Wishing to enlist

[OrdnanceGirl95]

Hello I am 19 years old and looking to join the Navy. I'm currently a nursing student at Gwynedd-Mercy University working towards my B.S.N. degree. I thought about joining a few years back, but put it off when I was accepted into my University. I have come full circle and now want to join again. I'm pretty physically fit (could use some conditioning/endurance training), love helping people, and want to see the world. I only have 2 issues;

1.) I am in school and want to stay to get my degree. I'm just wondering if there's any way of working with me being in school and all.

2.) I am not the strongest swimmer. I can do the very minor basics and was wondering how this may play a part in joining since it is the Navy and all (Water).

Besides those 2 issues I have nothing holding me back from joining and if it weren't for those 2 issues I would sign up today.

[MarNavyMom]

Hi SeaNurse,

I think the best thing to do for you is talk to a recruiter. They can answer all your questions. I know you will have to pass a swim test and can not graduate boot camp until you do. So take a few lessons or just work on it on your own. As far as staying in school they can work on the date that your would like to enlist. So you can wait till after you graduate college. I bet you will get better ideas from some of the other ladies on this website. Good Luck!!

[LeAnn ⚖]

SeaNurse: 

As we discussed in a private chat, you will want to speak to a recruiter for the Navy Nurse Corps - not the enlisted recruiter.  The Navy has Health Care Professional Recruiters that deal only with advanced medicine and not enlisted, such as corpsman.  With the Navy Nurse Corps program, you will attend college with the financial assistance of the Navy, and serve your commitment after graduation.  The NROTC has a nursing program which is only available at specific universities/colleges affiliated with the Navy.  During your college years, I believe you will be a non-commissioned Naval officer and upon graduation and completion of Officer Candidate School (OCS) be promoted to Ensign - you should verify that with the recruiter.

The Navy does require the ability to swim.  Many who are non-swimmers learn to swim in boot camp (RTC), OCS and ODS.  I’m sure you will do fine.

I have two kids that are Navy Medicine, one a doctor and the other in medical school.  Although different than the Nurse Corps, the Navy programs offer many advantages for college students with the service obligation after graduation. 

Please keep me advised of your endeavors with nursing and the Navy.

[BunkerQB]

Terrific idea. I know a Navy family w one going thru nursing school and the other thru medical school. Will try to get you more info if you like.

[lizzy_hamilton17]

the navy will work with you being in school-not only do they pay for your schooling, but you're earning credits while in as well. 

As for the second thing, lots of people go to basic training not being able to swim.  You will take extra time while in basic training and they will work on your water skills with you. 

Hope this helps. 

[Craig]

SeaNurse - You really need to talk to an "officer" recruiter, and not an "enlisted" recruiter.  With the education as a RN, you're wasting your time (in my eyes) as a plain old Hospital Corpsman (HM). You have a much needed skill, if you get the RN license, that would put you on the path of a good solid career.  There is nothing that says a HM  position would be open for you, and you might have to even join as Boatswain Mate (BM) and chipping paint and manning the lines on the ship for 4 years. 

I want you to remember that enlisted personnel use the word "Enlist".  Officer use the word "Commission".  So what you need to do is find out where the officer recruiters are, and tell them "you want to find out about medical commissioning programs".  Starting pay for a O-1 officer is about double of a enlisted E6.  So the money is much much better.  You also need to find out how they could pay for your schooling. 

As far as swimming.  Even if you don't join the Navy, go to your local YCMA and take a course on how to float.  It would take you a month, but its a good life long item that will help you sometime in your life.  You don't want to receive the training in the Navy.  Do it as a civilian and you'll be fine.  90% of the battle is not being scared.  You get over the fear, you're on your way....

I truly believe your path in the Navy is being a Medical Officer. 

Just my thoughts....

[hazegrey]

Seanurse14,  It sounds like the navy would be lucky to have you join. Make sure you do it right. The comments below are good. Do your research and get to the right recruiter. You definitely want to go in under the officer program.  Swimming is the easy part but you should do it now and get physically fit. Go to the Y and join a program pronto.  It appears that people do join in poor physical shape and can't swim very well.  This adds another entire element to boot camp that could have been taken out of the equation if done before people join.  Besides you want to be able to surf in Hawaii if you get stationed there!! Best of luck.