Pros and Cons of Being a Navy Nurse

[@AfricanGrey1369]

I was a patient of yours for many weeks. You and Blake are the two best nurses in the Navy! Thanks for all you do. You rock!

[@itsestelarojas4713]

AfricanGrey1369 Oh wow! Small world. I’m glad we were able to take care of you! Thank you for the compliment.

[@savp8749]

im a junior in high school and looking into nrotc for college and getting my bsn, thank you so much for this video :)

[@jeannettenanteguza5098]

thats cool, me too. am a sophomore in hs

[@jackywithay6393]

@@jeannettenanteguza5098 I’m a junior and I am also interested in NROTC for BSN

[@Hannah-xg2xq]

Could you do a video comparing medical facilities of the navy, army and air force? I'm interested in joining the military for nursing, but I'm not sure which is the most robust. Thank you for your service!!!

[@LuisChavez-zl7do]

Hey seriously thank you for putting in the time and effort into these videos. They are such an excellent resource for those of us considering.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Luis Chavez You’re welcome, thanks for watching!

[@michaelpalus7929]

I was a Corpsman at Asan Annex on Guam from 1968 to 1970. We had great Navy Nurses.

[@BrokenRRT]

Thanks for posting these videos. My 20 year old son and wife are soon to graduate nursing school and I think going into the navy would be a great experience for my son.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

You’re welcome!

[@wendellbabin6457]

Don't know which way the coin landed, but if BOTH RNs or Dr husband and Nurse wife or vice versa, ONE CAN Be Military and one can stay Civilian, and work on Same base. Especially if ONE or BOTH or prior enlisted. ANY Hospital OVERSEAS ESPECIALLY would be ECSTATIC to have a "TWOFER" whichever will stay behind to deal with Young UNs, while other goes to the ends of the Earth. Also if prior service they KNOW the INS and outs of Military BS and egos and so on. Much less likely to be independent when alone for unknown lengths of time.

[@erin7412]

Love you videos! I just got in a BSN program and I am definitely considering the Naval Nurse Corps. ThAnks for the tips!

[@edwinreid965]

Thank you Ma’am, for sharing this great information. Plus 1 on the Politics Con. You mentioned a lot of things that are definitely worth considering. Not enough cons to deter me! 😊

[@maddiefraser7118]

This video is so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@alexmtz8790]

Great video, thanks for everything.

[@NicNameIsNicki]

Hi! I’m considering joining the navy as a nurse. Thank you for your service and thank you for this information!

[@chiquie08]

Hey! I’m considering the same thing. Where are you in your thought process about joining ?:)

[@NicNameIsNicki]

@@chiquie08 I spoke to a recruiter and I am waiting to hear back from the medical recruiter. I already have one bachelor’s degree so I plan to become an officer as well as a nurse

[@esmeraldaalcala7856]

I’m about to be done with my medical assisting program and I want to join the navy and become a family nurse .

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Esmeralda Alcala That is an awesome goal! You need to get your BSN first though in order to be a nurse in the Navy.

[@esmeraldaalcala7856]

Thank you

[@pursejunky]

Great vid! Can you compare and contrast Bootcamp and ODS in details pls on your next video. Thanks!

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Sure! That's a great idea.

[@high_drivexxx]

A lot of the cons are basic military customs/courtesies and the structure is there for a reason. Officer first, nurse second…

[@ebarton619]

Hi can you speak on navy reserves for nurses. I’ve been a civilian nurse for 2 years and I am a single mom who would like to join the reserves. Can you do pros and cons or just speak on it in general. Thanks 😊 also love the video they are super helpful.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Hi! Yes, I can do a video on the reserves. I think it is a wonderful idea to do the reserves if you do not or cannot move around a lot.

[@ashantejacksonpusey891]

I’m currently a senior nursing with graduation 49 days away and I’m now considering becoming a navy nurse, but a little unsure. I’m also a single mother and unsure as to how that will work. Any advice?

[@rizzo02481]

Thanks so much for this! What about the schedule? Do you run on the balboa schedule? Do you have to rotate days/nights every few months?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Yes, the schedule on a ward or floor will be much like Balboa, with rotating days/nights every few months.

[@JenniPowers]

In your opinion what comes first, being a navy officer or a nurse? I have been watching a bunch of videos where each person has a different answer and I would love to hear your opinion.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Hi! Great question. Being an officer and being a nurse are both important. I personally think both come first and both need equal attention.

