how smart is it to go into the navy (or any other military branch) after i graduate from nursing school? Im not tied down to anyone. I dont have any kids. I would like to travel for a bit, but i ultimately don't want to spend too much time away from texas.
Lori
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December 15th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I’ve wondered the same thing. Plus i want my student loans paid off. any advice anyone for us two?
December 18th, 2008 at 8:20 am
I’m not a nurse, but I was in the Navy… the traveling and the “military stuff” is secondary to a lot of BS, frankly. Much respect for those who served… but if you want to travel then be a traveling nurse, they go around the world. Go into the Navy if you really like the Navy and have done your homework (beyond listening to the recruiters, because they’ll say anything to get you in… they’re on a quota!).
Good luck!
December 18th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Travel nursing might be what you’re looking for if you want to travel but not for too long. The assignments can be as short as 3 months, but let me tell you, they are intense! I considered the Navy, but just didn’t for some reason or another. I would still consider it since i’m unattached as well (no kids, no husband), and the military offers great benefits, with relatively “healthy” pts. Let’s face it, they have to be in pretty good shape to be in the military, so you probably don’t get a ton of elderly on base. After I worked 2+ yrs as a med/surg nurse I did a travel assignment that was horrific. It may have been due to the area i chose, and it’s a long story. I also had to get my license in that state. I’m sure the navy would be able to get around single state licensures. I’d say it’s worth doing some homework on both fronts. Good luck.
December 18th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
One more thing. There are lots of travel agencies out there, and a lot of nurse recruiters will tell you a lot of the same BS to get you in. They’re on a quota too, so watch out!
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I interviewed with Navy Recruiter, it doesn’t look that promising. You get paid $18/hr for next 3 years contract…tough one… you are paid one time bonus of 20k and don’t forget taxes on that. Navy doesn’t give you overtime and student loan repayment is not guarantee recruiter will say to get you in because their performance will be measured by how many candidates they can recruit.
First preference is to consider regular jobs in hospital where they do hire RN with license $20/hr and you will increase your salary every year + overtime rather than getting stuck with Navy, Army or Airforce…
January 6th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I am considering the same thing, although I am looking into the Air Force. There are pros and cons either way you go. There can be a sizable sign on bonus and they will usually offer studen loan repayment, but as Megi pointed out it is not a guarantee. Make sure you write down anything a recruiter promises you, and do NOT sign anything unless everything you want (and were offered) is IN WRITING. If you were offered a 20k bonus but it isn’t in the paperwork, you lose it as soon as you sign. There is no going back and adding it in. On the other hand, the military will pay for your living expenses (housing, utilities, insurance, etc), and it is good experience you may not get elsewhere.
But something to keep in mind is the salary. Even when you add in the housing allowance and so forth, you will be getting paid an average of 1500-2000 a month less in the military (based on the average RN starting pay in my area). Just do your research and find out what is better for you.
January 6th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Keep in mind too that the military will only take RNs with a bachelor’s degree. Of course you can join regardless but you won’t be a military nurse without the bachelor’s. It is also likely that you won’t have to attend basic training. In the army and airforce (and probably the other branches too but I don’t know firsthand) you will do about 3 weeks of OCS training and be commissioned in as a second leutenant. If you want specific experience (like pediatrics, for example) your best bet is to consider a regular job first.