Seriously thinking about ARMY Nursing

Specialties Government

Published

Well, I'm back.

I was here a while ago while I was doing my CNA course at the local Tech. school.

My plan WAS to make my work schedule work with a school schedule, and put myself through Nursing School. I tried (went to days, took a different position), but I just can't have any guaranteed days off. Work thinks they are the most important thing in my life. I think differently.

I've thought alot about what I can do to make something of my life, and I think I may have found the answer..

Join the ARMY.

Here's some info on me:

-Male

-27 years old

-Single, no kids

-Renter - signed a new lease a few months ago

-5'9", 210 (I gained about 50-60 pounds after I quit smoking in April '05)

-GED, CNA. No further education

-Overall good health. A bit overweight and out of shape at present, but I have a year to fix that before my lease is up.

-Been at my current job almost 9 years. Good standing. All of my supervisors have/do like me. I'd rather work than chit-chat.

-Minor things on my criminal record - traffic, trespass, underage drinking. Nothing major, and nothing for the past 5-6 years.

-Hope to become a RN, and would like to specialize (thinking CRNA, but it's a bit early to be sure). I DO want to specialize somewhere though.

-Get choked up every time the National Anthem plays. I have always thanked Vets for their service. But words are cheap. It would be nice to do more.

SO....

91WM6, 4 year enlistment?

Will I be able to get my education in the ARMY, or are they mostly interested in educated people for this area?

I don't have a problem working my way up the ladder. I just spent 9 years of my life working my way up the ladder at this job, and found out there isn't much at the top here. I'm looking for a taller ladder.

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions are welcome!

Specializes in Nursing Assistant/ Army Medic, LVN.

I just came across this old thread and thought I'd bump it up incase anyone else is thinking about doing the same thing I am.

I graduated basic training on Feb. 09, and headed out for Ft. Sam Houston the same day. Graduated 68W (Medic) 16 weeks later, and now I'm in the M6 (LPN) program at Ft. Sam.

Medic training was interesting. It gets really interesting when you move into the Army Medic side, as opposed to the more 'civilian' EMT training you start out with, although that was pretty cool too. The Army side affords a bigger (MUCH bigger) scope of practice, and greater autonomy. Good training.

M6 has been pretty good thus far, but it's no joke. It moves fast, and if you don't put forth the effort, you'll fail - guaranteed. Awesome training though. I've learned alot in the short time I've been up here. We're exactly half way through our phase I training, and I have a 94 GPA, so I'm not doing too bad right now. Plenty of difficult tests to come, though. :uhoh3:

But I'm glad I joined the Army, and I'm happy here. To someone who's considering joining, I'd say do it. It's not for everyone, but it really has been rewarding. And to anyone who does do it, pay attention in Medic school. That training will build a foundation that will help you when you get up here. The more you learn there, the more prepared you'll be, and trust me, you'll thank yourself for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
I just came across this old thread and thought I'd bump it up incase anyone else is thinking about doing the same thing I am.

I graduated basic training on Feb. 09, and headed out for Ft. Sam Houston the same day. Graduated 68W (Medic) 16 weeks later, and now I'm in the M6 (LPN) program at Ft. Sam.

....

But I'm glad I joined the Army, and I'm happy here. To someone who's considering joining, I'd say do it. It's not for everyone, but it really has been rewarding. And to anyone who does do it, pay attention in Medic school. That training will build a foundation that will help you when you get up here. The more you learn there, the more prepared you'll be, and trust me, you'll thank yourself for it!

Good to read you!

I am glad things are going well. I 'know' you are working hard. :)

Soon I'll be heading to San Antonio and my permanent post is going to be FSH. I hear and read that it is VERY busy. Still working on my push ups for OBLC.

Good job someday ccrn,

Gen

Up Vote Up Vote ×

:balloons:

I just came across this old thread and thought I'd bump it up incase anyone else is thinking about doing the same thing I am.

I graduated basic training on Feb. 09, and headed out for Ft. Sam Houston the same day. Graduated 68W (Medic) 16 weeks later, and now I'm in the M6 (LPN) program at Ft. Sam.

