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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg.

Ok, so I'm getting my BSN next July (2012) and I will be joining the Navy at that point. Here's my question:

When I join, I will have a BS, a BSN, and a masters degree in theology. I will have 7 years of RN experience. Will I be at the same rank (Ensign) as the brand new nurse who just passed their boards and hasn't worked a day as a nurse? Is there a chance I could get commissioned as a LTJG instead? Does anybody know what the criteria are for starting at a higher rank?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Hey there

I am in the process of receiving my commission into the Navy's Nurse Corps. I just went to MEPS and got my kit submitted so waiting to hear from board. I have my CCRN and almost 8 years of critical care experience. I am being brought in as an O-2 (LTJG). I was told this was primarily due to my national certification (CCRN) and experience in critical care. I'm also a supervisor. I would think with a masters degree (granted non-nursing) that should carry some water when they assign your rank but you'd have to ask your recruiter. He found out for me very quickly what rank I would go in at, all he did was submit my resume to the program director in Millington, TN.

Hope this helps!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg.

So since I'm a med-surg nurse, I should try to get my CMSRN this year. Might that help my chances for higher starting rank?

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Talk to your recruiter you should be able to go to ocs for a very short period and start out as an officer in any service.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

A masters outside of nursing will usually get no credit towards rank. Seven years of RN experience would be eligible for O-2 in the AF, but I am unsure if the Navy calculates beginning rank the same way.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Since you are just getting your BSN the last I know the Navy would not give you any credit for your ADN nursing. I finished my BSN in 2009 and was in the Army Reserves as a RN for 5 years and a RN for 11 years. The only credit they would give me was the 15 months that I was on active duty when I was activated in 2005. Of course every case is different. You could come in as a LTjg with because of your masters. You need to ask your recruiter about this. Try doing a web search on Navy regs about constructive credit, wish I knew the reg number for you.

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