Can LVN's enter the military nursing?

caliotter3 · Jan 19, 2010

Not as an officer. The LVN is equivalent to the enlisted medic with an LPN identifier. An LVN might be able to enlist at a higher rank due to having the license and years of experience. You should talk to a recruiter about enlisting and what options are available due to your qualifications.

heather-olvn · Jan 19, 2010

what branch of service do u suggest?

caliotter3 · Jan 19, 2010

I would suggest that you visit all of the branches and see what they have to offer, then go with whichever has the best. Say, for instance, you are offered a program in the Army where you would be promoted to E-5 after your initial training due to the fact that you already hold the license and you are guaranteed your choice of first duty station. The other services only offer to allow you to enlist at the E-3 level. You would probably go with the Army offer because of the better offer. Just check with the recruiters and see which is best for you.

PMFB-RN, RN · Jan 19, 2010

The army is the only service that uses actual LVNs. Last I checked, a couple years ago LVNs where elligable to enter service as an E-5.

Cursed Irishman · Jan 19, 2010

Check into the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program.

allnurses Guide · Jan 19, 2010

Better idea is to get your BSN and just come in as an officer. Then you can pick from any service and make a lot more money without all the hassle of going through basic training. I started out as a CNA, then LVN (civilian), BSN, and now just received my Master's. I don't really recommend that route, but I got here none the less. There are a few schools that offer constructive credit for LVN to BSN. I did mine through Univ of Tx at Tyler. It will well be worth the wait to get your degree and then come in as an officer.

heather-olvn · Jan 20, 2010

I am wanting to eventually get my BSN, but thought if I joined say the Army,then they would help me. I already have two school loans and probably wouldnt be approved for a third. What do u think?

heather-olvn · Jan 20, 2010

Check into the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program.

Thanks, I will check it out.

allnurses Guide · Jan 20, 2010

I am wanting to eventually get my BSN, but thought if I joined say the Army,then they would help me. I already have two school loans and probably wouldnt be approved for a third. What do u think?

It is extremely difficult to go back and get your BSN while on AD. The recruiter will lie and tell you different, but there are many people who can verify that the military isn't the most supportive envirnmonent to get your nursing degree while AD. You could consider national guard/reserves, CO-Step programs through USPHS, IHS, and there are other programs available to nurses willing to work in underserved areas.

caliotter3 · Jan 20, 2010

I was unable to work on a BSN while in the military. You can get traditional college majors done at night, on weekends, on days off, but nursing school can not be accommodated, at least, not in the normal course of events.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2010

I am wanting to eventually get my BSN, but thought if I joined say the Army,then they would help me. I already have two school loans and probably wouldnt be approved for a third. What do u think?

I have seven outstanding student loans. At one time I had twelve. Really. All federal, all through the same lender in NC. Of course, in a month or two, I'll have two outstanding loans thanks to the Air Force.

When I could consolidate, they'd suspended the consolidation program. So that's why I have so many outstanding right now.