Have your RN license. Under age 42 and able to pass Physical fitness test.
It is a bit more than just having a license.
If you are just entering your BSN program you might want to consider ROTC as an option. The service will pay your educational expenses (2 years I think) plus pay you to attend. There are requirements and "catches" but many nurses do this.
If you are experienced you need to pop into a recruiting center or look up the phone number for the nurse recruiter for the service you are interested in joining. Each service has different needs and different opportunities for experience. Though since i got out there are changes to what we used to call "purple suiters" meaning the medical aspects including nursing are going to be more likely to be able to go to any military service as needed. This is still in the early stages
All military services now require a minimum of a BSN, an active licenses, be able to pass the background check. Just being a nurse is not a guarantee of accession like all institutions the military has specific requirement for specialty i.e. if you are critical care, anesthesia, OR, or trauma you have a better likelihood of meeting a current need.
The Physical exam is more extensive than you typical PCP exam. It does include an observed specimen drug tests
(BTW you can't be shy as many aspects of this and many future exams are in minimal clothing [gender separated].
After the physical there will be an interview with a Nurse officer to determine if you meet the services requirements and abilities.
Once sworn in you are in the service and will need to continue to meet all the physical and education requirements.
It is fascinating, terrifying and very rewarding.
I was a reservist and was not deployed so I cannot speak to that but a friend on f my as an FNP rose to the rank of Colonel and was the medical area commander for some of his deployments in the same pile.
Paul Kapsar
MAJ(RET) AN USAR
