Need Educating

SarasotaRN2b · Dec 20, 2004

Hi Bridgette,

First, Welcome to allnurses!!!!

Now, I think that the reason that the Army is training you for the LVN/LPN is because it won't take as long and I'm sure that they want to get you working, not going to school for at least half of your enlistment period. The difference is pretty much in the scope of care that an RN can give versus an LPN. An option might be that once you finish your LPN and if you don't want to wait until after your enlistment (it would be about a year in a transitional program LPN-RN), you can check out a distance program to do the transition. As mentioned on many of the threads (take a gander, it can keep you busy for a long, long time!), a BSN will enable you increase your scope further. Within the nursing field, education never stops.

breece · Dec 20, 2004

THANKS, are there any online schools you recommend this board is a wealth of knowledge. I want to get my RN, Bachloers while I am in because the Army will pay 100% tution and once I get out I still have my GI Bill to get a Masters or more, but if I decide not to get out I can use it to go up in Rank. THanks Again

Hi Bridgette,
First, Welcome to allnurses!!!!
Now, I think that the reason that the Army is training you for the LVN/LPN is because it won't take as long and I'm sure that they want to get you working, not going to school for at least half of your enlistment period. The difference is pretty much in the scope of care that an RN can give versus an LPN. An option might be that once you finish your LPN and if you don't want to wait until after your enlistment (it would be about a year in a transitional program LPN-RN), you can check out a distance program to do the transition. As mentioned on many of the threads (take a gander, it can keep you busy for a long, long time!), a BSN will enable you increase your scope further. Within the nursing field, education never stops.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Dec 20, 2004

Good questions. As an old Army medic...I came out as a 91C30/E-6...what your MOS is now, I believe (they changed the MOS numbers). I got my BSN, RN just right after finishing my term of service...the miltary paid for it. I just didn't re-enlist due to my then wife coming out of the Air Force. Anyway, yes, use the benefits the Army provides to get your RN. I see the confusion on your part. The BSN does not require an RN first. The BSN is just the educational level that the military prefers, especially if you want to make the military your career choice. BSN is officer entry as a nurse; otherwise, you are enlisted, I believe, without it.

Here is my recommendation:

Finish and get your LVN...in the Army you will be enlisted.

Go to nursing school/college, during or after, your stint in the Army in a BSN program as you work as an LVN...especially if the military/Army is going to be your career choice to become officer material...benefits are way better if you are an officer

After you complete the BSN program, you can sit for the RN board.

If still in Army or returning back to it, have your military record reflect your BSN, RN in order to be awarded as officer and get your new assignment and duties.

LVN is essentially similar to a LPN...the two entry points of nursing care at this level. The LVN or LPN functions under the direction of an RN or MD. Usually, it is not an independent license, but functions under the supervision of someone else.

RN entry point can be a 2 (associate degree) or 3 (diploma program) or 4 (bachelor degree, such as BSN) year program, but take the SAME RN license after the schooling is complete. The Army recognizes the BSN 4 year program as the entry level of nursing education in order to become an officer as an RN. At this time, this is my understanding. You may want to post your question on the Military Nurses section of allnurses.com for someone who is "currently in" service to provide feedback.

I hope this helps. I wish you all the best in your career in nursing and in the military.

:)