From Air Force officer to civilian RN

[cam3848]

Hello everyone,

Thank you for taking time to read this. I'm a 26 year old Air Force officer that wants to become a nurse after my service commitment and I need some guidance.

Here is some background information: I made a commitment with the Air Force early during college that I would graduate with an engineering degree. While obtaining this degree, I worked in the ER as a patient check-in person. Working in the ER convinced me that I wanted to become a nurse (I really enjoy helping others ) By that point in my college career, it was too late to turn back. I now find myself as an space acquisitions officer with 2 years and 7 months of service time left. I am now trying to figure out what my next steps should be.

Three options come to mind as to what these steps should be:

1. Work on getting my EMT certification: I understand that nursing schools want to see some sort of health care experience before you apply. This certification is relatively easy to obtain. After getting the certification, I could work as an EMT on the weekends.

2. Become a CNA: Becoming a CNA is a little tougher to do while having a full time job (right?). The benefit of this role is that I can work right along side nurses.

3. Volunteer at my local Hospital: I live in Los Angeles and there are plenty of volunteer opportunities at hospitals. Volunteering would show nursing schools an interest in healthcare. But it wouldn't deliver on the clinical experience they desire.

What do you guys/girls think? What should a 26 year old Air Force officer stationed in Los Angeles do to be competitive for nursing schools 2.5 years from now? I'm basically starting from scratch here.

[LessValuableNinja]

4. Talk to schools of interest about their admission requirements and admission rubrics. It's important to know where you want to aim before you pull the trigger.

5. Work on prerequisites.

6. When acting on 4, consider accelerated BSN programs / second degree programs.

7. Review items 1-3 after actioning items 4 and 6.

- Former non-nursing Army officer.