Army LPN?

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I was wondering if anyone has any insight on becoming an LPN in the Army. I'm a recently licensed LPN, and had no luck finding a job in the past 3 months. I spoke to a recruiter recently and have decided to enlist sometime this year. I was told that I may be able to skip bootcamp for a 2 week Army etiquette course, go to some training and begin working as a nurse. Anyone have more information?:)

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LPNs have traditionally been able to obtain the rank of E5 after basic training. Used to be called the "Stripes for Skills Program". I am surprised that your recruiter did not mention anything. Next time you talk to him, ask.

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Yeah he did mention that but he didn't go into much detail. I was wondering what settings LPN's usually work in, doctors offices or hospitals? Deployments? And if the pay would be enough to make student loan payments? I need to go talk to him again soon, I just realized that I still have a lot of questions :smackingf

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As for settings, think "Army". Field units or hospital units, wide range of possibilities. Hospital jobs, clinic jobs just like in civilian world or in field units, the field version, think "modern MASH". Do an internet search for military pay and look under E5 for less than two years service. That should give you a ball-park figure, but there are possible add-ons. The recruiter will be able to explain what you will be eligible for. Good luck.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, Home Care, Med-Surg,.

Also, when looking at pay, it includes BAH(housing allowance) and BAS(food allowance). Those allowances are tax free. It's important to look at all of that when figuring military pay. Is there a loan pay option for you?

Here is a link

http://militarypay.defense.gov/pay/bp/index.html

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Surely the Army is having some sort of an enlistment bonus for critical career fields, and given our wartime status I'm guessing LPN just might be one. You sound really excited about this and for some reason I'm excited for you!

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Lol, no you would definitely have to attend basic training, there are no gentlemans courses for enlisted folks, gotta learn to soldier first, then you would have to attend AIT for healthcare specialist, and then you could be directly awarded the nursing mos... Skills for stripes, nope... Can't lead soldiers fresh out of basic, but they do make educated individuals specialists right out of the box... Good luck...

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I agree with the above post. You WILL have to go through basic (no shortcuts for enlisted soldiers), and then Medical Specialist Course (i.e.. Medic) They may make you a specialist (e-4) or a PFC (e-3). I've been in for 13 years now, and have never heard of a skills for stripes program. Good luck with your endevors!

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Surely the Army is having some sort of an enlistment bonus for critical career fields, and given our wartime status I'm guessing LPN just might be one. You sound really excited about this and for some reason I'm excited for you!

Bonuses? Especially with sequesteration about to go into effect? Ha! If only!

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