To Old for Navy Nuke Career?

[zjv244]

I recently enlisted as HM in the Navy, and scored a 95 on the ASVAB. The liaison officer told me I "qualified for whatever I wanted", but wasn't really offered anything I knew much-or- cared about. I'm told an enlisted man usually is at MEPS to talk high scoring recruits into Nukes but he wasn't there when I enlisted.

Shortly after swearing my oath however, I received a call from my recruiter asking me to speak with him (the Nuke Liaison officer). I declined at first but he insisted (I found this odd since he didn't seem to think I'd do a great deal based on my practice test scores). But after speaking to the him, I admit to being intrigued by the challenge of the rate, and the demands placed upon them. In fact, without specifics, aspects of the rate remind me of what I do now in the civilian sector. However I have some reservations.

I'm 25 for starters ( I was told this would be easy to waiver), and never participated in a math course beyond Geometry, which was a good 8 years ago in high school. While I thought I could "just go Nuke" I've been informed I need to take an extra test. It wasn't until recently I discovered this test is in place for those of us not sharp enough to auto qualify.

Reading posts upon posts in this board in a similar vein to my own reveal a stunning level of similar doubts but with twice the education...if not more. I just feel an odd sensation. To be challenged and work with people as challenged as myself to exceed. To serve my country in a capacity so few are able to meet. I want a career in the Navy, and if I'm going to live life with insane demanding 60+ hour weeks then gosh darn, I'd rather do it with some honour.

However I seem unable to escape the doubts that I'm two steps behind everyone. I haven't even taken the actual NAPT test yet and I feel lost trying to teach myself subjects I've never touched before (I was told learn Trigonometry!!!). If the pipeline is a quarter as hard as everyone says, am I simply far to academically behind to actually keep up? Is some recruiter trying to meet a quota without particular concern to my Navy career?

I appreciate all honest opinions negative or otherwise, I feel this is a turning point in my personal life and I feel compelled to make an informed opinion. Navy Nuke has many appeals, especially for a career in my personal opinion, but I want to be realistic.

Thank you for any help rendered.

[spekkio]

My $.02: Pick a job you would enjoy, you'll be doing it for at least 4 years. Screw all that 'it's a challenge' psych-babble. Every job has its own challenges.

[Starkist]

As far as your age is concerned, lets look at this pragmatically.

You compare yourself to a 20 year old. While at your age, thats a reasonable difference, but look at the big picture. If you stayed in for 20 years, you will be 45. Compare that to the 20 year old... who will get out at 40. The difference between 40 and 45 is significantly different than 20-25. Who knows, if you went officer or made rank faster, you could possibly be even better off than the 20 year old.

At 25, you SHOULD have a maturity that will help stand you above your fellow sailors that are younger than you. While this may not give you the "oh wow" factor you desire, it can help you succeed where the younger ones/"less experienced" may not. *NOTE* please understand my "should" and "can" are not to be implied as "are" and "will". Im just relating myself now to what I was when I was 18-24 in the navy.

The real detriment is if you DON'T stay in the navy. If you do six years and leave, you will be 31, not 24-26 like most of your constituents. this can make it a bit more difficult to get on track with other goals you have for yourself.


Basically to sum up all this, you really need to do some soul searching of what you want to do with yourself. Being a "nuke" sucks while you're in. Theres really no bones about that. If you think 60 hours are demanding, how about 120? No, thats not an exaggeration. Some weeks were 140.



Finally, with power school, theres absolutely nothing to learn. In fact, you're probably behind if you have taken significant math courses. You LITERALLY start from 2+2=4 and build from there. They will teach you everything. For now you have to focus on passing your NAPT, and do not study beyond that test. Nothing you study now will help you for power school.

[MMM]

If you decide to try for nuke and are that worried, go to the library (or bookstore) and pickup chemistry, physics, and trig For Dummies (I love that series). They're basic enough that it will either refresh your memory or teach you the basics for the NAPT. The only real "challenge" I've seen in 20 years what getting through the pipeline. After that, it was fairly easy, except the occasional port/starboard watches, 3-6 section duty with the rest of the ship complaining about only being in 12 section (and sometimes about having to stand a 2nd watch during that duty day), and limited duty stations.

[SA82]

I was 27 when I joined and was offered a nuke waiver. I chose to accept it and I am glad that I did. If you decide to get out, like I did, your job opportunities will be good. I stayed in for 10 years and decided I had enough. I had no problem finding a well paying job. I used TA to complete my degree before I got out and I am using my GI Bill to pay for a masters degree.