Medic training was interesting. It gets really interesting when you move into the Army Medic side, as opposed to the more 'civilian' EMT training you start out with, although that was pretty cool too. The Army side affords a bigger (MUCH bigger) scope of practice, and greater autonomy. Good training.

M6 has been pretty good thus far, but it's no joke. It moves fast, and if you don't put forth the effort, you'll fail - guaranteed. Awesome training though. I've learned alot in the short time I've been up here. We're exactly half way through our phase I training, and I have a 94 GPA, so I'm not doing too bad right now. Plenty of difficult tests to come, though. :uhoh3:

But I'm glad I joined the Army, and I'm happy here. To someone who's considering joining, I'd say do it. It's not for everyone, but it really has been rewarding. And to anyone who does do it, pay attention in Medic school. That training will build a foundation that will help you when you get up here. The more you learn there, the more prepared you'll be, and trust me, you'll thank yourself for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

:balloons:Congratulations to you someday crna. Thanks for giving us an update on what you have been up to.... Keep on plugging along, I have no doubt that you will reach whatever goals that you have set up for yourself. God bless you for wanting to give back to our great nation. I myself have been seriously considering the ARMY NURSE CORP for about 2 years. Had to wait unit I got my ADN RN. Still dragging my feet. I search allnurses every chance I get to see if their is anyone else in the same boat as myself. So, glad to read ya.. But actually you aren't in the same boat are you...(ha ha) YOU DID IT!!!

Good luck to you and take care ........

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Assistant/ Army Medic, LVN.
:balloons:Congratulations to you someday crna. Thanks for giving us an update on what you have been up to.... Keep on plugging along, I have no doubt that you will reach whatever goals that you have set up for yourself. God bless you for wanting to give back to our great nation. I myself have been seriously considering the ARMY NURSE CORP for about 2 years. Had to wait unit I got my ADN RN. Still dragging my feet. I search allnurses every chance I get to see if their is anyone else in the same boat as myself. So, glad to read ya.. But actually you aren't in the same boat are you...(ha ha) YOU DID IT!!!

Good luck to you and take care ........

Thanks!

And just incase you don't already know, an ADN will get you a direct comission as a 2nd Lt. in the Reserves. (hint hint, nudge nudge) :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Assistant/ Army Medic, LVN.
Good to read you!

I am glad things are going well. I 'know' you are working hard. :)

Soon I'll be heading to San Antonio and my permanent post is going to be FSH. I hear and read that it is VERY busy. Still working on my push ups for OBLC.

Good job someday ccrn,

Gen

Thanks! I have been working hard, but there's always more to be done! Congratulations on OBLC!

Have you been to Ft. Sam/San Antonio before?

I really like it here. You should like BAMC, it's an awesome hospital! I was hoping I could do my clinicals here, but I'll be going to Ft. Bliss instead. I don't know anything about WBAMC, but it should be good training.

Keep at those pesky push ups! I need to work on mine too. I got hurt and was on profile for a while, which really set me back. Now I'll have to work twice as hard to catch up. Such is life.

I heard the PT requirement for OBLC is 70,70,70. Is that true? I plan to be there myself as soon as I can.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Thanks! I have been working hard, but there's always more to be done! Congratulations on OBLC!

...

I heard the PT requirement for OBLC is 70,70,70. Is that true? I plan to be there myself as soon as I can.

Thank you so much Someday CRNA, I know OBLC will be hard.

I do not know if the minimums are 70, 70, 70 but have read that in another forum conversations. One poster said officers have to meet a higher requirement then another poster mentioned that the pt is the pt. I do not know.

I am trying to aim for 100, 100, 100! You too!

Gen

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, & Tele all on one ward!.

Not sure if they changed it in the past year, but as of March 2006, 60 was still the minimum at OBC.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Not sure if they changed it in the past year, but as of March 2006, 60 was still the minimum at OBC.

Hello Army Kitten,

Thanks! I just checked my minimums for my age and they are the 60. Hmm, now if only I wasn't so disproportionate in my three events!!

Gen

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR Internship starting in Jan!!.

Thanks for the update -- that is really inspiring! I'm working on my ADN now, and am still considering the Army or Navy when I finish my BSN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment