Talking to recruiter about Navy NCP

PalmHarborMom · Oct 20, 2012

I am prior service and also in the process of trying to be accepted to the Nurse Candidate Program. I'll try to answer a few of your questions.

I just wanted to get everyone's comments and opinions on a few things before I head up there:
1. What are some questions that I should remember to ask the recruiter while I'm there? Will the recruiter have a list of questions that I'm supposed to answer as well? What should I wear? (I've seen some people say to dress like going to an interview but I'm not sure what is appropriate.)
Business casual is normally fine. Ask them for everything that you are going to need for them. There is a quite extensive background check that you have to go through and TONS of questions to answer. I would bring your marriage license, birth certificate, driver's license, Social security card, official sealed transcripts (from all colleges your have attended) and your letter of acceptance into a BSN program. Those will all be needed for your package. Also be prepared for after meeting with the recruiter to be busy getting together references from employers, professors, friends and neighbors. Then there is a motivational statement that you must make on one of the forms. (that is done later though) I also had to get the results of my last 2 pap smears.

I would ask about the in's and out's of the program. Just to make sure that nothing has changed since you looked at the info posted online. I just talked to the recruiter yesterday and they changed some of the paperwork needed and there will surely be more changes coming our way.
2. What is your opinion on the NCP versus direct commission once I graduate? Should I wait til graduation to pursue my dream?
With NCP you are competing against other students to get in the program. Direct Commision you are competing against other recent graduates AND nurses with experience. So there be less of a chance of getting in depending on the number of very qualified applicants. Then there is the money aspect. With NCP, once accepted, right now you get an initial $5000 bonus and $1000 stipend a month to help pay for school and then another $5000 bonus 6 months after the first. With Direct Commission, I believe the current sign-on bonus is $30,000. That amount is subject to change as demand changes. One other thing to consider is that bonuses are taxable and stipends are not. With NCP you also have the comfort of knowing that you have already secured you spot in the program and can just focus on school.
3. Is the program family friendly? I am married to a former Marine so I know a lot about military life in the USMC. However, is the medical aspect of the Navy friendly towards families?
The Navy is just like the other services. They will attempt to accommodate you and your family. BUT the military considers it your job to work out whatever you need to with your family. Leaving early or missing a day because of issues at home is frowned upon. As your husband can tell you, if it wasn't issued to you then it is not the military's responsibility. You will most likely be deployed at some point so be prepared for that. (my recruiter said to just know that it will happen to make it easier when it does) All that being said, the Navy is just like any other job (with the exception of the uniforms & deployments). If needed occasionally, you can swap shifts with someone. They expect you to be there on-time, which in the military is early. Also, there is no calling in sick, if you're ill then you go to sick call and be seen by a Dr. They will either tell you to go back to work OR put you SIQ (sick in quarters) and you go home. So unless things have changed bunches since I got out, the Navy is just like a regular job.
The Navy has changed a great deal since I got out so I'll let someone else answer about the how the Navy Nursing profession is.
:)

Let us know how things go at the recruiter! I am hoping to hear something by the end of November!

PalmHarborMom · Oct 20, 2012

I thought that I would let you know that I just read that the monthly stipend is taxable. I have read that it is and in another place that it isn't. So that may be a question to have answered.

CSUnursegirl2b · Oct 20, 2012

Wow thanks for all of the information PalmHarborMom! I appreciate the advice about the NCP vs DA. I wasn't even considering that I would have to compete with experienced nurses if I chose that direction. I will definitely take all of your advice when I visit the recruiter.

Just hoping everything goes well and I will definitely update and let you know what they say! Good luck with your application as well!

linnaete, ASN, BSN, MSN · Oct 21, 2012

Good luck with your application. If I were you, I would apply for NCP and keep DA as a back-up option if NCP doesn't work out!

CSUnursegirl2b · Oct 21, 2012

Thanks Linnaete! I'm definitely planning on doing that. I've always heard to never give up until you've used every resource possible!

HM2Doc · Oct 24, 2012

I am a prior service Hospital Corpsman and I've been in the NCP since July. Basically everything Linnaete said is correct. And, yes, the monthly stipend is taxable, as is the bonus.

NCP is a pain in the rear to get into, but it is sooo worth it to know that you have a job waiting for you after graduation. The trick to getting picked up for the program is to meet the requirements and get your package (aka a "Kit") submitted to the board ASAP. I can't stress "ASAP" enough.

If you have any questions about the application process you should definitely ask your recruiter for a definitive answer; however, I'll be happy to answer any questions based on my personal experience. Good luck! :)

CSUnursegirl2b · Oct 25, 2012

I spoke to the recruiter today and she seemed to think I have a good chance at getting accepted. Crossing my fingers anyways! We're going to try and get my app in for the December board. From what she said today, it looks like their are only 22 spots left.