Army Nurse Reserves or National Guard ?

[Nervous1]

I've read and searched the forums for a few months about Military nursing and I think I have confused myself. So bear with me, I am full of questions.

I just graduated in Sept with my RN (ADN Excelsior) and I have been conditionally accepted to Liberty University's RN-BSN program pending RN licensure at the end of the month.

I would like to go into the Army Reserves as an RN or the National Guard while I am completing my BSN (about 13 months left to go). The education benefits are phenomenal. If I could go back 12 years and kick myself in the butt to go into the Military then when they were beating down my door, I would. I know the Army mostly takes BSN or maybe only takes BSN, so I need some guidance desperately on what I should do.

Any recommendations on what to do or how to do it. I also considered ROTC thru Liberty but that's so confusing I don't even know where to start. From what I have found, I use a ROTC scholarship for school and be in the "reserves" during school and be commissioned after I get my BSN. If I'm wrong, please correct me. I'm just looking for recommendations on how to get the ball rolling in the direction of becoming an RN in the Army Reserves/Guard while I am completing my BSN program.

I have not contacted a recruiter yet but plan to be the end of the year, any current reservist feel free to PM me if your recruiter was especially helpful. I know Lunah/Lisa praised her recruiter highly.

[nursespouse]

Hnestly the best advice anyone here could give you, is to cntact a healthcare recruiter.

Locate Us | GoArmy.com

I can say if joining the ROTC program seems very difficult, the applications involved to start your amedd process will be mind blowing for you, as they are for everyone.

Yes the Army and from my knowledge now the entire military will only take BSN's for direct commission, but you can join while going to school. This is something you will talk to the recruiter about. DO NOT CONTACT a regular recruiter. Make sure it is a Healthcare Recruiter.

the requirements to join are as follows.

Active Duty

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing or the Commission, Collegiate Nursing Education or the U.S. Secretary of Education
  
• Completion of a qualified course in public health nursing or one year of supervised experience
  
• Must be between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver)
  
• Current, valid and unrestricted nursing license
  
• Must be a U.S. citizen
  

Army Reserve

• In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.
  

I really hope this helps.