Yes, you can sail the seven seas
I spoke with a Navy Medical Programs Officer Recruiter (who knew they were specialized?) last week, and I will be applying for the Naval Nurse Candidate Program. If accepted, it is a $10,000 bonus and a $1,000/month stipend while enrolled full-time in a nursing program. Upon the completion of a BSN, there is a 4-year commitment to the Naval Nursing Corps. Now, there are some major contingencies to the program, including being accepted in the first place. The degree program has to be NLNAC or CCNE accredited. The ABSN program at CSU San Marcos is super-new, so they are applying for CCNE accreditation now. Here's hoping they get it by August. I also have to get into the ABSN program, I'm trying to get into two closed courses this semester (Microbiology and Anatomy) to round out my prerequisites. Then there is the TEAS exam, in February. (I may sign up for the March exam, too, just in case). So, in all, hopefully I will be able to work my tail off, get the right courses, and things will gel. I am cautiously optimistic. Most common first-time hospitals for the Nursing Corps? Balboa, here in San Diego and Bethesda, MD. Not too shabby on either count.
Pardon me, I have to go study/fill out piles of documentation.
Pardon me, I have to go study/fill out piles of documentation.