In the worst case, if you fail out of nuke school, you will probably be rerated and you will be back to where you are now.

Either way, you are going to be slightly older than your co-workers so you may as well give nuke a try and secure your future.

[Gamecock]

Being a "nuke" sucks while you're in.

YMMV.  I enjoyed all of my 23 years, even the ones on sea duty.  It is what you make of it.

Cheers,

GC

[Higgs]

I joined when I was 23. The only advice I have is to avoid the desire to "party" with underagers.

Justin

[zjv244]

Soo...no one seems to think I'm behind academically thus far...is it common for someone with so little advanced education to enter this rate?

I'm not just implying my bones are older then dirt, just that much of highschool has faded away!

[HydroDave63]

Soo...no one seems to think I'm behind academically thus far...is it common for someone with so little advanced education to enter this rate?

I'm not just implying my bones are older then dirt, just that much of highschool has faded away!

With no class harder than Geometry eight years ago, I personally doubt you would successfully make it through the Nuke pipeline. That's not to say I and the folks here wouldn't wish you all the success and congratulate your success, just that the likelihood is low(er).

That isn't a bad thing. On my ship, we had a guy who came aboard as a non-rate striker (E-1). Did his 135 days mess-cranking with no complaints, chipped paint with no complaints, always kept his appearance and uniform super-sat, struck for sonar tech and got it, and had just put on his STG1 stripes when I left. His rank, paycheck and GI Bill college assistance money spends just the same as a 6 or 8-and-out nuke.

Oh, by the way, while I and the other nukes were 3-section steaming watches due to dual busted distilling units....the STGs and other dudes in CIC were 6-section rig-for-red and air-conditioned to 68 degrees the whole way. Not even ELTs have THAT sweet of a deal 

[MMM]

Bah, it's really more about how much you're willing to work. The navy teaches you what you need to get through the program, instructors will help if you ask. I've had more people tell me they had issues because they had to relearn things the way the navy wanted them done as opposed to how they learned in high school/college.

[Marlin]

Bah, it's really more about how much you're willing to work. The navy teaches you what you need to get through the program, instructors will help if you ask. I've had more people tell me they had issues because they had to relearn things the way the navy wanted them done as opposed to how they learned in high school/college.

The right way, the wrong way and the Navy way. 

[zjv244]

With no class harder than Geometry eight years ago, I personally doubt you would successfully make it through the Nuke pipeline. That's not to say I and the folks here wouldn't wish you all the success and congratulate your success, just that the likelihood is low(er).

That isn't a bad thing. On my ship, we had a guy who came aboard as a non-rate striker (E-1). Did his 135 days mess-cranking with no complaints, chipped paint with no complaints, always kept his appearance and uniform super-sat, struck for sonar tech and got it, and had just put on his STG1 stripes when I left. His rank, paycheck and GI Bill college assistance money spends just the same as a 6 or 8-and-out nuke.

Oh, by the way, while I and the other nukes were 3-section steaming watches due to dual busted distilling units....the STGs and other dudes in CIC were 6-section rig-for-red and air-conditioned to 68 degrees the whole way. Not even ELTs have THAT sweet of a deal 

I really appreciate your thoughts. To be honest I was so super pumped during/through/before the MEPS process I no longer cared what I did...I was utterly delighted and humbled to join the Navy
 Even if the made me a CS ( I heard they work way harder then they get credit for!). Just at the end of the day I'm still going to take the NAPT in few days, and I'll go from there. If I fail or decline, I still plan on doing my freakin best, and I'll of course let anyone here who cares know about the results! Love the Navy already!

[spekkio]

I disagree with his statement. If you can remember simple algebra, you will be perfectly fine on the enlisted end regarding math.

[Starkist]

YMMV.  I enjoyed all of my 23 years, even the ones on sea duty.  It is what you make of it.

Cheers,

GC

Like anything in this world, its (of course) what you make of it. You can enjoy your time in service, but there's little to argue that 3 section duty when the rest of the ship has 8 doesn't suck (and it was ONLY applicable to nukes, hence the "being a nuke sucks" comment). Meant it more of a  job specific comparison to other rates, not a "this job sucks, dont do it" comment. Should have been more clear I guess. Obviously the grass is always greener  

Daves post kinda amplifies my implication

Oh, by the way, while I and the other nukes were 3-section steaming watches due to dual busted distilling units....the STGs and other dudes in CIC were 6-section rig-for-red and air-conditioned to 68 degrees the whole way. Not even ELTs have THAT sweet of a deal 

@dave ->

I would concur, but if he's studying to pass the NAPT and does pass, he's probably where he needs to be wouldn't you think?

