How to Become a Nurse in the Navy?
The United States Navy is one of the most prestigious and respected naval forces in the world, and a career as a Navy nurse can be both rewarding and challenging. If you are passionate about providing high-quality patient care while serving your country, this article will guide you through the steps to become a Navy nurse.
What is a Navy Nurse?
As a Navy nurse, you will be responsible for providing medical care to sailors, soldiers, and their families, both ashore and afloat. You will work in hospitals, clinics, and emergency rooms, and may even deploy with naval ships to provide medical support in distant parts of the world.
Education and Training Requirements
To become a Navy nurse, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Have a current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Have a current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Have a current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification (if working in a pediatric setting)
- Have a current Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification (if working in an intensive care unit)
How to Apply
To apply to become a Navy nurse, you must:
- Register with the Navy’s Online Application and Review System (OARS)
- Fill out a Navy Nurse Application Package (NNAP) and submit it to the Navy Nurse Corps
- Take the Navy’s Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) (if applying for a Navy Nurse Practitioner program)
- Attend a Navy Nurse Corps Informational Session
Benefits of Being a Navy Nurse
As a Navy nurse, you will enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Education and training opportunities
- Opportunities to deploy and work in exotic locations
- Camaraderie and esprit de corps
- Meaningful work with a sense of purpose and fulfillment
- Opportunities for advancement and career growth
Steps to Become a Navy Nurse
Here are the steps to become a Navy nurse:
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
- Age: Must be between 18 and 41 years old
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen
- Education: Must have a BSN degree from an accredited nursing program
- Licensure: Must be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in your state of residence
Step 2: Gain Experience
- Gain a minimum of 1-2 years of experience as a RN in a hospital or clinical setting
- Gain experience in a specific area, such as emergency medicine, pediatrics, or critical care
Step 3: Take the ASVAB
- Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
- Score at least 50 in the arithmetic, science, and language portions of the test
Step 4: Attend Officer Candidate School (OCS)
- Attend OCS to learn basic military skills and leadership skills
- Complete a 12-week training program
Step 5: Attend Nurse Candidate School (NCS)
- Attend NCS to learn basic nursing skills and naval medicine
- Complete a 12-week training program
Step 6: Commission
- Be commissioned as a Navy officer
- Attend a pinning ceremony and receive your Navy nurse insignia
Step 7: Assignments and Career Growth
- Be assigned to a Navy hospital or clinic
- Receive assignments as a staff nurse, officer in charge, or even a nurse manager
- Have opportunities for career growth and advancement to senior nursing positions
Conclusion
Becoming a Navy nurse requires education, training, and a passion for providing high-quality patient care. If you are willing to put in the hard work and dedication, you can enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling career in the Navy.
