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Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?



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Oct 17, 2009 05:32 PM

Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?

by Bree88

I've thought for a long time about enlisting, but I want to be a nurse.

I'm going to graduate and get my RN license in June 2010 (and kiss the ground when/if it happens). Is there any way to enlist with only an RN and not a BSN yet? I know I need a BSN, but can I enlist before I get it and still practice?


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14 Comments
No. 1
from adammRN
Old Oct 17, 2009, 07:32 PM

Default Re: Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?
It would be best to pose this question to a recruiter, but I think you must have a bachelors degree in order to be a nurse in the Air Force. If you enlist, you might not be able to perform nursing duties, although I know that the some medical professionals in the AF are enlisted.

Hope this helps.
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No. 2
from just_cause
Old Oct 17, 2009, 10:22 PM

Default Re: Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?
You can enlist - in a non-nurse capacity. If you talk to a recruiter there is a chance they will 'paint' a picture of how you can succeed in that situation.... that is bad advice-If you want to be an officer and serve as a nurse.. or rather to be a nurse in the military GET YOUR BSN prior and then commission as a nurse... the only exception is army reserves where you can commission with an ADN.
v/r
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No. 3
Old Oct 17, 2009, 10:27 PM

Default Re: Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?
I second just_cause's advice.
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No. 4
from jeckrn
Old Oct 18, 2009, 12:14 PM

Default Re: Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?
agree also, it will be be hard to complete your RN-BSN on active duty.
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No. 5
from kato10
Old Oct 19, 2009, 07:04 AM

Default Re: Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?
You might check with the Army. I know they have different programs where you can actually be an officer without a bachelor's. They require you to finish in a certain time period. My brother is going through OTS for the guard and doesn't have a degree yet.
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No. 6
from just_cause
Old Oct 19, 2009, 08:20 PM

Default Re: Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?
.... to the original poster... . the key is getting the BSN in order to be a active duty nurse in the military.
The good news is there are a lot of programs out there - but the key is you need to get in a BSN program. From there you can be in the navy as a navy nurse candidate and have a monthly stipend until graduation - or you can be a student and get a contract set 1 year out from graduation ie nclex date - or you can finish your BSN and then either commission and get a loan repayment or bonus or in some cases a little of both.
I'd research a bit - look at what your priorities are - but do not be tempted by the quick path if your goal is to be a commissioned officer serving as a nurse... you need a BSN - unless you are in the army reserves with an ADN and then at that point you have limitations prior to moving to 03 where you will need a BSN regardless.
v/r
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No. 7
from markisrn
Old Oct 20, 2009, 03:24 PM

Default Re: Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?
I am an 0-2 in the Army Reserve with an ADN. I am getting my BSN online through the Army STRAP program. It's a sweet deal. I get 1905.00/mo stipend and I am doing the healthcare loan repayment. I am able to do this and continue to work my full time job. I would advise if you want to serve, then get in now and get some help with the cost of school. I am prior service infantry and am proud to be serving again. God bless America...HOOAH!
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No. 8
Old Oct 23, 2009, 02:20 PM

Default Re: Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?
Originally Posted by kato10 View Post
You might check with the Army. I know they have different programs where you can actually be an officer without a bachelor's. They require you to finish in a certain time period. My brother is going through OTS for the guard and doesn't have a degree yet.
The National Guard and Army Reserves do not require a BSN which means part time. If you want to be deployed, move to an area with a deployed Guard or Reserves unit and apply with that recruiter. If you're army or ARNG you go to OBC first.

You can request to be deployed but during the first desert storm, they only wanted me to backfill in KY...I wanted to go to a CASH unit (still not cured from my infantry days) and ended up filling at an airforce base (yes, as army) seeing enough ugly to get me over war.

I spent 10 years in the reserves; 5 enlisted, 5 Army nurse corps as a commissioned officer without a BSN.
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No. 9
from Enayni
Old Oct 27, 2009, 05:38 PM

Default Re: Can new RN grad/No BSN enlist in the military?
Hi,
You should seriously consider completing your BSN before going into the army. You will commission as an officer. Don't enlist! It's almost impossible to switch over from enlisted to commissioned. I graduate December 2009, and I will commission as a 2nd Lt. You will have way more benefits.
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