[@henry2009]

Thank you for your insight. I want to know what your thoughts are for someone who is an ADN (with non-nursing BS) with some years of experience and looking to join , with the eventual goal of applying for admission into USUHS in Bethesda, MD for one of their master's and/or doctoral program. I have experience in ED nursing and am interested in flight nursing. I am not sure if I should add that I am turning 29 and concerned my age may play a factor as well. Thanks for any input/suggestion you may be able to provide.

[@francisconeto390]

Thanks for the valuable information in the video. If I choose to leave active duty for the reserve, what benefits do I lose?

[@zacharyhockett6248]

At least at MTFs I would add 100+ hours of unpaid overtime every year in addition to all the collaterals you mentioned. The extra work really starts to add up over the years.

[@wendellbabin6457]

11:03 BTW, TAKING MACS flights, is almost useless as enlisted, because, 1. Needs of the mission ALWAYS comes first. If they call for the bird you're on with whole family to DIVERT ANYWHERE on the planet for ANY reason, guess where your FLYING? Better hope your kids like MRE's because they probably only loaded chow and water for WHOMEVER is on the MISSION MANIFEST. Maybe NOTHING if it is less than whatever hours flight. Everyone else is brown bagging at own expense. They MAY have some emergency MRES fo 1 meal and max. Of plane, but wouldn't count on it. But basically you are on your own. 2. STRICTLY by RANK. so if only 1 seat left, and an ADMIRAL wants to catch a NELLIS hop to go to VEGAS even though bird may end up in Key West. Guess what. A mere Lieutenant with 4 screamers and an old man who wants to hear "War Stories" everyone else is SICK of their nightmares and cold sweats and is trying to forget will probably be blacklisted for good when they land. 3. Byt hey, FREE TO EUROPE! Just don't hold your breath and BOOK DOMESTIC DEFINITELY. I never got a single one in six years as an E-5. Because they don't fly a set schedule. They fly only when loaded to capacity. And better be cool with a tanker in flight refueling too. And they toilet might be a 5 gallon bucket that had who knows what in it. HA!

[@lilykremer8254]

could you do a video about tips/advice you have for people who are still in high school? I’m still a junior but have always wanted to be both RN and join the Navy. Like advice you have for the path someone should take if they wanted to do both, thank you! 🤍

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Yes that sounds like a great idea!

[@cowboycalicojakk9685]

I am very strongly considering going the military nurse to NP or CRNA route. Giving goosebumps, just graduated and looking for a way to continue my education and leadership development

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Military route is good for leadership and education development. If you decide you don’t want to stay in, at least you got to experience it!

[@cowboycalicojakk9685]

@@itsestelarojas4713 thank you! It is somewhat scary, as I thought I was opposite of the military type, but at this point in my life it may be a virtuous endeavor. Financial burden is my biggest barrier. I want to specialize in hospital acquired delirium/ ptsd. I'm hungry and here to change the world. I think it would be good for me, almost 28. Any tips in regards to applications (other than finding a local recruiter) my grades aren't spectacular but my work history is valid.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

@@cowboycalicojakk9685 Good grades are really good to have, work experience, and leadership positions.

[@Alyssa-t]

You mentioned a physical. does that involve a physical test like running, push ups, sit ups, ect. If so what are the requirements? I'm still a nursing student with two years left till I get my BSN but I want to try and enlist after to be an navy nurse. But my concern is my physical ability. I'm not the strongest person by any means and I am not the most physically inclined so I am just concerned for myself with my physical capability.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Alyssa Toy When you are in the Navy you will be required to complete a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) twice a year. The PRT consists of a 1.5 mile run, sit-ups (Navy calls them curlups), and push-ups. The minimum score to pass is based on your age and sex. You can look up “Navy PRT requirements” to look at the scales for your age. The Navy will soon be replacing sit-ups with planks though. The only way to get better physically, is to start working out and practicing these physical tests.

[@Alyssa-t]

It’s Estela Rojas thank you sooo much for the response!!

[@dbrown4960]

Thank you so much for the video! Question 🙋🏾‍♂️ If I enter the military as a nurse, would they Navy pay for me to go to NP school if I wanted to advance … potentially as a pediatric nurse practitioner if I stayed a long time?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

If you get accepted into the DUINS program, yes the Navy will pay for NP school. Other than that you pay yourself. You also qualify for tuition assistance while you are active duty which helps with the cost.

