Georgia Military College student, what do I need to do after I graduate??

[newbie_nurse15]

Hey everyone, I'm Jen, currently active duty army and also deployed. I am getting very confused as to what exactly I will need after I complete my pre-nursing degree with GMC in November this year. I know I will have to do the actual nursing classes to be able to start working as a nurse. However, I get home the beginning of next year, and am stationed in North Carolina, so I was looking into the Tech College in Fayetteville to be able to take those classes. I also know, that I will have to take the exam in Georgia, where I will be living when I get out in 2016, to be able to begin nursing there.

It seems like the more I research what exactly I need to get a job anywhere making a decent paycheck to provide for my family, the more confused I get about it.

As I said, I will complete my pre-nursing degree in November, and am aware that I need actual nursing classes to be able to work. My intentions are to get my BSN once I do find work, because I will need a job before I go back to school to finish.

Can someone please explain to me exactly what I will need to have so that I am completely prepared to get a job when I get out of the army in February 2016?

Thank you very much!!!

[RunBabyRN]

You won't be able to complete your nursing degree while on AD. Nursing programs are quite rigorous, and are not flexible with schedules, even for military. Be careful about tech schools, as most are not transferable, and you may have difficulty if you move or try to advance your career. Make sure your school is regionally accredited, and that you can obtain licensure in your state if you attend.

If you're an Army medic, you can find CNA work, which will be helpful. If you will have all of your prereqs done, start applying to nursing schools for the first semester available after you discharge. Be sure to speak with the VA counselors at your school as well to get your GIB stuff lined up, as this can take awhile, and you'll likely want to use that! GIB and vocational rehab (if you are determined 30% or more disabled) will not pay for private school tuition, so make sure you learn the ins and outs of both your program/school and the veteran's benefits you use.

Also, a friendly heads up, you may want to change your screen name and avatar to something more anonymous. You never know who may come across any posts you write, and anonymity is highly regarded on AN! :)