[Hilariousity]

If I were in your shoes knowing what I do now I would stay with the Corpsman job, because its way less stressful, you'll probably have more chances to go to college using TA, and you're "locked in" to studying power plants for the vast majority of your time versus whatever you want for the next six years. However the real question that you need to answer is "How hard are you willing to work?". If working 80 hours a week minimum sounds fine to you, You'll be perfectly fine.

[GLW]

I disagree with his statement. If you can remember simple algebra, you will be perfectly fine on the enlisted end regarding math.

I will agree with that,....

IMNSHO, nobody could (can?) facilitate comprehending logarithms as easy and with such epiphany as the USN did (can?),...

I cannot remember the details (it has been three decades) of how the USN accomplished that, I do recall that after AP High School mathematics and a couple of years of collegiate mathematics study,... I was impressed,... the process was impressive, a lot of the Section 1 and 2 guys needed it, and I was impressed with the USN methods that they got it,...

[MMM]

If I were in your shoes knowing what I do now I would stay with the Corpsman job, because its way less stressful, you'll probably have more chances to go to college using TA, and you're "locked in" to studying power plants for the vast majority of your time versus whatever you want for the next six years. However the real question that you need to answer is "How hard are you willing to work?". If working 80 hours a week minimum sounds fine to you, You'll be perfectly fine.

That being said, if you can handle being a navy nuke for 8-10 years (that's one reenlistment with a rather large bonus), you can get out and find jobs that start in the $80-90k/year range, not including bonuses or anything else. That is based on the EO position that Exelon has posted right now (it lists $35/hr). I don't think corpsmen have that kind of marketability. Plus it's not uncommon for nukes to make PO1 w/in 5 years and chief in 8-10 years.

[GLW]

That being said, if you can handle being a navy nuke for 8-10 years (that's one reenlistment with a rather large bonus), you can get out and find jobs that start in the $80-90k/year range, not including bonuses or anything else. That is based on the EO position that Exelon has posted right now (it lists $35/hr). I don't think corpsmen have that kind of marketability. Plus it's not uncommon for nukes to make PO1 w/in 5 years and chief in 8-10 years.

Not an accurate comparison,...

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate

There are many, many more health care services places of employment than there are nuclear power plants,...

Do what you want to do, what you like to do, the money will follow,...

I wanted to be in the engineroom of a submarine,...

Everything else was gravy,...

[MMM]

True, an HM has A LOT more options for where to go both in and out of the navy, whereas a nuke is limited to power plants to make that much, but there are power plants all over, we're not restricted to nuclear plants (although they seem to pay better). Also, I don't think HMs can be RNs right out of the navy (unless they did that on their own).

[GLW]

......Also, I don't think HMs can be RNs right out of the navy (unless they did that on their own).

Well, in context, you described a compensation level that could be inferred to be commensurate after an 8-10 year length of active service:

That being said, if you can handle being a navy nuke for 8-10 years (that's one reenlistment with a rather large bonus), you can get out and find jobs that start in the $80-90k/year range, not including bonuses or anything else. That is based on the EO position that Exelon has posted right now (it lists $35/hr). I don't think corpsmen have that kind of marketability. Plus it's not uncommon for nukes to make PO1 w/in 5 years and chief in 8-10 years.

In the present day, a Navy nuke who gets out after 10 years and all that nuke has achieved is PO1 and successful completion of the NNPP, that Navy nuke is not going to be particularly competitive for the compensation level that was described.

So, a Navy nuke who puts in the time to gain a sheepskin and a senior supervisory watch is where that compensation level is more readily realized,...

Comparatively, a Navy Corpsman who puts in 8 to 10 years can probably accumulate the education needed to be an RN upon discharge from active service,...

I can only speculate which sailor will have more off duty time for those two scenarios, I'm speculating it will not be the Navy nuke,...

Do what you want to do, what you like to do, the money will follow,...

[spekkio]

That being said, if you can handle being a navy nuke for 8-10 years (that's one reenlistment with a rather large bonus), you can get out and find jobs that start in the $80-90k/year range, not including bonuses or anything else. That is based on the EO position that Exelon has posted right now (it lists $35/hr). I don't think corpsmen have that kind of marketability. Plus it's not uncommon for nukes to make PO1 w/in 5 years and chief in 8-10 years.

1) $35/hour is $72k/year, not $80-90.

