation? I haven't had any trouble in 23 years, but the service may still want to know. Its annoying, because the only way they would ever find out is if I told them- there are no records, and no symptoms- but if I'm going to be 100% honest, I should tell them.

3) Next question is regarding time in service and how my previous experience will be handled. I have not been a part of any uniformed service, however I worked for the U.S. government for nearly five years. First I was in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Fellowship for a year, than began working for the CDC in bioterrorism security / early warning. I worked for the CDC in this capacity for nearly two years, then was transitioned to a private contractor (doing the same job) for a little over a year. What, if any, of this would count as "Time in Service" and apply towards promotion, retirement, etc.? I was a GS-9 during the nearly 2 years of CDC employment, if that helps. The evaluation of this may also be affected by the fact that I was employed as a molecular biologist, not a nurse. I probably will be told something regarding this by the recruiter, but would like to know BEFORE he tells me- just the way I am.

4) This question may be impossible to answer, so I'll apologize ahead of time, but realistically, what specialties can I reasonably expect to have offered initially? It sounds like Med / Surge is where most people end up, but that would be one of my last choices; with my background and experience, I'd prefer infection control, infectious diseases, or critical care. I also discovered I like pediatrics and psych. Actually, the only rotation I HAVEN'T liked was Med / Surge, so if I could avoid that experience I would. I may be better off working for a year or two before joining, if I could find a job doing what I want; would this help me get one of the positions I mentioned? I had thought initially that picking a specialty in the military was like picking an MOS; once you selected it, that was what you were. Researching more, it seems that I may have been wrong; there is some flexibility and opportunity to change, correct? The duty stations mentioned as the "Big 3" (Bethesda, Portsmouth, San Diego) in other posts don't bother me; any of these would be fine (preferably one of the first 2).

5) What are the odds of getting into one of the services this fiscal year? I had no idea it was such a long procedure to get in. Perhaps I should have, knowing what I do about Federal service, but still, I would hate to begin a job and quit it 2 months in to join the military. Given the current economic situation and job opportunites in Michigan (very limited at this time), the job search is going to be a real pain; not something I'm looking forward to. I may actually have to move out of state to get a job- several local hospitals are actually laying off nurses, while the vast majority are on full or partial hiring freezes.

That is all of my questions at this time, although I'm sure I'll think of more later. I apologize in advance if my questions have been asked and answered elsewhere, but I read numerous posts (and had several questions answered; this is a great resource!) without finding answers to these questions. Thank you for your responses,

Jon

[wtbcrna, MSN, DNP, CRNA]

1) The first questions I have are about qualifications. My academic history is sporadic- my cumulative college GPA is around a 3.2, with my nursing GPA hovering around a 3.0 and my advanced science classes averaging a bit over a 3.5.

Your GPA is fine. Overall it is over 3.0 which is the most important thing.

2) I had asthma when I was very young, but when I attempted to get the records from the hospital, I discovered that they had been destroyed; should I not mention the asthma, or inform them of the situation?

I take care of active duty persons with a history of childhood asthma all the time. It is usually a straight forward waiver, if you even want to mention it.

3) Next question is regarding time in service and how my previous experience will be handled.

I don't think any of your GS time counts towards military service. It never hurts to ask, but I am pretty sure it doesn't count.

4) This question may be impossible to answer, so I'll apologize ahead of time, but realistically, what specialties can I reasonably expect to have offered initially?

More than likely you will end up on med-surg as a new nurse. That being said there are sometimes openings for new nurses in OB and peds. If you really want to work in one of those speciality areas then you should get as much civilian RN speciality experience as you can before you enter the service. The Army is your best chance if you want to get it in your contract to go into speciality area as a new nurse.

5) What are the odds of getting into one of the services this fiscal year?

Considering this fiscal year doesn't end until next September I think your chances are pretty good as long you start your application ASAP

Good Luck!

[JDCitizen]

Good Luck!

Can't add much except go see a recruiter (make sure its a health services recruiter). I might recommend visiting each branches site; The Air Force and Navy has a great chat future. The Army has a chat feature but it's quite difficult to keep up with but their email response for information is 100%

Your age is not a problem from what I have seen. The army now has a program for medical folks ages 43-60 (just to point out that age now days is not really a problem)... But at 29-30 age as a medical officer I believe you could even try Navy (They told me their cutoff was 42 last year)...

Asthma no records and no current problems; Waivers seem to abound especially for medical folks.

If worse comes to worse you could ask for a pre-screen. But you won't know until you try.