What to expecat at MEPS?

staugnurse · Jul 5, 2012

Expect to be there all day. I thought it was going to be worst then it was. I didn't think it was bad at all. Basically, they check your vitals, hearing, vision and range of motions. I live close to MEPS so I didn't stay in a hotel but if you live far then they will shuttle you there.

babe48076 · Jul 5, 2012

Thank you so much.

midinphx, BSN · Jul 5, 2012

Expect that you will have to be evaluated doing some range of motion exercises in your bra and panties in a group of same sex applicant. Wear a sports bra and underwear you feel comfortable in. You will also be providing a urine sample and you will be monitored as you provide it.

babe48076 · Jul 5, 2012

@midinphx thank you for preparing me for the details. I would have been caught off guard with someone watching me voiding. lol

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 6, 2012

@midinphx thank you for preparing me for the details. I would have been caught off guard with someone watching me voiding. lol

This happens quite a bit in the Army -- we have random urine drug screens from time to time, and you have to be observed while urinating. I've gotten used to it now, I just hang out and make conversation while trying to produce urine from my ER nurse bladder that is used to voiding only q 12 hrs. LOL

babe48076 · Jul 6, 2012

@ LunahRN LOL. This will be some great conversation.

HBaum · Jul 9, 2012

@babe48076,

Lots of people told me that it would be a long and all-day process, but mine wasn't that bad. Since I lived an hr away from MEPS, my recruiter got me a hotel to stay in right by MEPS for the night before, since it's such an early wake up call. I think we had breakfast at 5:40 and were out the door by 6 headed to MEPS. Make sure to drink a LOT of water so you have a full bladder so it's easier to void in front of someone. Thankfully, I had a wonderful SSgt that was taking us 6 girls around to our different stations. She made it very enjoyable for me. I have heard horror stories about MEPS, and was very thankful mine went well! Make sure to say "ma'am/sir" whenever you're talked to...they expect it! Also, LISTEN! The people running the MEPS I went to HATED when people weren't listening and paying attention and following details exactly!

Since we, as nurses, are going for commissioned officers, we are treated well (better than enlisted members) wherever we go (if we listen and are respectful). Overall.. just listen, don't lose the papers they give you, follow directions to a T, and be respectful!

Anxious to hear how it goes!

-HBaum-

babe48076 · Jul 9, 2012

@ HBaum thank you for you response. I go in the morning and pray that all goes well. I will let everyone know sometime tomorrow. I have been so nervous all day today. I am just ready to get it over with. I hope I have a good experience like you.

HBaum · Jul 9, 2012

@babe48076,

I was nervous as heck too! But I talked to a lot of my military friends who told me not to worry (although I didn't believe them lol). Just be honest and polite! What branch are you trying to go in to?

-HBaum-

babe48076 · Jul 9, 2012

The Navy. My husband is AD Navy and he is saying the same thing. What branch did you apply for?

HBaum · Jul 9, 2012

Very cool. I applied for AD Air Force. Apparently they don't take many applicants for the nurse transition program right out of college... so we'll see :/ I have a deep passion to serve, so I'm praying it all works out :) Good luck tomorrow!