Go in with my RN or NP?

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Specializes in Med/Surge.

I am interested in becoming a NP. I am currently in my second to last semester in RN-ADN school, I have a yr long BSN completer lined up as well. I have always wanted to serve my country, but since I'm wanting to become a NP eventually, would it be best to try and get in the military with my RN- or go ahead and complete my masters program before contacting a recruiter.. I am not aware of the programs offered once accepted, and how hard it is to change jobs or go back to school while in. I just know that I could apply right after I complete my RN, after a few years of experience, or after completing NP school. I do not know how to make a "pros/cons" list and would love some input.

I am also a paramedic/commissioned fire fighter if that makes any difference.

Thank you so much!

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Specializes in PACU, ER, Military.

Navy only takes RN-BSN for the nurse corps.

I don't know how the Navy goes about bringing in NPs. I know that once you are in you can apply for duty under instruction (DUINS) where you get paid to go to school. You can apply for this on your second tour so you would at a nurse for 3 years and then go to school then you'll be in for another 3 years.

If you want to be in and you are planning to go to school I would have the Navy pay for it. They offer bonuses and/or tuition repayment for BSNs so I'm sure they do it for NPs. It is a gamble, as you would have to apply and ask permission to have orders to DUINS.

Note, you would be moving every 3 years for 9 years.

If you decide to stay civilian make sure you know what accredited programs the Navy with accept for an NP-I would start talking to a recruiter about NP stuff now.

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Specializes in Med/Surge.

Thank you sweet pea for your reply. I think I want to at least be in my BSN completer before talking to a recruiter, right? It's an 11 month program, and I'd already have my cert, and probably a bit of working experience (a year at least). I have been following your conversation with navyman7 and have learned a lot. My family is supportive; husband grew up with his dad being deployed all the time as a marine (his dad retired from the marine core) and I know that this will provide a great standard of living for my son too. And I love the idea of traveling!

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Specializes in PACU, ER, Military.

If you are 11 months out from your license I would get your timeline worked out. If going in with BSN, you could apply for the SEP 2013 board and leave for training in 2014. If that is the case then you should get your application together-takes about 3 months and should be turned in by Aug 1. You will need 3 letters of rec dated within 6 mo os SEP 2013. So yes, you could be in contact with a recruiter now-to make sure you have the right one and then tell them you'll reconnect next year maybe in March or so. It takes a long time to get in. Be prepared so you don't decided you're ready and then have to wait a year to submit your application. Good luck!

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