Want to join the AF/Navy as a nurse with a unique situation...

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Hey guys! I'm currently doing my research on the options and opportunities that I have if I become an AF/Navy Nurse and I realized that almost all of my searches in Google leads me to threads in this site, so I decided to join in. Anyway, these are my general descriptions:

  • US immigrant since 2008 (from Philippines)
  • studying in the Philippines and will be graduating BSN in October 2011 (we have a different curriculum)
  • graduating Cum Laude
  • experience in organizational leadership, community service, volunteer activities, etc.
  • planning to take the NCLEX not later than May 2012 (both my parents are also nurses here in California and they also studied in the Philippines)
  • no experience yet but planning to train as a critical care nurse as soon as I pass the NCLEX
  • planning to enter the Air Force/ Navy (whichever I get accepted to) after my training in critical care

My questions are:

  1. Can I enter the AF/Navy even if I'm just a legal resident and not a citizen? I know that it says you should be a US citizen but I read in one of the sites that legal residents are also allowed to join. Just wanted to clarify this point.
  2. If yes, will I be under the Nurse Transition Program (NTP) because of my lack of experience even if I go into training as Critical Care Nurse?
  3. Which of the following is better? (a) Join the AF/Navy, pass the NCLEX, train in critical care; (b) Pass the NCLEX, train in critical care, join the AF/Navy (NOTE: both options provide that I will only gain experience once I'm in the AF/Navy)
  4. Will it be hard for me to enter the AF/Navy with my descriptions mentioned above? Which service is harder to get into?

I would really appreciate your responses. Thanks! :D

I was inquiring for some careers in the Navy. I do agree that you would obtain a lot of benefits cause my dad was in the navy for 2decades in the health safety department. However, here are some of the deats I found.

[h=2]Qualifications[/h]To qualify for Active Duty employment consideration in the Navy Nurse Corps, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen currently practicing in the U.S. (contact a
    Navy Medical Recruiter for details)
  • Be a student or graduate in good standing of a U.S. education program granting a bachelor of science degree and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Be licensed to practice in a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a U.S. territory (new graduates must obtain a license within one year of beginning Active Duty service)
  • Be willing to serve a minimum of three years of Active Duty
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 41
  • Be in good physical condition and pass a full medical examination

    You can refer to this weblink: Nurse : Health Care : Careers & Jobs : America's Navy: Navy.com

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