2) Job postings like that are becoming more scarce because the nuclear utility industry is downsizing (and not because it wants to). Hence, the jobs that do open are going to be competitive and it's unlikely that a vanilla 6 or 8 and out Navy nuke with no college education gets the job.

3) You can't be an RN without a associates or BSN. But you can use the GI bill when out (or tuition assistance while in) to obtain that degree. And if you do obtain that degree, there are many areas that pay BSNs the salary range you noted. On the other hand, it's a virtual certainty that a nuke will not have the time to use his tuition assistance to make any meaningful progress toward obtianing a bachelor's.

This idea that employers will be begging Navy nukes to work for them for $80k+ is just not true. It's a line recruiters use to sell people on being nukes. Not saying that one can't be successful in a post-Navy career, but that the advantages are not as pronounced as you think they are. Career transitions (and that's what getting out of the military is) always take work, and no matter what your mil job is you're going to have to do some sort of education/training/certifications to be able to do the civilian analogue.

[MMM]

1) True, $35/hr for a 40 hour week, 50 weeks a year is around $72k/year, but doesn't account for overtime (which I admit I try not to figure in when looking at pay). However, I've seen about a dozen or so postings in the last few weeks for NLOs, this is the only one I've seen with the pay posted.

2) I will also agree I don't know how the jobs are for the civilian nuclear world right now either, so it might require a little extra effort on the sailors part to prepare for separating.

3) There are plenty of nukes that get their degrees using TA. It's somewhat difficult when on a sub (Full disclosure: I'm a surface guy, I know nothing about sub life), but on a carrier or on shore duty is completely possible with a little effort. So this point is somewhat invalid.

I agree, employers will not be "begging" navy nukes to work for them. It does require a little effort on our part to find the job, but a navy nuke can find jobs that are close to or in the 6 figure range (they went direct SRO/RO and shift supervisors at non-nuke plants). The guys I know that did that were not 6 or 8 and out guys, I think they were all 10+ years or just under 10 years.

[spekkio]

Yea, everyone knows someone who got out and landed a 6-figure instant SRO job, just like everyone knows someone who made millions off of some startup stock or flipping houses. But I also know of two CPOs retiring @ 20 years under 40 years old who ultimately had to accept jobs with paycuts. I also know a few 6-and-outers who accepted jobs at the local maintenance depot which starts around mid-40s/50s range and others who just decided not to make a career out of nuclear power.

The point is, I'd love to see some actual data on how often a nuke lands that coveted 6-figure job at a utility. I'd guess it's a lot less frequent than people make it out to be just going by anecdotal evidence and posts I've read on this forum from supervisors at utilities. I'd also say that it's unrealistic for an 18-year-old signing a nuke contract to expect that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

[MMM]

Off the top of my head, I know 7 that went direct SRO when they got out. All were E-6 (one E-7 and one frocked CPO) with 8-12 years in, 3 qualified EOOW and the rest EWS/PPWS (one got out from sea duty). I also do know a MCPO that took an instructor job and ended up with a small pay cut when he retired at 21 years. These were all in the last 4 years.

I don't know how many people applied and didn't get direct SRO or just took the pay cut and went NLO, although I know plenty of guys that did 6 and out and went NLO, but that was about 15 years ago.

Just to be clear, I 100% agree with GLW, do something you enjoy. No amount of money is worth being in a job that makes you miserable (well, maybe if it's 7 or 8 figures, then you can quit in a year or two). I also agree that there is no guarantee of getting an SRO or NLO position when a nuke gets out. A lot of things factor into it, such as, if you are getting out during a hiring cycle.

Spekkio, I think we agree that, while the high paying jobs are out there for nuke, they are by no means guaranteed or easy to come by. You do need to work to get them and set yourself up fairly early on or you might screw yourself out of the possibility.

[Gamecock]

This idea that employers will be begging Navy nukes to work for them for $80k+ is just not true....

I concur.....

After I retired, I accepted a job that paid just south of 80K.  It was a humbling experience.

[zjv244]

While I'm concerned for the post military options as far as civilian careers are concerned...I still wish to be a Navy Nuke. Certainly I think any salary I achieve is better then my current 20k (if I work overtime like crazy). I just really want to challenge myself, and frankly I'd love to work with my DEP pool's current Nukes.  A greater bunch of crazy, nerdy, and freaky guys a man couldn't ask more for.

My test as it stands is May 16...that and my waiver will ultimately decide my decision. Worst case, my recruiter wants me to go into  a "crypto" field. I didn't think the Navy would want to shift me around this much, defiantly different then my Uncle's days.

