Published Sep 21, 2013
NurseDudeRN
8 Posts
Hi all, I am new here and this is my first post. I'm 25 and recently received my ADN and was very interested in joining the Army as a nursing officer. I also have a BS in biology, but decided I didn't want to go to medical school, and there aren't any fast track BSN programs in my area. I've also taught at a local high school. It was ok, but my heart wasn't in it and it started to show, so I decided to pursue nursing. Nursing was actually my first choice when I went to college, but because I wanted the "big money" I THOUGHT I would go to med school instead. Anyways, I've already passed the NCLEX and start at a local hospital next week. Some people told me that I wouldn't get a job at a hospital with an ADN, but I received an offer before graduation. I love nursing and I've ALWAYS wanted to join the Army as well, ever since I was a kid; I'm very patriotic. I know that you can generally be an officer with at least a bachelors degree, but I was just wondering, even though I have an ADN instead of a BSN, would they let me be an Army nurse with my ADN coupled with my BS? All inputs are greatly appreciated and excuse my ignorance on the matter, but I'm just curious to know since it's something that I would pursue.
YourHero
38 Posts
Only the Reserves or National Guard
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
I am pretty sure the Reserves requires a BSN at this point. I think it's only the National Guard who will accept ADN RNs, and that is just as long as they are actively pursuing a BSN.
Edited to add the link: http://www.nationalguard.com/careers/amedd/healthcare-officers
Dranger
1,871 Posts
Yup, reserves is only a BSN
Ah okay, I see, thanks. I think I'm just gonna get a little experience in the medical field and apply for PA school next year and then try and get in; it's my dream.
nurse2033, MSN, RN
3 Articles; 2,133 Posts
I commissioned 2.5 years ago on a Bachelors of Music and ASN (RN). I'm in the Guard. I don't know if things have changed.
Since you guys don't have major med units like the reserves, what do guard nurses do? Just curious
I'm a flight nurse, Air Evac.