Army Nurse?

[J4865]

Hi everyone! 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?:)

[Tobat]

I've been doing a lot of research on this recently so thought I'd share some of the info I've found.

1. You enlist as a 68W M6 (LPN). You are a Health Care Specialist with an ASI (additional skill identifier) of M6. To break it down, you are a medic with specialized training as a LPN (initially licensed in Texas). You will have to go to BCT (basic), AIT (advanced individual training) then further training in the M6 route. If you are already have LPN licensure, you will be able to get the chance to test out of a lot of sections, but I think you will have to still go through the medic training. Testing out means you will jump around with different training classes until you reach the level of your current license.

2. You should be able to enlist as a E3 or higher however you need to check with your recruiter. Be aware that as of a few days ago I was informed by my recruiter that 68WM6 is only available now as a Reserve or re-enlistment bonus so you will go to training, and then be sent back to your reserve unit and only be paid for drilling (Active Duty is not available). I've also been trolling the Military.com and army discussion boards and people are saying 68W period is full. But always check with a recruiter. You need to make sure that the M6 training is guaranteed in your contract, or you will only be classified as a medic and there is no guarantee that you will be able to get into the program.

All nursing positions in the military are scarce, I hear even for RN's the boards are done and the board is not considering commissions until fiscal year 2011.

I'm still not completely decided but I have been considering enlisting in the Reserves, completing training then requesting to be transferred into Active Duty and being deployed (I want that experience). However, whether they allow you to switch is completely up to your unit commander.

Great forums to research experiences:

http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/8121999376

https://forums.goarmy.com/forums/forum.jspa?forumID=123

and of course the Military and Government board here is great

[PunkinLPN]

Why don't you look into Navy

[liberty_bell]

^^ The Navy will only take an RN with a BSN. I wouldn't go in an enlsited nurse in the Army, the average pay is 15k a year. I know that included health ins etc but in my opinion that pay is way to low to join.