Too Green or Too Old?

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OK, I have been trying to get a solid answer to this question. So far by my investigations it isn't promising. However, I can't get a nursing rercruiter to respond. I just want to know is this possible?

I am a 6 year veteran of the Navy. I have a college degree already and would be going through the accelerateed BSN to get my second bachelors in nursing. When I graduate I will be 47. I know numbers wise it seems old, but I don't feel old, and I have always been kicking myslef for not finishing up my service in the military. I deeply miss serving my country. I understand that the Army has raised the retirement age to 62, but this may be for enlisted only. On the other hand, I understand medical personnel are treated different for age of retirement. Under my thoughts, as long as I get in prior to my 48th birthday I could retire at 62 with 20 years. First, can this even be done? Or have the numbers simply got too high?

Finally, if i can't get in that way. Would it be advantageous for me to enlist in the reserves as enlisted (as I still meet their number requirements I believe) and then once I have my Nursing degree, see if I can be changed to an active duty nurse at that time. I'm looking foir any option that can get me to my goal. If there simply is none.....then I guess I just have to accept it. But I'm hoping that where there is a will there is a way.

Anyone who actually knows the answer to my question would be welcome to comment.

Thanks.

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I would contact your districts health care recruiter and prep a pack to potentially submit this OCT for new fiscal year.

Aside from the direct commission to navy nurse you could look at trying to submit for a navy nurse candidate program as you can do that up to 24 months from time of graduation, so if you have your BSN acceptance letter for your accel program you could start packet now - cause it will take time for a likely age waiver request and you could maybe have that all assembled by OCT.... and if not you will have explored that route now rather then waiting... as far as enlisting now in order to secure yourself for a commission option I'd just keep in mind that even within the service there are age restrictions/requirements for being commissioned even though you may already be in service.

Here is a general link to the navy nurse candidate program - I hope some others can contribute some more concrete info or this might help in your pursuit, best of luck.

Nurse Candidate Program

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What is the oldest you can be for the NTP? I know they say on the website, 48 to be a nurse, but I saw in another question (a long time ago) and I asked a friend who works at Maxwell and they both said 39. Why would the new grad age be younger than the experienced age? Nursing is going to be a second career for me so I am a bit older than 39. Are my dreams over?

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Also remember that your active enlisted time will be subtracted from your age. You say that you will be 47 when you graduate, as for joining the military your age will be 41.

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Also remember that your active enlisted time will be subtracted from your age. You say that you will be 47 when you graduate, as for joining the military your age will be 41.

YES - completely accurate.

The goal of the military is to get you for twenty years (i.e., retirement) before you're sixty-two. All prior military service counts toward retirement. Since you have six years in, the Navy will consider you to be 41. Jeck's dead on. And you'll be right at the LAST MINUTE - but you'll be there!

START APPLYING/WORKING ON YOUR PACKAGE NOW. You can do this!

Stay away from enlisting (I think you're beyond the age for that anyway). Once you're enlisted it's more difficult to commission.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Go for it!! Your prior buys you time! So pursue it. I'm 42 and going back in. :)

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Mid's BACK in, actually - and on her way to officer training as we speak! STAY SAFE, MID!!!

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Thanks for the info. It gives me hope. Talk about working a deadline though. I'll keep myself in shape and keep plugging forward hoping for the best. I'd prefer to go Navy as I have experience with that branch of the military, but I'd also go Army if they would have me. I just want to serve and finish my time that way in nursing. Thanks again for responding when no one else would.

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Best wishes and keep us posted!

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I'm definately here at COT. I'm stealing a moment of quiet time. First time. 4 hours of sleep for each night. Top 5 is a challenge I NEVER expected. There are people here older than me!!! There are also a ton of 20 somethings. But I am still keeping up.... as you were, I am ahead of them! (just kidding). lol.

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Specializes in all.

Mid, Way to go!!!! You give hope to the rest of us NON-twentysomethings!!

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Hi Bram

I don't know much about the navy but can offer you a safety net with the army. I know that they have a special program for nurses aged 43 to 60. You only have to commit to 2 years at a time and it comes with quite a few bonuses etc. even if you just do reserves. Go after whatever you want but just know that the army has a place for you until you're 60. I feel strangely comforted by that and I'm 37 :)

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