Army recruiter says I should join as LPN with BSN

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I spoke with a military recruiter and told him I wanted to be an army nurse and I have my BSN with a year critical cAre experience. He said its best for me to join as an LPN and then go to OCS and he wants me to start the paperwork tomorrow. I just do not understand why I would do this when I am not an LPN. PLEASE HELP !! IS THIS BEST FOR ME TO JOIN?

Thank you all for the responses. He was trying to get me to join under some program called acep or something like that. Where they allow civilians to join with degrees and they can come in as an E4 without going to AIT. He also said I could go to OCS afterwards. I am glad I had you all to ask. I feel sorry for people that don't have anyone to ask or know any better. Thank you everyone.

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Specializes in kids.
Thank you all for the responses. He was trying to get me to join under some program called acep or something like that. Where they allow civilians to join with degrees and they can come in as an E4 without going to AIT. He also said I could go to OCS afterwards. I am glad I had you all to ask. I feel sorry for people that don't have anyone to ask or know any better. Thank you everyone.

So are you a student, LPN or RN? and do you have a BSN?

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Specializes in Hospice.

No way. Not under those conditions. Recruiters have their OWN agenda. You can go straight in as an officer with a BSN. My guess is the rectilinear gets a bonus for LONs maybe because there's a shortage? Play hard ball. Talk to other people. NEVER trust a recruiter. Once you're in, you aren't guaranteed ANYTHING unless it's in your contract. It would be up to your commander whether or not they'd recommend you for OCS. Tell the recruiter you'll only sign if you go straight to OCS and are commissioned. You have the education & the experience to be able to play hard ball with them. Think of it as going to battle over buying a new car. Don't EVER think the recruiter is on your side!!!

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I am an RN BSN and have been a critical care nurse for a little over a year.

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Store front recruiters are in the business of filling the enlisted ranks. He cannot sign you us as a BSN. Like others said, find a healthcare recruiter. Also, a good lesson on the military. It is a business and you are a number. Always remember that if it isn't in a contract then it isn't guaranteed..... Do you research and know what your options are.

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First of all: congratulations on applying for the military! With that said, I am currently applying for the Navy so I am going through the same headache you are. Here is my first and foremost advice: ASK TO SPEAK TO A RECRUITER WHO IS AN OFFICER! Preferably one who specializes in healthcare recruiting. The problem with the military is that they pay recruiters who 1. are often enlisted instead of officers and 2. often don't even have a degree in the career field you are interested in working. So explain your situation and education level clearly and thoroughly and don't be afraid to ask your recruiter if he or she has a clear understanding of what you are saying. If (s)he doesn't understand or is insisting that you join with an LPN, ask to speak to someone else. It sounds like you are being given some serious misinformation. You can most definitely commission (as an officer) with a BSN and there is no reason for you to have an LPN.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Thank you all for the responses. He was trying to get me to join under some program called acep or something like that. Where they allow civilians to join with degrees and they can come in as an E4 without going to AIT. He also said I could go to OCS afterwards. I am glad I had you all to ask. I feel sorry for people that don't have anyone to ask or know any better. Thank you everyone.

AECP is the Army Enlisted Commissioning Program for enlisted soldiers to go to school to obtain a BSN, which you already have. That guy must be really special...

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Like everyone said...don't do it. Its up to your Comanding Officer whether to recommend you for OCS or not, and even then OCS it's not garanteed until the panel approves you.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Just wanted to add that not all healthcare recruiters are officers. I was just professionally selected as an alternate for critical care of the Navy this past board and my healthcare recruiter is an HM1. (Enlisted First Class Hospital Corpsman) Just an FYI.

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Don't do it and don't trust what they tell you because it sounds absolutely ridiculous. They lie through their teeth to recruit.

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I graduated with an AA in Nursing in 1987. I looked into joining the Navy, but was told I'd be a corpsman. I went to school to be a nurse. I would not have minded not being an officer, but I did want to be a nurse. Consequently, I did not do it. I considered joining after I got my BSN, but had a husband and two kids by then. My husband was not on board with the idea, so no Navy for me. The job market right now for someone who really is an LPN might make that a good option for that nurse, but not an RN BSN!

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

It almost sounds like he didnt even listen to you and thought you WANTED to become a nurse, not that you already WERE one. Hmm.

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