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Navy Reserve Nurse Corps

Job Description

Navy Reserve Nurse Corps officers, like those in the Regular Navy, are graduates of accredited U.S. nursing education programs. They provide quality health care in diverse clinical settings, management and supervision, and instruction for other hospital staff in the Navy Reserve.

Qualifications

Age – At least 20 and less than 40 years of age at time of appointment. Maximum age limit may be waived on a case-by-case basis (up to age 51), depending on a person’s qualifications and the needs of the Navy. Age limits may be adjusted for previous commissioned service.

Physical – Meet general physical requirements for commissioned officers in the Navy.

Marital Status – No restrictions.

Citizenship – U.S. citizen.

Education – Should be a graduate of a U.S. nursing education program granting a Bachelor’s degree (BSN) accredited by the appropriate state board of nursing and the National League of Nursing (NLN). Foreign degrees are not recognized unless accredited by US institution or superceded by a US-granted MSN degree.


Direct Appointment

A registered nurse, licensed, in good standing and presently engaged in nursing practice is eligible to apply for a direct appointment in the Navy Reserve as a Nurse Corps officer. The rank offered at the time of appointment is determined by the applicant’s education, professional experience and current Navy policy.

Training Opportunities

Medical training may take place at Naval Hospitals, local Navy clinics, Navy Operational Support Centers, Naval Air sites, occasionally aboard ships and Marine Corps training exercises.

Training opportunities also exist in the Navy Reserve Fleet Hospital Program. Fleet Hospitals, configured in 250- to 500-bed sizes, provide comprehensive medical support to the Fleet and Fleet Marine Forces engaged in combat operations. All direct appointment officers attend officer indoctrination school (OIS) in Pensacola, FL as their first AT.

Advanced Training

Nurse Corps officers are encouraged to continue their education and take advantage of available Navy-sponsored workshops, seminars and other professional education opportunities paid by the Navy Reserve. A wide selection of programs are available to gain continuing education units (CEUs) to improve nursing expertise and assist in license renewal.

Benefits

• Pride and prestige as a Navy Reserve officer.

• Camaraderie and interesting assignments.

• A second paycheck. (Pay for training every month, plus full Navy pay and allowances for two weeks of AT each year).

• Periodic promotions based on performance and longevity.

• Flexible training options to accommodate demanding civilian careers.

• A Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP) for Naval Reserve nurses in certain specialties.

• STIPEND program for Naval Reserve nurses enrolled full time in accredited nursing programs in specialties critically needed in wartime.

• Advanced educational opportunities and continuing education funding.

• Funded nursing research opportunities are available

• Malpractice protection during Naval Reserve participation.

• Base exchange (department store), commissary (grocery store) and base recreational facilities privileges.

• Low-cost life insurance available.

• Health care for any injury or illness sustained during training periods.

• Veterans Administration home-loan guarantee program now includes reserves with at least six years of honorable reserve service.

• Retirement pay beginning at age 60 after completion of 20 or more qualifying years of service.

Health Care Professionals Incentives

The Navy Reserve offers financial incentives in addition to normal monthly pay to qualified health care professionals. The following information provides details on the Selected Reserve Bonus, the Specialized Training Assistance Program (STIPEND) and the Loan Repayment programs. Acceptance into the incentive programs is available to health care professionals in certain critical specialties based on the needs of the Navy Reserve. The amount of the incentives changes periodically.

Program Descriptions

The Selected Reserve Bonus program offers financial incentives to qualified health care professionals in certain specialties. The bonus amount is based on the officer's specialty and the number of years obligated to serve in the Naval Reserve (from one to three). The bonus is paid in annual increments equal to the term of the initial affiliation contract.

The STIPEND Program. The STIPEND program is for those enrolled in advanced training leading to a skill critically needed by the Navy Reserve (i.e., Nurse Anesthetists). Payments are made on a monthly basis. For each year financial assistance is given, participants incur a two‑year drilling obligation in the Naval Reserve after completion of the training program. Participants receive drill pay in addition to the STIPEND payment.

Loan Repayment Program. The Loan Repayment program is for nurse anesthetists who have completed their training. A portion of loans obtained, insured or guaranteed for medical training is repaid through this program. Reservists can earn a loan repayment of up to $20,000 after each year of satisfactory service performed. The total repayment of loans to any member cannot exceed $50,000.

The programs listed above are subject to revision based on the needs of the Naval Reserve. Officers who accept financial incentives incur a drilling obligation. For the latest information contact your local Naval Reserve officer recruiter.

Medical In Training (MIT) and REFLEX Training Options

The following information provides details on the Navy's Medical-In-Training (MIT) and Reserve Flexibility (REFLEX) training options for medical department personnel. This allows you to receive drill credit and a salary for attending graduate school, in lieu of drill. Your Navy Reserve Officer Recruiter can provide further details on these programs.

Training Options Descriptions

Medical-In-Training (MIT) and REFLEX offers training opportunities to physicians, nurses and other medical personnel. Both options permit training periods (drills) to be accrued on an hourly basis.

Medical-In-Training. This program gives health care professionals an opportunity to earn Reserve pay and retirement points while performing drills at teaching hospitals, medical schools and universities while in MIT status. Drills can also be accomplished at naval hospitals, clinics or fleet hospital detachments, and Navy Reserve activities. Fleet hospitals ranging from 250 to 500 beds provide comprehensive medical support to the Fleet and Fleet Marine Forces engaged in combat operations.

REFLEX. This program authorizes drill flexibility for health care professionals in conventional Reserve units. These drills can be for:

• drills at naval medical and dental treatment facilities;

• conducting physical examinations at supporting Naval Reserve activities;

• providing mutual support at federal medical treatment facilities.

Who Can Participate

• MIT units are open to health care professionals in critically undermanned specialties.

• REFLEX is for all medical personnel assigned to conventional medical units.

Annual Training and Training Drills

Annual training for MIT and REFLEX may include training or study in:

• clinical training duty at Navy medical and dental treatment facilities in the United States or overseas;

•combat casualty care;

• chemical, biological, radiological defense;

• medical effects of nuclear weapons;

• field medical service;

• landing force medical planning.

• Drill activities include:

• attending professional meetings and seminars that contribute to professional or mobilization readiness;

• participating in medical symposia;

• attending grand rounds and pre‑grand rounds;

• attending military courses.

Training drills for MIT and REFLEX participants do not necessarily have to take place on weekends, though they may. Many reservists perform drills during the week to fit their busy schedules.

Benefits

Medical personnel participating in MIT or REFLEX arc eligible for all benefits of the Navy Reserve including equity toward retirement, funded continuing medical education, pay for participation as well as the opportunity to participate in the Navy Reserve's Loan Repayment and STIPEND programs.

For more information contact your Southern California Officer Recruiter below.