[Starkist]

Just wanna chime in,

My RN mother who has been an RN for about 30 years makes about 38$ an hour. Starting salaries in the midwest are around 15-20$ for BS RN's.  Initial salary averages for the nation for RN's is $45,040.  Median salary is $65,470 nationwide, with top 10% making $94,720.

On glassdoor, average starting salary for Nuclear Operators (non licensed) was $64,090 based on 2004 numbers (cant find anything recent). Median salary is $72,000 on indeed.com's job listings.  That doesn't include outage bonuses and forced overtime Id imagine.


Not saying RN's don't do well for themselves, but I have plenty of friends relatively fresh out of school making almost no money paying off student loans for their nursing degree. My wife's sister is a magnum cum laude graduate from UofM with a nursing degree, and had no problem finding a job.... she started ~20$ an hour at the local big wig hospital.  There's decent money in operations; I don't think anyone here is denying that. Job stresses and responsibilities are the key factors I guess. If you hated your job at 35$ an hour, or loved your job at 20-25$ an hour, whats better over all? Thats really all thats being discussed.

1) True, $35/hr for a 40 hour week, 50 weeks a year is around $72k/year, but doesn't account for overtime (which I admit I try not to figure in when looking at pay). However, I've seen about a dozen or so postings in the last few weeks for NLOs, this is the only one I've seen with the pay posted.

2) I will also agree I don't know how the jobs are for the civilian nuclear world right now either, so it might require a little extra effort on the sailors part to prepare for separating.

3) There are plenty of nukes that get their degrees using TA. It's somewhat difficult when on a sub (Full disclosure: I'm a surface guy, I know nothing about sub life), but on a carrier or on shore duty is completely possible with a little effort. So this point is somewhat invalid.

I agree, employers will not be "begging" navy nukes to work for them. It does require a little effort on our part to find the job, but a navy nuke can find jobs that are close to or in the 6 figure range (they went direct SRO/RO and shift supervisors at non-nuke plants). The guys I know that did that were not 6 or 8 and out guys, I think they were all 10+ years or just under 10 years.

1) Of all the job postings for NLO I've seen, 28-36$ has been the norm across the fleets.

2) Correct. Unfortunately, no one IN the navy has any freaking clue, so its kind of a catch 22.

3) "plenty of nukes" O.o. guess we had a lazy ship, because I remember a whopping 3 people get their degree while onboard. Its not "Easy" for anyone.

[spekkio]

Not saying RN's don't do well for themselves, but I have plenty of friends relatively fresh out of school making almost no money paying off student loans for their nursing degree. My wife's sister is a magnum cum laude graduate from UofM with a nursing degree, and had no problem finding a job.... she started ~20$ an hour at the local big wig hospital.  There's decent money in operations; I don't think anyone here is denying that. Job stresses and responsibilities are the key factors I guess. If you hated your job at 35$ an hour, or loved your job at 20-25$ an hour, whats better over all? Thats really all thats being discussed.

You're quoting numbers from the midwest, though, and those numbers also drive down national averages. In NY or CA, starting salary for a full-time nurse in a hospital will be 60-70k and they can get up to 90k.

I also think it's a bit of hyperbole to say that someone who is fresh out of college making $20/hour can't pay off his/her student loans while living in the midwest, especially since nurses working at hospitals get relatively generous benefits packages.

Neither here nor there, but many nurses, at least when my mom was in the game not too long ago, only work a 24 hour week. Rotating shift work, yes. Many hours, no, and it's probably driving your numbers down further.

The equalizer is job availability when you get out, where you plan on living your life, and how competitive the person is for hire. That's really the topic under discussion, as the pay will be 'good' if you enjoy it and it will be 'not enough' if you don't.

[Higgs]

Just wanna chime in,

My RN mother who has been an RN for about 30 years makes about 38$ an hour. Starting salaries in the midwest are around 15-20$ for BS RN's.  Initial salary averages for the nation for RN's is $45,040.  Median salary is $65,470 nationwide, with top 10% making $94,720.

On glassdoor, average starting salary for Nuclear Operators (non licensed) was $64,090 based on 2004 numbers (cant find anything recent). Median salary is $72,000 on indeed.com's job listings.  That doesn't include outage bonuses and forced overtime Id imagine.


