#MilitarySpouseProblems

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Hello All,

I'll try to make this short and sweet. I'm currently a LVN in California and married to an active duty Army solider. I have about 1 year of experience thus far and I have been dying to bridge to my RN with the ultimate goal of becoming a NP with DoD. We will be stationed here for about 14 more months (we do not know where we are going yet; the possibilities are:California again,Colorado,Texas,Kentucky,Louisiana,North Carolina,Washington,Hawaii,Oklahoma,Kansas,Georgia,New York or even Korea or Germany). I am due to deliver our first child in three months.:woot: I've explored a few options:

1)Excelsior College ADN program-I'm extremely hesitant to start this because of the possible roadblocks I may face in the future.

2) Getting my real estate license and BS in Business Management online (most likely through Excelsior but completely open to other online options) while waiting for us to move, then attend a traditional Brick and Mortar program (either ADN,BSN or ABSN if I complete BS in Business Mgt)

3)Sitting in the corner and crying :barf02:

SO with that said what do you guys think would be the best plan? If you have any other ideas PLEASE share!

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

Would he be deploying at all during his time active? If he was I would highly encourage you to move closer to whoever your support group is- whether that be your family and friends back home or right where you are. I would communicate different options with him and see what input he has and hopefully he would support you in whatever it is you choose to do.

Likewise, I wouldn't hesitate to try and utilize any benefits the military may be able to provide you while your husband is active duty. I believe spouses are able to utilize Tuition Assistance but I may be mistaken. Also, if he is not deploying then I would still suggest applying for a school around your family/friends that are not going to go anywhere soon and may be a little more certain. Nursing School is not forever and you can always move back with your husband after school and be more happy yourself with the fact that you were able to obtain your RN license.

Is he in his first couple of years or is he career military?

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Thanks Alexander The Great. You didn't really answer my question though??We never know if he is deploying this far out,we would have to wait to figure that out. We have been a though deployments before and I always stay where ever it is we're living as I had support groups there. I am more comfortable that way.Moving back in with family puts an unnecessary burden on them,that neither of us want/are willing to do. Military spouses do not get TA,but if your spouse is under an E5 they qualify for up to $6k scholarship. My husbands been in for 7years and has a higher rank than that so I don't qualify.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

I would go with your first option then. Also, I'm very surprised to learn that you are unaware of upcoming deployments as when I was in we prepared for our next deployment and had an understanding of where we were going next and the rough timeline of the deployment.

Go for your ADN and if he ends up being stationed somewhere else just follow him after you graduate. That's my suggestion at least and it seems like you both would be fine seeing as this isn't his first enlistment.

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Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.

Sit tight, have your baby, enjoy the time, and start a bridge program when you head off to the new duty station. As soon as you know where you're going, start researching nearby schools and applying. This will be the best way to complete the program before another potential relocation.

I wouldn't do Excelsior as not all states accept their educational program for licensure. I know California doesn't.

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This is what I finally decided today.perfect timing! I'm going to finish up some random courses,stats mainly so I won't have to worry about them later on. Light course load,prn shifts and quality time with the babe for the next 14months:)

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Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.

Smart! If you can knock out a few random prerequisites now, that will shorten your time in the RN program anyway. You won't want to take on too much right now anyway with the new baby coming - you'll certainly be busy with that new aspect of your life. And who wants to miss out on the precious moments of that first baby?! Relax and enjoy! Congratulations, by the way! =)

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