Will taking medication disqualify me from becoming an army nurse?

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Hi everyone:

I spoke with an army nurse recruiter today over the phone to get more information about becoming an army nurse. The conversation went very well and I'm now going forward with enlisting as an army nurse.

However, in our discussion, we spoke briefly about my pmh and I'm very concerned about the fact that I take Effexor for depression but I have been very stable on this medication. The recruiter said that she would have to check and see if this is one of the approved medications to be on and if not I may be able to get a waiver.

I've been looking online since then and I'm feeling discouraged because this may be a disqualifying factor for me.

Has anyone had a similar experience with this and if so, what was the outcome?

Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

I am not sure if this DQs you or not but a waiver will be hard to get if you need one because of the low number of nurses being recruited at this time.

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I can't tell you 100% yes but for ROTC I remember that you needed to be off of the meds for a year before they would qualify you. I assume it would be the same for direct commission officers.

Oh and it's commissioning not enlisting. Sorry I am particular about military stuff :D

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Not to be a downer, but it's not as simple as just enlisting. You will have to submit a very extensive packet that will go before a board, and you would have to be selected to commission. It is VERY competitive right now. The Nurse Corps is overstrength as it is - too many even in the critical care and ER areas of concentration (AOCs). You wouldn't have enough time to go before this year's selection board, but it would at least give you plenty of time to prepare for the next one in November 2014.

Regarding the depression and Effexor, obtaining a waiver at this time is highly unlikely; waivers are more apt to be granted in a time of need, and this isn't one. Given its current mental health climate, the Army is naturally extremely wary of having more members with any mental health issues, even if you've been stable on your meds. Like Dranger mentioned, people generally have to be off of them for a certain period of time to demonstrate stability.

Edited to add: I realize this is a really negative post, but I try to keep it real. Good luck and thank you for desiring to serve.

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