[manangnono]

Hi everyone. I'm a senior in high school about to go to the University of Pennsylvania for Nursing. I'm sure no one will know this, but I'll ask anyway: is there any link or book or anything that can compare Naval Nurse's salary with civilian nurses? I received a full Naval ROTC Scholarship, and while it's a good deal, my mom (who's an ICU RN) and I wonder about the differences in the future. Thanks for any help you can give!

[Anonymous]

The Navy should be able to tell you what your future earnings will be according to your MOS, rank, and time of service. You should also remember that the Navy has great benefits. Housing, or stipend, opportunities, medical benefits etc.. And having the Navy on your resume will open doors for you.

I was never a Navy nurse so I am not biased. My son is in the USMC. No nursing opps there. And he has done well for a HS grad ( barely even) and has some great opps next year when he gets out after 9 years.

I would check out the salaries in the area you want to work and compare them. I know I can look at the rank and time for the Marine Corps and see approx what my son will make.

Good Luck We need good nurses.

WR,,, three commas for Becca

I don't have any links but I typed in Marine Corps and surfed and found out alot.. Try doing a search with Navy in the address bar of your browser.

Also, remember if you live on campus a 4 year degree could cost you upwards of 40,000 or more. And those student loans will eat into your future earnings. For 10 years or more. I have a young friend who is paying in the $400 range every month....Ouch.. A car payment. I am paying approx $100 for about 6,000 of loans my last year..

[wavaca]

The following is a web sight that will tell you the "basic pay" of military staff members. It does not include housing allowance (based on where you live) and food allowance (based on if you are married, have kids, etc). You would be an "01" with under 2 years experiance.

http://www.dfas.mil/money/milpay/pay/2004paytable.pdf

I am a Navy Nurse (16 years). Like yourself, I joined because I got a scholarship. I was going to do my 4 year obligation and get out. I figured 4 years would give me good experience so I could get a regular job outside and it would help pay for school.

I enjoyed it and desided to stay in. Since then the Navy has helped pay for my MSN and then gave me a complete scholarship (along with the time and my normal salary)for an MBA.

Navy Nurse do team type nursing. You usually have a group of corpsman working under you. Also, you usually progress to charge nurse for the shift very quickly.

You do move every 3 years and initially have no say about where you want to work (geographically and clinically). Usually you can request a specialized clinical area after 2 years (give or take). Also, if you do not enjoy your work environment you can not just move to a different location or stop working. Additionally, there are expectations regarding behavior, courtesy, etc.

There is also the possibility that you would be called on to go global hot spots. Nurses in the Navy are on some ships, and on 'MASH' type units in the field, etc.

What ever you do. Look at the positive and 'grow' where you are planted.

Hope this helps.

[mercynurse]

I suggest looking at what the Navy offers over an extended period of time. Then see what nurses are making in your area....
I'm originally from PA and found that the east coast is all pretty comprable (exceptions are where they have unionized) hope this helps...don't forget to count that the Navy will pay for your masters and most facilities do not pay for education any longer