Is there a way I can waive the RN experience or OJT in a MTF to fulfill the time requirement to direct commission as an Army Nurse?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 09:46:08 -0400

Greetings everyone,

Hope everyone is staying safe.
A huge shout-out to our nurses for their dedicated service since 2020 marks the Year of the Nurse.

I am an AD SM with a BSN degree, trying to Commission as an a AN (Graduated from an Accreditted School and have a RN license) However, I have been facing some obstacles due to lack of experience as a RN.. Is there a way I can waive the RN experience (and make up during the CNTP) or OJT in a MTF to fulfill the time requirement?

Please advise.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 10:26 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 10:26:18 -0400

Not enough information given here. What does “lack of experience” mean? Are you not working as an RN after graduating? If so how long, if not why?
Is AMEDD recruiter telling you specific policies on boarding new grads or those with less than X amount of time as an RN?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 3 at 2020 10:46 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 03 May 2020 10:46:34 -0400

Talk to medical recruiters from Air Force, Navy, and Army. Also Resetve Component. Go with the Service that will give you the best deal.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 10:52 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 10:52:35 -0400

I recently spoke to my buddy at the Denver Army Medical Recruiting Station regarding this very question. As the regs are currently written, all BSN areas you could specialize in (public health, MED/SURG, OR, ER, etc.) requires 1 year of experience. I don’t believe it’s waiverable, because they’re filling the positions under the current standard, but it’s worth asking. If you’d like, I can propose the question to him. He’s an actual RN that works for the recruiting team.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 5:46 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 17:46:31 -0400

In my experience working with healthcare recruiters, it is not waiverable. The American Red Cross has volunteer positions that they place in MTFs to work shifts as nurses. They are still placing volunteers (at least where I'm at) right now even with covid going on. Depending on your availability, if you can work a shift once every week or two, this would be a great way to start building specific military nursing experience.