Not saying RN's don't do well for themselves, but I have plenty of friends relatively fresh out of school making almost no money paying off student loans for their nursing degree. My wife's sister is a magnum cum laude graduate from UofM with a nursing degree, and had no problem finding a job.... she started ~20$ an hour at the local big wig hospital.  There's decent money in operations; I don't think anyone here is denying that. Job stresses and responsibilities are the key factors I guess. If you hated your job at 35$ an hour, or loved your job at 20-25$ an hour, whats better over all? Thats really all thats being discussed.


1) Of all the job postings for NLO I've seen, 28-36$ has been the norm across the fleets.

2) Correct. Unfortunately, no one IN the navy has any freaking clue, so its kind of a catch 22.

3) "plenty of nukes" O.o. guess we had a lazy ship, because I remember a whopping 3 people get their degree while onboard. Its not "Easy" for anyone.

I thought your mother was a doctor?

So you know, EVERY male on my mother's side has died before the age of 59 because of heart related illnesses. My mother is also a doctor and has been a base of some of this conversation. Yes, I feel comfortable saying I probably know more then you about this subject. I have also had to jump through crazy hoops in the medical side of the navy, so I am more experienced then you in that regards as well.  Slam away, you're dead wrong here. If you bothered reading my statements, instead of baselessly judging me, you would see my concern is him getting the care he requires, not me "diagnosing" him.  I've also had some PM sessions with this guy about things going on, and its certainly more then you care to know. 

[hamsamich]

I'm a marine biologist.

[Starkist]

You're quoting numbers from the midwest, though, and those numbers also drive down national averages. In NY or CA, starting salary for a full-time nurse in a hospital will be 60-70k and they can get up to 90k.

I also think it's a bit of hyperbole to say that someone who is fresh out of college making $20/hour can't pay off his/her student loans while living in the midwest, especially since nurses working at hospitals get relatively generous benefits packages.

Neither here nor there, but many nurses, at least when my mom was in the game not too long ago, only work a 24 hour week. Rotating shift work, yes. Many hours, no, and it's probably driving your numbers down further.

The equalizer is job availability when you get out, where you plan on living your life, and how competitive the person is for hire. That's really the topic under discussion, as the pay will be 'good' if you enjoy it and it will be 'not enough' if you don't.

NY and California also have a relatively MASSIVE raise in cost of living as well. As far as paying off student loans, I don't really poke my nose in their finances, but I know she's kinda struggling with them vs her pay. Granted, she maxed her loans for four years, and got private loans on top of that.  I do agree, she had no problems what so ever finding a job at all! 

Those pay scales I "pulled out of my butt" were from national averages as well. I don't know how much nurses in Cali make, nor do I care. I just know nurses do "decent", but wont make the 6 figure+ thats possible in operations either. (Maybe a handful of nurses at private practices can reach 100k *shrug*)

I thought your mother was a doctor?

Your lookup for the day is DNP, and to figure out why someone working nearly as long as you have been alive in an industry would have one.

[Higgs]

Right. 

[HydroDave63]

My test as it stands is May 16...that and my waiver will ultimately decide my decision. Worst case, my recruiter wants me to go into  a "crypto" field. I didn't think the Navy would want to shift me around this much, defiantly different then my Uncle's days.

Crypto is a tough field as well... are you fluent in any other languages currently?  There once was a time when I thought I wanted to switch rate to crypto, but learning German from 60s and 70s WW2 movies wasn't gonna cut it!

[Starkist]

Right.  

I mean, if you wanna speak with the lady, you're more than welcome to. She could certainly give you more information about nursing, nursing pay, and career progression than I can of course.  Since you clearly didn't understand what a DNP is, I figured you are interested in the subject since you decided to dig up 2 year old posts about my mother. Feel free to pm me if you are interested in making a career change. That WAS your point, was it not?


Right. 

[Higgs]

Hahaha. Yeah.

[MMM]

Crypto is a tough field as well... are you fluent in any other languages currently?  There once was a time when I thought I wanted to switch rate to crypto, but learning German from 60s and 70s WW2 movies wasn't gonna cut it!

Cryptotech aren't just translators. There's 4 or 5 CT rates, if I remember correctly, and only CTIs are translators. Although if you're fluent in certain languages, and can prove it, you get a nice bonus (which even nukes can get). I think most of the languages are from the Middle East as well as Russian, Chinese and Korean.

[Starkist]

Cryptotech aren't just translators. There's 4 or 5 CT rates, if I remember correctly, and only CTIs are translators. Although if you're fluent in certain languages, and can prove it, you get a nice bonus (which even nukes can get). I think most of the languages are from the Middle East as well as Russian, Chinese and Korean.

