corpsman to cna

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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hello, im currently a navy corpsman which is the equivalent to cna, i have read a lot of cna threads and info of the job description of a cna, and i worry that once i leave the military behind that i wont be able to do as much as i do now, i currently work in a postpartum unit but i deal a lot with foleys and lab draws and also IV insertion, these things are considered in our scope of practice, i am also acls certified and can read basic ekgs, the 12 leads still confuse me lol, my ideal place to work is in the icu unit, i have read several job descriptions for cnas in this area and seems like they are very limited to what they can and cannot do, i have also assisted in PICC line placements, i just worry that if i do get out of the military i wont be able to do as much as i do now and be limited to what i can and cannot do since i will be considered a cna, thanks a lot for any info and answers ahead of time!.

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I know a lot of military medics go into EMS, but I believe most have to start from scratch in terms of education and obtaining licenses. I think the same would be true for other health care jobs, including CNA or patient care tech, but maybe not, since they are unlicensed positions unlike EMS. You obviously have a lot more medical training than your typical CNA, so maybe you could just start working at a hospital as a PCT right out of the Navy.

You have one major advantage being former military. Thats the GI bill. If I were you I would go to school to be an RN or maybe lab tech or something. The new GI bill is a pretty sweet deal and has an actual living allowance in addition for paying for nearly all, if not completely all your tuition costs if I understand correctly. My GI bill was a total joke, it maybe covered the costs of books and a small fraction of tuition and nothing else, which is why I had to start working as soon as I got out rather than go to school(I didnt do anything medical related in the military).

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hello, im currently a navy corpsman which is the equivalent to cna, i have read a lot of cna threads and info of the job description of a cna, and i worry that once i leave the military behind that i wont be able to do as much as i do now, i currently work in a postpartum unit but i deal a lot with foleys and lab draws and also IV insertion, these things are considered in our scope of practice, i am also acls certified and can read basic ekgs, the 12 leads still confuse me lol, my ideal place to work is in the icu unit, i have read several job descriptions for cnas in this area and seems like they are very limited to what they can and cannot do, i have also assisted in PICC line placements, i just worry that if i do get out of the military i wont be able to do as much as i do now and be limited to what i can and cannot do since i will be considered a cna, thanks a lot for any info and answers ahead of time!.
As an RN with my MSN I suggest you go and obtain your RN. You can try and challenge some classes to make it shorter. As a CNA you will not be happy and all your skills will be wasted. Right now I have a petition on Signon.org for "Corpsman to RN" which is asking for a specific program for Corpsmen in the College (s). My son was also Postpartum and now is serving with Marines as their Doc. Good luck to you and do not take the easy way out. The hard work will be worth it in the end.
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thanks for your responses! yes i think it is a good idea to knock out some classes out the way and pursue RN since i am already in the medical field, i really do like what i do and i think progressing in it would help and be able to learn a lot more. I will look into finding some colleges that will accept the corpsman title as a way of knocking maybe a couple classes as well. Not sure how the whole thing would work, but thanks again!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

If you have a year of bedside care in hospital, you may be able to challenge the LVN/LPN license and go from there. Check with the appropriate state board to determine if that is possible where you live.

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If you take the LPN/LVN exam there are books to help you get a feel for the questions. Don't freak as they try to cover everything and anything. I believe as a Corpsman you are so far advanced. Tried to talk my son into taking exam while in Cali. FMTB and relocating was a lot too handle. If you pass the exam then that would put you in a great position-Nurse!I hope my petition takes off. In the meantime take challenge exam for Enlish, Psych, etc. I know some Colleges give credit for corpsman. IMO not enough! Don't give up! Good Luck! say a prayer I contact the right person or Corpsman to RN.

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Sorry for the type-o's on my iPad and it is late here for me.

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Try working at a VA hospital. Since you were a corpsman you don't have to be certified to work as a nursing assistant. Plus, depending on where you live, the VA doesn't operate on state regulations so you may be able to actually use some of your skills on the job. Good luck!!

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I live in California and I know that you are eligible to challenge the LVN boards here. You should go to the state website and look into challenging the LVN because if you get your CNA you will be VERY limited in what you can do.

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