What happens in between the time you sign your oath and when you go to ODS? My recruiter said ODS is backlogged at least 6 months. Is there anything that the Navy has you do within those 6 months while waiting? Also, what if something happens between now and those 6 months and you’re not able to go anymore? Or is it that once you sign your oath, there’s no going back? Thanks!

Hello everyone,
I am in the NCP program and will be graduating in May 2027. I know there’s a back log, but I was wondering if I was able to send a list in of where I would like to be stationed or when I would even do that? Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m a recent BSN graduate interested in active-duty Navy Nurse Corps direct accession. I’ve already contacted recruiting and am waiting to speak with a Medical Officer recruiter.
I currently take Wellbutrin for depression and have been stable and functioning well with treatment. I have no history of psychiatric hospitalization. I understand that I may need a medical waiver, and I’ve seen a few people here mention getting mental-health waivers for Nurse Corps.
Has anyone here been approved for a Nurse Corps waiver while still taking Wellbutrin or another antidepressant, rather than after discontinuing it?
If so, were you active duty or Reserve, and what documentation did they ask you to submit?
I know waivers are case-by-case, I’m just hoping to hear from nurses who have gone through something similar. Thank you!

Hey! How’s everyone’s ODS dates looking? I’m trying to do a little job planning.
Are y’all getting Jan/Feb dates?

I (22F) just graduated nursing school in May and went to MEPS in April. I was disqualified for two medical conditions (medicated anxiety and self-diagnosed sleepwalking). I completed a safe medically controlled taper off my anxiety medications. I also went to a sleep specialist where my doctor determined that my “sleepwalking” episodes are actually not considered sleepwalking since I’m aware during the episodes and have full recollection of the events among other factors. Thus, in his documentation I was determined to not be a true “sleepwalker” nor a safety risk related to any shipboard concerns.

I thought I was going to overcome these hurdles with the steps I was taking to appeal my medical waivers. However, in May I was diagnosed with a first-time provoked pulmonary embolism due to birth control. I completed three months of blood thinners and have been cleared for all activity.

From what I understand the earliest I can logically reapply now is August 2027 because that will mark one year since I completed my blood thinners. I understand my case is very complex and will probably require more consultations with my sleep specialist along with a coagulation panel to determine if I have any inherited clotting disorders, for the Navy to even remotely consider me. I was very motivated in the beginning to join but every time I try to take the next step forward, my case is prolonged.

Assuming I get medically cleared next August I still have to submit the application, wait to take my oath and a wait for an available ODS date which could mean many more years on standby.

For those who are currently in the Navy Nurse Corps, do you think it’s worth it for me to go through all this trouble? I plan to work as a nurse no matter what and build a solid civilian RN background. Realistically though, should I start to explore alternate career options altogether? Should I remain hopeful or let this dream go?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. :)

Going to October ODS and I am still struggling with my pushups. I am not able to hit the minimum for my age. If I fail the PRT will they send me home? They also haven’t asked me to do a mock one before leaving.

I am considering signing on as an RN in the Navy for either 3 or 4 years as the next step in my career. I have already met with a recruiter from medcorps and he is giving my contact info to a Navy nurse that he knows, so I can ask her some more ??s. I am an ER nurse through and through. Problem is at the moment, the Navy is only recruiting for medsurg. My recruiter stated that once I get to my located assignment, I could still end up in the ER bc that is where my experience is (3 years). He also mentioned that he could advocate for me to be part of the 1st medical battalion, which would require different training with paramedics and the marines, while still working 1-2 days a week in an ER on base. That honestly sounded really awesome.

I'd like to hear from nurses directly. I want to hear about your experiences, regrets, highlights, the downsides, and any advice you have as I debate this decision. Is my recruiter being upfront and honest? what do you think are some of the best locations to request? Have you been on any medical missions or humanitarian deploys? I am 35. I am looking to both Jumpstart my career and my life. I want to do something different, even if its just for the term of my enlistment. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Do we attend 1 week of medical indoctrination at Walter Reed immediately post graduation?

Hey everyone!

I’m currently finishing up my final year of my BsN and seriously considering joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) once I graduate.

I’m leaning toward the Air Force or Navy, but I’m very open to learning more about the different opportunities within the CAF, especially nursing.

I’d love to hear about your experience as a military nurse, particularly about:

- Lifestyle and work-life balance
- Day-to-day work and work environment
-Opportunities for travel, deployments, and career progression
-Job satisfaction
-What the transition from civilian nursing to military nursing is like
-Any advice you’d give to a young guy considering this career path

Please let me know about your honest experience about the Good/Bad/Ugly

Thanks for the help guys!

- All the best.

I am a december 2026 BSN grad and in the NCP with the navy. I have not heard anything about ODS dates yet. I was just offered an ER new grad position at a hospital I live near. I would love to accept the offer, get a little experience, and attend ODS closer to the end of 2027. Is it likely that I could do this?

Anyone on here know of a good medical/nurse officer recruiter in Jacksonville Florida? Or close to this location?

I’m wondering if you have to complete your physical test with local recruiters prior to ODS? I’m getting conflicting informations. Thank you

i received an email in regards to a federal investigator wanting to do a teleinterview with me. is this an indication of something different i should expect? I have heard people usually receive emails from them.

Hello everyone,

Plan to graduate with my BSN by mid-December of this year. With 45 days to take the NCLEX, that puts me at around January of 2027. What’s a likely date that I will end up reporting to ODS granted I pass my NCLEX first try in January 2027? Just trying to plan ahead for financials/student loan repayment purposes— I’ve heard anywhere from 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, up to a year, etc. Anyone have any best guesses for this timeline? Thank you all!

Just received an email from a detailer about getting me into this weeks ODS (Aug. 23rd) was definitely not expecting this but dont want to miss out on this chance. I feel so unprepared as i haven’t even received hard orders yet… my family thinks its a good opportunity to not be delayed till next year but I’ve also been hoping to have my CCRN before i shipped off to ODS. I have so many questions that I’m sure the detailer could help me with, but i would love advice from those who have already been to ODS or have gotten into a class last minute. Any thoughts?

Edit: Thank you all for your advice, after further discussion, my recruiter said they do not have processors at their command this week and she is unable to book a flight or get me my required documents in a timely manner while the detailer is still processing hard orders. It’s just too short notice, So till next time thanks again!

I am planning to attend an absn program next year and I have family members in Japan so I would be happy if I can put Japan as my first choice and get it.

For the Army, I heard it's easy and almost guaranteed to get places like Korea if you ask for it since there's little demand ( especially if you know Korean ). I am wondering if that's the case for Navy nurses for Japan as well?

Hey yall for those who recently went through ODS how did back pay and bonus work? I’ve read and have been told different things. Does it get paid out all at once? Did it include BAH and if so was it from home of record? My recruiter said she wasn’t sure entirely. She said that they usually pay it out in payments. Any input would be awesome.
October ODS for March boards.

I'm looking for recent direct ascension time line for selection, commission, and ODS dates. Ive had my interviews for specialties I want based on my work history and MEPS next week. My packet is almost ready to submit. I know there's been a backlog for going to ODS which is fine and I prefer that. I have family travel plans mid Feb that I dont want to change or miss though.