Yeah, strategic language NEC. Pretty hefty pay raise honestly (25$-1000$ a month). Lots of African languages on there now. Definitely worthwhile to check out if you speak a foreign language.

Hahaha. Yeah.

Guess I missed the joke. Surely you have better things to do than to search my old posts to find "contradictions" you'd like to make up. I've referenced my mother as a nurse more than once here. The fact she holds a doctorate in nursing would make her... a doctor.... Or, as relevant to the OP's questions, someone with more experience in the medical field than you. Someone I can call and ask questions about starting pay for nurses in the region and her experiences hiring new nurses. My sister-in-law is a new nurse, who I've spoken with many times about her career choice and pay, which is very relevant to this thread. (She's currently struggling with her student loans for instance). Im simply trying to provide more clarification to the op to make an informed career choice; not to stir up a hissy fit from someone that's looking to try to embarrass me. Thanks though, your concerns are noted. 

[Higgs]

Guess I missed the joke.

You sure did.

We didn't.

[spekkio]

NY and California also have a relatively MASSIVE raise in cost of living as well. As far as paying off student loans, I don't really poke my nose in their finances, but I know she's kinda struggling with them vs her pay. Granted, she maxed her loans for four years, and got private loans on top of that.  I do agree, she had no problems what so ever finding a job at all!  

Those pay scales I "pulled out of my butt" were from national averages as well. I don't know how much nurses in Cali make, nor do I care. I just know nurses do "decent", but wont make the 6 figure+ thats possible in operations either. (Maybe a handful of nurses at private practices can reach 100k *shrug*)

I didn't ever claim you pulled the payscales out of your butt, just explaining to you that your point estimate of a nurse's salary based on the national median has a lot of variance in it. Surely you can wrap your head around that, ye-as?

And the point about salaries on the coast is that nurses can work virtually anywhere in the nation and be compensated an amount that allows them to live a relatively comfortable lifestyle. They don't have to make concessions based on whethere there are only job openings at a certain location, and personally I think the pay is rather generous considering the level of education they must attain.

It's not six figures, but neither are the nuke ops jobs you were posting. To bring this back to the topic at hand: the claim that it is well within the norm for a nuke with no higher education or civilian certs/training and 8-12 years of Naval experience can get auto-hired at a utility of his choosing for 100k+ is simply false advertising.

PS: As an Ensign I put about 8k toward student loans a year. I was making $36k living in Charleston. Still had plenty of money to eat steak twice a week and purchase craft beer, as well as put 10% of pay into TSP. I don't know your sister's finances, either, but I'm suspicious when anyone who's making a decent salary in a low cost-of-living area claims they struggle to pay off student loans. Sounds like bad financial planning moreso than bad compensation.

[HydroDave63]

PS: As an Ensign I put about 8k toward student loans a year. I was making $360k living in Charleston. Still had plenty of money to eat steak twice a week and purchase craft beer, as well as put 10% of pay into TSP.

Was that $36K/year as Ensign?

Other than that, I concur with the 3rd paragraph. Some lucky few may indeed walk off the brow and right into six figures, but many do not.

[spekkio]

Yes, oops. I do miss having bills amount to just under $850/mo. Silly me had to get married and have kids  .

[HydroDave63]

So noted. You may return to original course and speed 

[Starkist]

I didn't ever claim you pulled the payscales out of your butt, just explaining to you that your point estimate of a nurse's salary based on the national median has a lot of variance in it. Surely you can wrap your head around that, ye-as?

And the point about salaries on the coast is that nurses can work virtually anywhere in the nation and be compensated an amount that allows them to live a relatively comfortable lifestyle. They don't have to make concessions based on whethere there are only job openings at a certain location, and personally I think the pay is rather generous considering the level of education they must attain.

It's not six figures, but neither are the nuke ops jobs you were posting. To bring this back to the topic at hand: the claim that it is well within the norm for a nuke with no higher education or civilian certs/training and 8-12 years of Naval experience can get auto-hired at a utility of his choosing for 100k+ is simply false advertising.

PS: As an Ensign I put about 8k toward student loans a year. I was making $36k living in Charleston. Still had plenty of money to eat steak twice a week and purchase craft beer, as well as put 10% of pay into TSP. I don't know your sister's finances, either, but I'm suspicious when anyone who's making a decent salary in a low cost-of-living area claims they struggle to pay off student loans. Sounds like bad financial planning moreso than bad compensation.

