Active Duty Military Seeking Career Advice

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I'm in need of future career counseling. Currently I am an active duty Coastguardsmen; deployed 8-10 months out of the year. So far I've found it confusing researching on the best path to choose.

My Goal-To become elligible for a BSN program in 2 years

My Problem-The next 2 years I will be deployed 8-10 months per year

I've looked into online schooling and it seems impossible to receive an Associates in Nursing 100% online. Due to the hands on schooling procedures. Which I understand. So my thought process was looking into Associates in Applied Sciences degrees. I found one on AMU (American Militray University). It is 100% online and it is an Associates in Applied Sciences in Health Sciences. Which I imagine correlates well to nursing.

The issue I keep coming across is I'm finding RN-BSN programs. Does this mean I have to become a registered nurse before I can apply to a Bachelor's in Nursing program? Or would an Associates in Applied Science degree hold enough weight to apply? Or is it possible to to apply for a BSN with 0 schooling?

Any useful information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I was going to say, I thought the USCG has corpsmen? I am pretty sure they did when I was a corpsman.

Excelsior is NOT a particularly reputable program, and some states, like CA, will not give you a license if that's where you went. Think about it- would you want a RN at the bedside if you or your grandmother were ill that obtained their RN online?

Yes, RN-BSN programs are a bridge program for people who have their ADN and are already RNs, but want to get their bachelor's degree.

You might look into commissioning programs to see if they have a nurse program available. I can never think of what the current Naval program is (it has changed since my time).

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Excelsior is NOT a particularly reputable program, and some states, like CA, will not give you a license if that's where you went. Think about it- would you want a RN at the bedside if you or your grandmother were ill that obtained their RN online?

I am an Excelsior graduate with more than 10,000 hours of trauma/ER experience, including deployed time in Afghanistan. The program is not actually "online," and students are required to already be healthcare providers of some sort before they can even apply to the ADN program. We tend to be quite experienced, actually. :) Anyone's grandmother would be in good hands with me - I am an excellent nurse.

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out of context is it possible to take your nclex during active duty... please response asap

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.
out of context is it possible to take your nclex during active duty... please response asap

You have to take your NCLEX before you can be commissioned as a nurse. If you are able to finish your RN degree while on active duty, yes you can take but will not be a nurse at that time. You will still be working in your MOS/AOC until you either get commissioned or change branches.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
You have to take your NCLEX before you can be commissioned as a nurse. If you are able to finish your RN degree while on active duty, yes you can take but will not be a nurse at that time. You will still be working in your MOS/AOC until you either get commissioned or change branches.

I believe the poster is a foreign grad and therefore not eligible to serve as a military nurse.

amos24, there is no reason you can't take your NCLEX, but you will not have time to work as a new RN if you are an enlisted soldier. What MOS will you be?

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i can't tell you my MOS but i have eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN in California and take the NCLEX-RN in Hawaii anytime as long as it doesn't pass my 2 years and currently i hold my BSN without a license i am joining and enlisted already and will be leaving soon i just want to know once,praised be to good i pass the nclex either PN or RN when can i start practicing and also i want to get my MSN NP with Geriatrics which i can do because i talked with a school and all they need is for me to get my RN license..

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furthermore will i be paying my examination or will the ARMY pay for my examination

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
furthermore will i be paying my examination or will the ARMY pay for my examination

You will be paying, unless you wait until you are eligible for the GI Bill. Joining the Army probably wasn't wise if you want to practice as a nurse anytime soon. The Army is a 24x7 job. Good luck.

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actually my mos give me time to review and study a little more and especially the army will pay for my NCLEX because i already talked to them once i am ready

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
actually my mos give me time to review and study a little more and especially the army will pay for my NCLEX because i already talked to them once i am ready

You will have time to review and take the NCLEX, sure; I didn't say otherwise. I said you will not have the time to practice as a nurse. Nursing as a new grad really requires full-time hours, and being a soldier is more than full-time. I speak from experience in both. Be prepared for a gap between licensure and employment.

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