Becoming a Nurse while in Military

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Hi Everyone!

I have been doing some research into the possibility of getting my BSN by joining up first, then starting school. I come from a large military family and have considered the Air Force or Navy myself for some time. My plan is to go to nursing school, but given certain financial constraints, I thought joining the service now might be the best option to start my education, then move on to a nursing career in the service.

Being 29, ROTC is unfortunately not an option. Can anyone PLEASE give me some suggestions? Anyone else go through the same experience?

Thanks so much!

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I can tell you this much, most likely being in the service regardless of its form is going to halt your educational progress.

Many things can derail it when enlisted: deployments, special dumb tasks they drum up for you at work, TDY's to diff. locations, the list goes on and on.

Some jobs have it better than others, but none are that great, and being that alot of nursing schools are particular about your attendance, I wouldn't suggest it.

I was security forces for 4 years from 2002-2006, now i'm Guard, if anything, join the Guard or Reserve, b/c otherwise I don't forsee you getting started until your enlistment is up.

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Thanks for the reply!

Well, if I did it, I would probably go through the navy nurse candidate program or the air force's nurse corp, if that's possible. Would go in as an officer , I think, since I already have a BSN in Communications.

But, your points are well taken and I appreciate it. Makes me wonder:

Are they pulling the wool over my eyes? Does anyone know if I would possibly deploy while I'm still here in school doing my BSN if they are paying for part of it?

I'd love some feedback from those who have been through the Navy Nurse Candidate program as that's what I'm considering.

Another question: During my time after school, how likely is it that the Navy would send me overseas without my husband? My brother is in the Air Force, based in Japan, and was able to bring his wife. My husband is a civilian and is a bit unsure about the possible risks and time apart.

Thanks so much in advance!

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Why don't you try to do the Navy Nurse Candidate Program? It seems to be a good program with lots of financial support.

Anyone have any further insight into this program?

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Hi Everyone!

I have been doing some research into the possibility of getting my BSN by joining up first, then starting school. I come from a large military family and have considered the Air Force or Navy myself for some time. My plan is to go to nursing school, but given certain financial constraints, I thought joining the service now might be the best option to start my education, then move on to a nursing career in the service.

Being 29, ROTC is unfortunately not an option. Can anyone PLEASE give me some suggestions? Anyone else go through the same experience?

Thanks so much!

Hi,

The Army has the NCP, nurse candidate program, and it is for junior and senior level BSN students. Those who qualify are students who do not qualify for the ROTC. From what I understand there is a stipend and tuition is paid and a begining bonus and completion bonus.

What I've heard is that it is easier to complete a degree before coming in.

Best,

Gen

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Hello to everyone. Here is a question that I am hoping a few people could give me comments on. First I am finishing an LPN license this June at the same time I'm a reservist and have just recieved word that I will deploy to Iraq this summer. I have spoken with the LTC in charge and he said to me that he would let help with the medics and nurses since there will be a CSH next to the compound I will be working at. The real question here is does anyone know is it possible to finish a RN program overseas and if so what school to look at. Any response would probably help thanks.

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Specializes in ER,ICU and Progressive Care Unit,Peds.

The navy's nurse candidate program is a great way to get assistance with paying for school. Here is a link to give you more info on that:

http://www.navy.com/healthcareopportunities/nursecorps/

I would highly suggest going to college 1st and then joining. B/c as stated above there are some many things that can delay you and prevent you from getting your degree in a timely manner.

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Hello to everyone. Here is a question that I am hoping a few people could give me comments on. First I am finishing an LPN license this June at the same time I'm a reservist and have just recieved word that I will deploy to Iraq this summer. I have spoken with the LTC in charge and he said to me that he would let help with the medics and nurses since there will be a CSH next to the compound I will be working at. The real question here is does anyone know is it possible to finish a RN program overseas and if so what school to look at. Any response would probably help thanks.

Hello pmh,

Currently one of our forum members, (who is also degreed with a medical laboratory specialist-not sure of actual title and degree but, think it is Masters) also went for his LPN and then bridged to RN. I am not sure but think that the school will require you to have an approved site for clinical.

If you have thing arranged and agreed upon, it might be a stretch to have your CSH approved. Why not pm me and I will send you the name of the nursing school where I was going to do an online bridge to a post ms certificate and you can call them to see if it'd qualify.

Good luck with bridging. Oh, WAIT, you are an LPN, is your MOS as a 98w? Even though you spoke with the LTC maybe you should inquire about having your MOS changed to fit with your new LPN license?

Gen

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Thanks for all of the comments!

Anyone out there who has gone through the Air Force Nurse Corp? Do you know if I could get some assistance in completing my degree, like the Navy Nurse Candidate program?

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Hi this goes out to gennaver. Sorry it took so long to get back to the forum. I just finished my SRP which means it is for sure that I will mobilized and heading to play in the sand. Right now I am talking with chamberlain to see if this will be a good fit. I have talked to a few active army nurses and they say as long the chief nurse signs off on it and the school signs offs on it then its a go. Of course I know what sounds good on paper might not actually be put to plan. Wish me luck

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
Hi this goes out to gennaver. Sorry it took so long to get back to the forum. I just finished my SRP which means it is for sure that I will mobilized and heading to play in the sand. Right now I am talking with chamberlain to see if this will be a good fit. I have talked to a few active army nurses and they say as long the chief nurse signs off on it and the school signs offs on it then its a go. Of course I know what sounds good on paper might not actually be put to plan. Wish me luck

Hi,

No worries about taking a bit, we are here on our "off" time.

LUCK!!

Hope to read your posts here,

Gen

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Hello Everyone, I have a question...I'm currently in the process of enlisting in the Air Force and want to further my education. I currently hold an associates in arts and want to get a bachelors in nursing. My question is how easy is it to get your bachelors through the Air force, i know that the AF college is going to be offering bachelor's programs next year. I'm going to try to put in my "wish list" big cities so that maybe I have more options, can anyone help? maybe give me some advice...I have talked to some military nurses in the army and other services and they told that it is a good choice to have the military pay for it and that is feasable but some other people are telling me to do my bsn before hand. Not sure i really want to start my military training right away rather than waiting 2 years to complete my bsn, after all i'm already getting an age waiver, don't want to loose the opportunity to join by waiting...thanks to all

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