We're aggressively agreeing with each other, completely on the same page. The only point of contention I will give you is, is RO/SRO progression. Those guys ARE making over 6 figures, and need nothing (technically) but a highschool diploma to get it (of course including applicable experience requirements), and theoretically can happen quickly. Almost no nurses are making what a licensed operator is making... from there, it divulges into the "quality of life" discussion. "Walk into it"... no, not technically, but its far from impossible. A 6 and out nuke CAN walk into a 70,000$ job without a degree though.

As far as my sister-in-law, she maxed her government student loans AND got private student loans. If she told me she was 250 grand in debt, I wouldn't doubt it. She didn't get any scholarships, and dorm fees, tuition, and cost of living at UofM are NOT cheap. Cost of tuition and dormitory is over 50k a year, x4 years -> over 200k + interest. Shes paying significantly more than 700$ a month, I promise you that much. Now, I can't say how common this is, I just know she's hurting, even though she is decently paid.

[zjv244]

So I failed the NAPT.

I'm mega bummed since I had really set my heart on the rate. The Petty Officer grading the test said I was close, but frankly that translates to unable to barely pass. Part of me thinks it might of been personal doubts...I froze and doubted myself numerous times and second guessed like you wouldn't believe.

You guys who've gone through are obviously sharp, but after the letdown of the day (or it seems, forever) I think I'll stick with Corpsman. Crypto (specifically CTN) is a hard field too and I doubt that as much as I have/did nuke. So I think I better stick with what I felt good with from day one. Still, I'll patch you all up if you need it! But I'll hound you for being smarter then me, out of spite!

Thanks everyone and best of luck in future endeavors!

[MMM]

I'm sorry to hear about the NAPT, however don't let that turn you off of being a cryptotech. I know you're bummed right now, but take a couple days to decompress and try for it if that's what you want.

[zjv244]

I'm sorry to hear about the NAPT, however don't let that turn you off of being a cryptotech. I know you're bummed right now, but take a couple days to decompress and try for it if that's what you want.

 Or I can patch you up after a long night of goofing off, and slap you sideways for being stupid ( I was totally their too so I know).

Don't worry, I'm still clever enough I'll know how too keep you guys going.

But thanks for the sentiments, maybe I'm not a nuke but I'll still give you guys credit for all your hard work.

[waynato]

So I failed the NAPT.

I'm mega bummed since I had really set my heart on the rate. The Petty Officer grading the test said I was close, but frankly that translates to unable to barely pass. Part of me thinks it might of been personal doubts...I froze and doubted myself numerous times and second guessed like you wouldn't believe.

You guys who've gone through are obviously sharp, but after the letdown of the day (or it seems, forever) I think I'll stick with Corpsman. Crypto (specifically CTN) is a hard field too and I doubt that as much as I have/did nuke. So I think I better stick with what I felt good with from day one. Still, I'll patch you all up if you need it! But I'll hound you for being smarter then me, out of spite!

Thanks everyone and best of luck in future endeavors!

Lol the funny thing is I'm pretty sure I failed the NAPT but the nuke coordinator was like, "hmm just look at a few of the those answers again", your guy obviously didn't want to help you out. The pipeline requires math during "math" class, but other than that not really. Everything is formulas or thumbrules if you think about it. I dont know sh@#t about math and I do my job just fine and I'm an ET1. I however would not choose HM over crypto, if i could do it again I would go crypto in a heatbeat. They dont even do sea tours, they get paid to learn languages, and they have good opportunities outside the navy aswell oh and they travel it sounds perfect to me. It just burned me to see those doods hop on the boat for like 2 weeks during a 120+ day deployment and do cool stuff (get some sort of complimentary dolphins for some reason) and hop off while nukes just get raped preparing for orse all the got damn time. I have not enjoyed one day of being a nuke. The job itself is fine(Being challenged is cool), and the navy(Support your family and others) itself is fine but combine the two and you get one of the most awful experiences someone could have in the first world.


Modified for language

[HeavyD]

The job itself is fine(Being challenged is cool), and the navy(Support your family and others) itself is fine but combine the two and you get one of the most awful experiences someone could have in the first world.

YMMV

[Golly Orby]

With no class harder than Geometry eight years ago, I personally doubt you would successfully make it through the Nuke pipeline.

I did.

Sorry to see that you failed the NAPT, zjv244, but you will look back on this experience and eventually be thankful.  The Navy is very good at making us love our jobs over the jobs of others.

[edit]  I had to edit this message because I was responding to the original post and did not read the latest events.  Lesson learned!