USNR Nurse Corps Specialties

[Barbershope, CNA]

Hey y'all! I have a question about reserve nursing specialties. However, I have a unique background that must be taken into account before I pose my question. 

Background: I am a civilian in my twenties who is graduating from a BSN program this year. I am not in ROTC, do not have prior enlisted experience, nor grew up in a military family. But I do have some healthcare experience as a CNA on a med surg floor. I am just truly inspired and motivated by the culture, values, and missions of the Nurse Corps (and the USN in general). I am really wanting to join reserve after graduation over active duty because honestly... I have never lived and breathed the military way of life. The intention with going reserve after graduation is to get my feet wet, and then transition to active duty (making it my full-time career) a few years from now if I end up liking it. 

Question: What civilian nursing specialty should I go into after graduation, to give me the greatest chance of getting picked up by the Reserves in the future? From what I understand the USNR doesn't just pick up any licensed nurse. If this influences anything, in 2019, the USN shorted the 6 month civilian nursing experience to join the reserves to 3 months. 

If you have any other information about USN nursing, USN reserve, your experiences, tips, etc., please do not hesitate to let me know. 

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

In general, ICU experience is typically the most desired for nearly any military nursing job.  Other than operating room, ICU RNs can pretty much backfill any other role.  I would go with that.

[Barbershope, CNA]

On 6/12/2022 at 10:59 AM, jfratian said:

In general, ICU experience is typically the most desired for nearly any military nursing job.  Other than operating room, ICU RNs can pretty much backfill any other role.  I would go with that.

Thank you!