ADN RN working on BSN

rndiver82 · Apr 8, 2012

They will count all your years as a practicing, licensed RN. The only reason you have to have your BSN is because you go in as an officer.

khrn · Apr 8, 2012

That's great! So, it's my understanding that first I would go to COT then directly to my first duty station once I become Active Duty?

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2012

The Army & Air Force will accept your ADN time but the Navy will only count your BSN at least for constructive credit.

RayRN87 · May 3, 2012

I currently have 8 years as a licensed RN with an Associates Degree. I am currently working on my BSN. I was thinking about joining the Air Force after I complete my BSN. Will the Air Force count my 8 years as a RN towards experience? Or is it only after you complete your BSN?

I recently inquired about this with an airforce health recruiter and he said they will only recognize experience after BSN, I just got my Bsn last year and I would have to work another 4 years with it to go in as an O-2 first LT, I'd rather just go in as an O2 and work my way up but I have some debt to pay so I guess waiting doesn't hurt.The recruiter I spoke with maybe wrong, if someone can verify I'd appreciate it, I am waiting for an answer from my AMEDD recruiter, hopefully army will consider my ADN experience cause I have been debating between the 2 services

rndiver82 · May 3, 2012

I just submitted my packet for the AF board. I've been a nurse with my ASN for 7yrs and finish my BSN in July. I will go in as an O-2 and that is in writing on my packet. For every 2 years of civilian nursing, the Air Force credits one year. That is also from the CNO I interviewed with.

Now, the Navy only recognizes time after your BSN and they did not even want to meet until I had 90 days of nursing experience after graduating with my BSN. I can't say anything about the Army, cause I haven't looked into them.

khrn · May 4, 2012

I recently inquired about this with an airforce health recruiter and he said they will only recognize experience after BSN, I just got my Bsn last year and I would have to work another 4 years with it to go in as an O-2 first LT, I'd rather just go in as an O2 and work my way up but I have some debt to pay so I guess waiting doesn't hurt.The recruiter I spoke with maybe wrong, if someone can verify I'd appreciate it, I am waiting for an answer from my AMEDD recruiter, hopefully army will consider my ADN experience cause I have been debating between the 2 services

Let me know what your outcome is. I still want to join either way. Just trying to figure out what my route will be.

RayRN87 · May 4, 2012

definately, il keep you posted. as far as openings i dont think there will be any until next year so i will just sit tight and get as much experience. I also looked into USPHS, nurses will come in as a higher rank, straight to O-2, but they are non-combative and I would rather have the prestige of an Army or Air force Officer, even if I have to work harder to rank up. (not that USPHS isn't admiral - no disrespect to all the officers) Keep me updated as well, thanks!

jeckrn, BSN, RN · May 6, 2012

From what I understand there will not be any openings in any service until the next fiscal year from what I have read by others looking to join. This also includes the USPHS which stopped taking applications from nurses the first of the year. Not sure when they will accept them again. Getting above O-3 in all services will be getting harder.

SENSUALBLISSINFL, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2012

Besides the BSN are there any other requirements? What is the age limit? Do they tell you where you will be sent ahead of time to prepare?

I happened to stumbled on this forum. I just got my license for ADN RN...will get my BSN hopefully sometimes in 2014, but I am also older (48), that will make me 50 or close to 51. Not sure if it is for me, but we are told to keep options open.

Bluebolt · Aug 16, 2012

@ SENSUALBLISSINFL I believe the cut off age is 42. I've heard that even for about 42 they ask a waiver to be submitted at that age. At this time everybody seems to say they are being very selective and turning people away for very small things like a previous broken arm. Although contact your healthcare recruiter and they'll tell you a definite answer, good luck!

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2012

Besides the BSN are there any other requirements? What is the age limit? Do they tell you where you will be sent ahead of time to prepare?
I happened to stumbled on this forum. I just got my license for ADN RN...will get my BSN hopefully sometimes in 2014, but I am also older (48), that will make me 50 or close to 51. Not sure if it is for me, but we are told to keep options open.

A waiver is possible but with the drawn down it might not happen since there is more applicants then positions. But as the say going the answer is always no if you do not ask. With that being said contact a healthcare recruiter to find out exactly what the answer/chances are for you. Also, remember things will change by the time you get your BSN, just do not know which way so contact them again when you are close to graduating.