[@detectivepikachu3161]

did you go to ODS in rhode island? I was at OCS, so jealous of how quick you lot get out of there.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Lol, yeah I went to ODS in Rhode Island. That’s the only place where ODS is. And yeah, you guys in OCS had it rough!

[@USMC19]

Hi Estela great informative video. Is there a program where the navy boys for her bachelors then she serves her and contract ? Thank you

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Hello, I think what you were trying to say is if there is a program that pays for the bachelors correct? The Navy does not currently have a program where it pays for a bachelors.

[@kakefyll]

Can you tell us some more about the navy officer rome? I feel I know more about the role of a nurse but not so much the other part of being a nurse in the navy Anyway to me it sounds like the pros far outweigh the cons! Very interesting video

[@itsestelarojas4713]

I did a couple of videos in which I talk about being an officer. Please watch "Extra duties as a nurse corps officer" and "Navy Nursing: Things you should know." If these don't give you better insight, please let me know specifically what you would like to know and I can make another video to answer your questions or give you more insight. Thank you for your question!

[@kakefyll]

@@itsestelarojas4713 Ill be sure to watch those, thank you :)

[@jaybooo123]

So I have a question: I’m currently in a LPN program and I’ll be done in 5 months, and from there I’ll be doing a 12 month RN program and then a 12 month BSN program. When should I start talking to a recruiter If I can’t join for another 2+ years?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

jayla Start talking to a recruiter the minute you are accepted into the BSN program.

[@blessedlatai3116]

What schools are or did you attend ?

[@billyboy4877]

Are the many nurse specialties available to a nurse in the navy?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Yes, please see my other videos. I talk about nurse specialties in the Navy.

[@chrishawes515]

My wife is a Navy Nurse, currently transitioning to ICU from Med/Surg. We have heard that ICU billets are not available in Europe. Have you heard that?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

chris hawes Hello, yes I have heard this. There are only MedSurg, Admin, Clinic, and ER positions in Europe.

[@abbyxo4185]

Hello, I’m 16 and I am wanting to become a nurse and considering the route of the navy as I think it would be a wonderful experience. However my dream is to be a midwife and so would love to be in the navy for around 5-10 years depending on my life situation. Any advice on this situation would be greatly appreciated thank you. @It’sEstelaRojas.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

I think it’s a great idea to join the Navy as a nurse and then try to get the Navy to pay for your graduate degree to become a midwife. It’s also a great way to get some non-traditional experiences.

[@Redmaile25]

That last con was a big one for me. I’m introverted 😪

[@itsestelarojas4713]

The Navy will definitely give you opportunities to step out of your comfort zone!

[@trinhdang9438]

Hello, thank you so much for detailed video. I would like to know how difficult it is to be Navy Nurse as a mother. Do you have family yourself? What are minimum to serve?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Yes, I have 2 kids and am married. You can absolutely have a family in the Navy, but I am not going to lie, it can be difficult with moving around a lot and when you go to training or deployments. You can check out my video "Having a Family in the Navy," where I talk about this.

[@artboxfashion4042]

Have a question about age limits, and career change if you have a degree in a different field. Do they do age waivers, and if you have severe myopia does that automatically disqualify you?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

I’m not sure about the myopia disqualification, you would have to go through the medical in-processing and discuss this with a doctor. For the age waiver, I think it’s a case by case basis and need to talk to a recruiter.

[@CherokeeAngl]

Hi, can the navy offer an age waiver for nurses over forty-one?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Hi! I’m not sure. This is a very specific question based on your specialty, experience, and if you’re doing active duty or reserves. You need to speak to a Navy medical officer recruiter

[@famattavarney2081]

What’s the age limit, height and weight limit to be qualified to be a navy nurse??

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Age limit is 41 years I believe, but I think you can get a waiver. Height and weight depends on your age and gender. You can just Google navy height and weight standards.

[@blessinga.2406]

Hi. My husband is active duties so I am planning to join Naval officer as a reserve. Please what do i need to know about the reserve. Are there aome opportunities fo lead and serve?

[@blessinga.2406]

I have been a nurse over 4 years

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Hi! Yes, there are opportunities in the reserves. You just need to get in contact with a recruiter in your area.

[@jastaters2113]

Do you move as often if your husband is AD too? Or do they work with you to keep y’all together?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

You can move often together. The Navy does try to keep spouses together as much as possible.

[@kittenmello650]

Hello, don't you only have to serve for three years? Also, I am in a BSN program right now but I would like to continue my education to become a nurse anesthetistt after few years of working with a BSN would the navy pay for that? thanks

[@itsestelarojas4713]

It depends what your contract says to answer how many years you will have to serve. The Navy has a program called DUINS that will pay for nurse anesthetist. It is a competitive program that you will have to apply to get into.

[@Anna-eq7jk]

@@itsestelarojas4713 What is the lowest time you can have on a contract to serve? Such as a year or two?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

@@Anna-eq7jk The lowest I have seen is 4 years as an officer.

[@Anna-eq7jk]

@@itsestelarojas4713 Thank you!

[@autumnonpurpose]

I’m a medical assistant 🏥 will they pay for my BSN if I join reserves?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Hi! I am not sure if you get tuition assistance when you are in the reserves. And, I don’t know how long you have to be in the reserves to be eligible for the GI Bill.

[@Alexia.honeyy]

this was so so helpful. Any advice for someone still considering this? I’m so hesitant to join😩

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Alexia Thompson Lol, watch all my videos! I seriously talk a lot about what it’s like to be a Navy nurse. If you still have specific questions, send me a message.

[@BrokenRRT]

Have you made a decision?

[@rinajoleannycruz1998]

If one joins the navy without previous military background. I would be a new nurse coming December? would they help pay for loans? or how would that work?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Rina Joleanny Cruz There are loan repayment programs and sign-on bonuses depending on how many years you agree to serve in the Navy.

[@hvnlei]

do you have to be an officer to be a navy nurse? i am considering going to the navy for the first 4 years not as an officer and the nursing program is something i am interested in but i don’t wanna stay longer to become an officer to do it

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Yes, you have to be an officer to be a nurse in the Navy.

[@sumaznkid124]

Do you ever get to see combat? Do you ever keep a gun when you deploy?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

I did when the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were going on. Depending on where you deploy and what is going on in that region, you will absolutely deploy with a gun and/or see combat.

[@alexuhh7810]

Hi to do you have to have good grades in highschool? My grades aren’t so well but I really want to be a nurse in the navy. After highschool what should I do? I’m a junior

[@itsestelarojas4713]

It helps if you have good grades. The grades that really count though are your college grades.

[@rixnana]

Would you think it’s better to be a navy nurse or a travel nurse?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

I think both have pros and cons and are very specific to an individual’s interests. My advice to you is to thoroughly research each option and make your own decision.

[@nathannguyen2041]

Favourite deployment?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Both of the deployments I went on were cool

[@YiskaGudricht]

Hi estela. I’m a nurse currently an immigrant. Which path is better to become an Officer as a Navy nurse: to sign on any rate then change to HM after getting the Citizenship or sign for HM right away and continue to Officer program? I’m still thinking of what to do best. I will go as a Reserve. Thank you very much.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Definitely sign up for HM right away if being in the medical field is what you want. Don’t waste your time with signing on as another rate because it will be harder to get HM after that.

[@YiskaGudricht]

@@itsestelarojas4713 thank you very much Estela.

[@mrsavens6354]

👋 Hi i recently pass my NCLEX RN exam and I am a permanent resident.I am married to a US Citizen. CAN I JOIN THE NAVY AS A NURSE?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Hi! You need to speak to a medical officer recruiter to get the specifics based on your situation. I am not sure.

[@mommafitbit3701]

Any aspirations to be a PA or NP?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

I thought about going the NP route but am more interested in CRNA.

[@atiya1447]

Can I become a military nurse with an accelerated bsn or Msn degree?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Yes, as long as it’s accredited and you have passed your NCLEX.

[@carringtonnoel4432]

Do you know of any navy or army nurses that go out of the country. How can someone up the chances of working abroad.

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Yes, I know a lot of nurses working overseas. I am one of them. I am stationed in Okinawa, Japan right now. It all really depends on what duty station is available for your skills. There is a good chance you will be stationed overseas at some point in your career. It is very difficult to say when though.

[@jessicauribe2866]

I’m a new grad thinking of joining the navy? Should I? Or should I wait to get experience

[@itsestelarojas4713]

This is a personal choice. However, in my opinion, I think it’s better to get some experience first.

[@jessicauribe2866]

@@itsestelarojas4713 yea both the navy and the Air Force told me to get a year of experience than apply

[@geminigirls2311]

Im joining the navy soon and i want to be a nurse. will they let me pick what I specialize in?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Most of the time yes. But, needs of the navy/ mission comes first. So, let’s say you want to work in medsurg but the military needs you in labor and delivery, you will have to go to L&D for that time. If you don’t get what you want at first, keep asking for what you want.

[@geminigirls2311]

@@itsestelarojas4713 thanks so much. I just learned that I have to enlist as a corpsman since I don't have any medical schooling

[@mohammedaldrees2387]

Hi im newly graduated nurse . And i am talking to a medical recruiter. I think I am going for it. What questions do you recommend me asking the recruiter? What should I watch for to make sure I am utilizing all the benefits and services that should be provided for me. Also, do you know the difference between navy vs Air Force as far being a nurse

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Hello! You can ask the recruiter if there are any sign on bonuses for nurses. Since you are a new graduate and don’t have experience, you may not get one but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. If you would like the Navy to pay for your graduate school, ask about DUINS at your first duty station. There are incentive bonuses for critical care nurses for 2, 4, and 6 year contracts. But be careful because if you for example want to go to CRNA school in the DUINS program, you cannot apply until your incentive bonus is fulfilled. Airforce and Navy nursing is just different settings. If you want to be a flight nurse, join the Air Force. They fly waaaaaay more than the Navy’s flight nurses. Others than that, I don’t know specific differences.

[@mohammedaldrees2387]

@@itsestelarojas4713 thank you so much for the reply. They told the offer bonuses for 3 years 20k and 4 years 30k. I would love my first year to be in the US, San Diego. And then possibly deploy to Spain or Japan. Im considering 3 years contract. Do you think its doable to start one year in the US and deploy with 3 years contract? Again thank you very much for your valuable time .

[@itsestelarojas4713]

@@mohammedaldrees2387Yes, I think it is possible to deploy within a 3 year contract.

[@sandrintebo4158]

What's the difference between being a navy and a marine . Cause I just saw something on the internet says navy deals with being on water or sea 🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Sandrin Tebo The two services are quite different regarding how business is conducted. You will be on a ship a lot depending on your job. Nurses are not on a ship often. Marines can also sometimes be on a ship because they are transported by the Navy during certain deployments and training.

[@sandrintebo4158]

@@itsestelarojas4713 thanks alot that's same thing recruiter told me I was relieved cause I was at the point of giving up because I heard of water 😅

[@sandrintebo4158]

I just took the picat today . So my question is what should I be expecting to see on the meps visit?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Sandrin Tebo MEPS is when you get a physical exam. It’s a long day. You get your eyes and hearing checked, a full body physical, and you have to fill out health questionnaires.

[@sandrintebo4158]

@@itsestelarojas4713 sorry I'm asking too much question . So I went to write the real ASVAB and score a 27 and they told me I have just one chance to write one more time I'm wandering if I'm going to see same thing on my next ASVAB test ? I'm so nervous right now I don't want to stand the chance of failing

[@nilanjanamaity2741]

I am complete just GNM course. I want to join the navy nurse but how it is possible, l don't know. Please tell me 🙏🙏🙏🙏please you gave one way. Please please 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@itsestelarojas4713]

You need to get your BSN and talk to a medical officer recruiter at your local Navy recruiting office. I can tell you about Navy life and different programs/things available to Navy nurses, but I am NOT a recruiter.

[@nilanjanamaity2741]

@@itsestelarojas4713 I want to talk to you please 🙏

[@itsestelarojas4713]

@@nilanjanamaity2741 you can message me on Instagram or Facebook.

[@jackfookitall6172]

Irrelevant to this awesome content; you are very beautiful.

[@user-qn6jo9xl4r]

Hi, iam RN thinking to join the Navy reserve would like to know your thoughts of Navy reserve officer, is it worth it iam 44 years old thank you in advance

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Whether you want to try a few years or make it a career, I think it’s worth it. You have already had civilian experience so it would be something new. You could also earn your GI Bill to pay for your graduate education or transfer to your spouse or children to pay for their school. In my opinion, serving in the Navy gives you some good opportunities.

[@user-qn6jo9xl4r]

@itsestelarojas4713 thank you I will give it a shot

[@esmeraldaalcala7856]

Do they have medical assistants?

[@itsestelarojas4713]

Esmeralda Alcala The Navy has Corpsmen which can act like medical assistants however, they do more than an MA, they start IV’s, give medications, perform assessments... There is no specific Medical Assistant job in the Navy though.