What is the process/timeline for nurses to direct commission into the Army?

Amanda Price — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 17:27:28 -0500

I’m a new RN and am currently starting my career in the Emergency Department. I want to work until I earn my emergency and trauma certs (CEN, CTRN) before trying to direct commission as active duty into the Army Nurse Corps. Also, if my boyfriend just commissioned as a 2Lt this past December, how would that work out when I join if we are married by then? spoke with an AMEDD recruiter months back and I felt as though she did not answer my question/explain the process of how to direct commission and what I would have to do. Instead I feel as though she was just telling me things she thought I’d like to hear like benefits, perks, etc.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Feb 20 at 2019 6:53 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 18:53:39 -0500

Sounds like Nurse recruiting for the Army hasn't changed much, thus why I went Air Force.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2019 9:54 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 21:54:55 -0500

The process consists of putting together all of the paperwork, getting it accepted by the army nurse corps, getting an extensive background check and then getting cleared by MEPS, this takes 3-6 months.

Then your paperwork goes on a board which is periodically scheduled throughout the year. The board is a group of individuals who examine and make a determination to select you or not. If and once you are selected you wait for your scroll approval (which comes from Congress I believe). The scroll basically says you are good to go to be an officer. From board selection to scroll approval it could take another 1-3 months.

Once your scroll approval is back then you can take your Oath, sign your contract and wait on your orders.

I went Reserves so, my timeline may differ from yours but, I started the process Jan 2018 was selected Oct, and commissioned the end of December. There were a few hiccups with my contract and I am still waiting for my orders.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Feb 21 at 2019 12:43 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 00:43:20 -0500

There is no guarantee that you will obtain a commission in any service. As far as boyfriend is concerned there is no guarantee that you will be together unless you are both in the Army Reserve which is a better choice to join. Of course as a Senior Army Reserve Officer I would be pro Army Reserve where you will keep civilian job and be a member of the Army Reserve.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Apr 8 at 2019 10:02 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 10:02:53 -0400

Amanda, the answers the recruiter gave you were the best guess. Benefits are what you were told as Specific answers to your one over the world bf questions may not be available as it seems that you are asking things which the recruiter is not trained in and would be expected to know. Hope That answers your concerns.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Apr 30 at 2019 10:16 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 10:16:56 -0400

Google and seek information on the process