Allowing Corpsman to Become Nurses

realmean1 · Oct 28, 2012

I was a Navy Corpsman from 1973 to 1977. When I got out in IL, the only thing I was qualified for was a nursing assistant and/or EMT. But, unlike some of my friends who went into other fields, I sucked it up, did the CNA thing while going for LPN, then worked as an LPN while getting my RN. Unless you were a Corpsman before 1975, which was when they changed the classes, there is no way to understand what a Navy Corpsman did. Everything that a floor RN does, Corpsman did it. Along with serving with the Marines, and as independent Corpsmen on ships. It made it alot easier getting the degree and working at the same time. President Obama doesn't have a clue what a corpsman does. Neither does the rest of the civilain population, so may as well just buckle down and get it done. I also got into the Air National Guard, which paid for books, etc for only 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks/year. Of course that pre-Iraq. Might think differently now. Have I regretted the way I did it? Only when work gets to be bear, then wish I drove a truck for a living.

PMFB-RN, RN · Oct 28, 2012

I was a Navy Corpsman from 1973 to 1977. When I got out in IL, the only thing I was qualified for was a nursing assistant and/or EMT. But, unlike some of my friends who went into other fields, I sucked it up, did the CNA thing while going for LPN, then worked as an LPN while getting my RN.

*** I am happy that not all states take shuch a short sighted view as IL does. Corpsmen and medics are not ready to become RNs. However they shouldn't have to repeat training and as far as I am concerned they should get a leg up when getting into nursing school. I would think advanced placement based on testing them for their knowlage and skills would be appropiate. My state, Wisconsin does recognize corpsmen & medics skills and training in it's technical college system. The University doesn't seem to though.

browns0507 · Oct 31, 2012

Watching the Presidential debate tonight and a statement by Obama made my head turn. He was relating a story when a corpsman was stating that he has treated wounded soldiers but when he became a civilian he could not use his training or experience to count towards becoming a nurse (unknown which kind). The corpsman was upset that he had to start his education/training from the beginning.
Obama stated that the requirements to be a nurse (assumed licensure/NCLEX requirements) should be changed to allow corpsman to become nurses (did not state which kind).
Any thoughts?

As a current RN,BSN and a "former Corpsman", I firmly believe that the skill's learned as a Corpsman should be taken into account. I did far more hands on patient care as a Corpsman than as a nurse. However, I also believe that more education than what a Corpsman receives in Corps school is needed to become an RN.

unkwm128 · Nov 9, 2012

I think its a good idea if I can sit for the bar exam with my associates degree

FMF Corpsman, MSN, RN · Nov 10, 2012

mmm333, You are right, it was/is all over the map. I'm certain some of the things I did as a Corpsman back in country would absolutely curl the toenails of even some of today's Nurses, but they were only done as a last ditch effort to save the lives of my Marines. Things were much different back then, some things we did back then were actually considered pioneer techniques and procedures for things done today.

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · Nov 10, 2012

I will say this. Nursing is not just what you can do, the physical skills, but what you know. It is the entire education. Anyone can insert an IV, but do you understand what is happening within the body when it infiltrates, and what to do when that occurs?

It is not just about what you do, the skills, but the pathophysiology and education.

PMFB-RN, RN · Nov 10, 2012

I will say this. Nursing is not just what you can do, the physical skills, but what you know. It is the entire education. Anyone can insert an IV, but do you understand what is happening within the body when it infiltrates, and what to do when that occurs? It is not just about what you do, the skills, but the pathophysiology and education.[/quote)
Judging from the number of calls I get from RNs for this very thing I would venture to say many RNs have no idea either.

Ntheboat2 · Nov 10, 2012

I hear paramedics complaining about things they can't do.

"I can intubate a patient in the field, but I can't chart vital signs in the hospital."

All I hear is, "blah blah blah."

The standards for any profession and the educational requirements are clear. Don't go to school to be a paramedic if you want to be a RN. Don't be a corpsman if you want to be a civilian nurse.

Florence Nightingale herself would probably have to go back to school if she rose from the dead.

I'm sorry, but I spent lots of time and money pursuing my path the "right way" and I get tired of hearing it be discounted.

FMF Corpsman, MSN, RN · Nov 10, 2012

I hear paramedics complaining about things they can't do.
"I can intubate a patient in the field, but I can't chart vital signs in the hospital."
All I hear is, "blah blah blah."
The standards for any profession and the educational requirements are clear. Don't go to school to be a paramedic if you want to be a RN. Don't be a corpsman if you want to be a civilian nurse.
Florence Nightingale herself would probably have to go back to school if she rose from the dead.
I'm sorry, but I spent lots of time and money pursuing my path the "right way" and I get tired of hearing it be discounted.

Maybe so, but apparently the one thing you didn't spend much time doing, was reading the earlier post from this thread. If you had, you might have learned that the Corpsman and Medics weren't looking for a free ride, but for credit for the experience they had gained, while serving their Country, something you apparently didn't find appealing. While you were pursuing "your path, the right way," and at your leisure, the brave men and women I'm referring to, were getting their a$$es shot off, just so you would have the freedom to go to school. Most colleges and Universities already offer the opportunities for any student to challenge or CLEP courses, so this isn't anything extraordinary. At any rate, I would be willing to bet, even though I am 65 years old and retired from Nursing, (I do have my Masters Degree and 35 years experience in Emergency, Trauma and Critical Care) I can Nurse you under the table, as could anyone of the Corpsman that after the military, went back to school and came to work for me.

Ntheboat2 · Nov 10, 2012

Oh well. I'm sure there are midwives who know more about delivering babies than most doctors. Yet, they wouldn't be allowed to touch a baby if they went to the hospital.

Maybe we shouuld just start giving teaching degrees to people who have homeschooled and nursing degrees to people who have practiced nursing regardless of formal education.

You do get paid while serving in the military and you get money for education if you choose to pursue it. That is credit.

PMFB-RN, RN · Nov 10, 2012

Oh well. I'm sure there are midwives who know more about delivering babies than most doctors. Yet, they wouldn't be allowed to touch a baby if they went to the hospital.
QUOTE]
*** Where do you work? Midwives deliver babies and treat thier patients in the hospital all the time.

Ntheboat2 · Nov 10, 2012

Oh well. I'm sure there are midwives who know more about delivering babies than most doctors. Yet, they wouldn't be allowed to touch a baby if they went to the hospital.
QUOTE]
*** Where do you work? Midwives deliver babies and treat thier patients in the hospital all the time.
I said I'm sure there are midwives who know more than doctors, but wouldn't be allowed to touch a baby in the hospital. Not every midwife has been formally trained. There are many "doctors" and "nurses" in other countries who have had tons of hands on experience, but it would be meaningless if they came to America.
Of course there are midwives who have qualifications and there are certified teachers who choose to homeschool. I was using the ones who are not as an example.