What are the steps to joining the Nurse Corps?

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 4, 2014

There are 2 ways to join the nurse corps: ROTC and direct commission. You could do a graduate program and enroll in ROTC there. If you really want to join as BSN nurse, direct commission is your only option at this point.

You need to contact a local healthcare recruiter for the branch that you want to join; do this via each service's website. You can apply to multiple branches, but I wouldn't tell each recruiter that you are doing it. The apps for each branch are very different. All the branches are difficult to enter as a new graduate right now, but you can always apply now and apply again after a year of experience.

You must start the process roughly 6 months to 1 year before you graduate. For the Air Force, there is a medical physical, dozens of pages of forms, 9 essays, resume, 3-5 recommendation letters, and an interview.

_nurseinthemaking · May 4, 2014

Thank you

Raider 3/1 · May 5, 2014

Why would it be a problem telling the branch your interested in that your applying to multiple branches?

Dranger · May 5, 2014

Without ROTC and specialized work experience its very hard nowadays. Do a simple search as there are multiple threads addressing your question.

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 5, 2014

An article to read: https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/military-nursing-885815.html

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 5, 2014

In my experience, healthcare recruiters are way overworked. They are very difficult to get in touch with to begin with, because they cover vast regions and are inundated (especially now) with far more applicants than slots. The paperwork they have to do for each applicant is immense.

If they think for one minute that you might not take a job offer if it's given to you, then they might not put the work into your application. They might blow you off entirely.

Tell them the truth if they ask you directly, but I wouldn't volunteer the information.

Ben29 · May 5, 2014

I just spoke to a healthcare recruiter for the Army. She said, I need two years experience to join active duty and 6 months experience for Reserve. I am graduated from my BSN program in January 2016. What are your opinions about this? I don't know what to do anymore. The Army is the only branch I am interested in.

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 5, 2014

I'm a current AF nurse. There are some differences to each branch (in terms of assignments, locations, culture, etc), however I think it's mostly very similar. There's even whispers of one day creating a unified military medical corps (very soft whispers I might add). I work alongside Army and Coast Guard medical personnel routinely, and we basically do the same things. Having been a civilian nurse previously, I would say you're better off as a nurse in any branch than as a civilian.

The reserves are usually less competitive. I think the Air Force still takes some new grads (we aren't as overstaffed as the Army).

Ben29 · May 5, 2014

Is it true you have to do 9 essays as part of requirement for the Air Force? Do the Air Force has loan repayment for Education purpose like the Army has? Seriously, I have been working in the Nursing field for 5 years as an LPN. I decide I do not want to work as Nurse in the civilian side. Military will be a good option for me, preferably the Army. As a New graduate in Air Force, did your schedules are mostly grave yard shift. I read on this website that New grads in the Air Force work the hardest shift. :blackeye:

jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA · May 5, 2014

The 9 essays are like paragraphs. You actually can't take longer than 2 pages single-spaced to answer all 9 of them.

When I was accepted/signed in October of 2013, there was loan repayment up to $40,000 for a 4 year commitment. They do withhold your tax liability (for me 5k on 18k) in a lump sum. Caveat: your loans must be department of education loans. Private loans (banks) may not be covered.

Every commander has different rules. My squadron does rotating shifts. Everyone works their share of nights, weekends, and holidays regardless of rank***. The asterisk is because they can't have all Lts and airmen on a shift. They do have to balance the schedule for safety so that we have some Captains and Sergeants on each shift.

Ben29 · May 5, 2014

Last question, do Airforce give you three options like the Army to choose which medical centers you want to work? Thank you, much appreciated your answers. Thank God I have Loans from DoE. Good day. :cool: