A Confused Army Nurse

aspiring_nurse_ · Sep 1, 2015

What you have to remember is that you will still be missing the prereq courses needed to get into RN/BSN program. Having the LPN license wont hurt but you cannot apply to bridge programs unless you meet there criteria. Fox ex: my college gave my credit for Intro to AP but I still had to take AP1 and 2, and since Intro isnt on my degree plan it was nice of them but was of no benefit.

That's true, I forgot all about prerequisites... Oh man. Would taking on a couple online classes during AIT be too much of a work load?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 1, 2015

katie, the biggest piece of advice I'm going to give you has nothing to do with the military, and EVERYTHING to do with online safety: you posted your name. You posted your year ain high school, and you are obviously a minor. Then you posted your PHOTO, and either a friend or a relative is in it with you. BAD, BAD plan.

If you think only upstanding professionals visit this forum, you are sadly naive. There are some real twisty souls out there, and they would LOVE to have more data on you. Well...you've given them enough fodder as it is, really easy to find more.

So, anyway, PLEASE change your UserID and your avatar. There's nothing safe in what you're doing now, and I'd hate to see you hurt before you even get out of the gate.

ces824 · Sep 1, 2015

Yes, it will. You will be working almost everyday 0630-1700, and you will need time to study for your MOS. Besides I doubt your NCO's would allow you to sign up because they are concerned and you should be to with graduating from your MOS first, but since you dont start until next year what is preventing you from taking Psyc, Comp1, or AP1 now?

SoldierMurse, DNP, CRNA · Sep 25, 2015

I thought I should reply since you are literally me 12 years ago. I enlisted out of high school as a 68WM6 into the reserves. To answer your questions:

1.) Would anyone on here know if my LPN licensed I obtained in the military is still good for civilian use?

Yes, I originally received my Texas LVN from the military and had no problem transferring it to a California LPN license. I just had to follow California's board of nursing application and instructions.

2.) Since I'm going to already be graduating college a year later than most kids my age, what would be the fastest way to get my BSN? Military credits are tricky & I'm not quite sure what schools would accept my training as viable college credits.

This is going to depend on the school you enter into in the civilian side. It took me three years to obtain my BSN after finishing the 68WM6 program. 1 year of pre-requisites, 1 year bridge LVN - ADN, 1 year bridge ADN -> BSN. I was working part time throughout this as an LVN and was in ROTC for the last two years. It was definitely a challenge and I was busy but it was doable.

3.) Are LPN licenses tricky to use in different states? (example: Take LPN state exam for Illinois, but go to college in Indiana - would I be able to work as an LPN while in IN if I choose to live there?)

You can work anywhere you have a state LPN license for that state. You take the NCLEX-PN which allows you to be licensed in any state as long as you go through thats particular state's license process

4.) Has anyone here had the MOS 68C? (previously known as 68WM6) If so, what was it like?

I was only a 68WM6 on the reserves but currently work with them often as an officer. They function as a civilian LPN within the hospital, working 12 hr shifts with additional duties as responsibilities as a junior enlisted/NCO. On the reserve side I was in a CSH and spent most weekends doing various training and Field training, did not focus much on health related skills while in drill

5.) Does anyone have any tips on how to best complete my goals?

Make it through the school!! There are many pitfalls along the way. This may be the first time you are away from home and you suddenly have a descent paycheck. Its easy to get caught up in the partying and drinking while going both through the medic school and the LVN school. The military does not give many chances. Caught once drinking while in training will get you kicked out of the program. You are only able to fail (

6.) What schools in the Midwest would be best to transfer from an LPN to BSN? (trying to avoid online schooling)

I'm not very familiar with the Midwest but I do remember getting pamphlets from Indiana State university that offered a LVN -> BSN program. I am not sure of the quality or requirements for this program though or if its still around.

Let me know if you have anymore questions. I have been in the military for 12 years now and my medic training and LVN school were some of my best times in my career. Enjoy it, but just remember why you are there.

aspiring_nurse_ · Sep 26, 2015

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, you really helped answer a lot of things I had on my mind.

You're literally where I want to be in a few years, so if you didn't mind I'd love to ask you a few more questions!

This one you might not be able to answer, but 68WM6 varies a little bit from 68C. I don't need the previous medic MOS to take the LPN/LVN MOS. Would that hurt my chances at all from being able to take the NCLEX-PN? Considering the fact I'll have less education since I wasn't part of the medic training as well.

Also, I was actually going to take ROTC classes when I go to college just like you did.

The biggest thing I can ask you, is if #1 you are happy you took the officer route compared to enlisted?

and #2 if you're happy with your decision to be a committed medical professional in the army?

It seems like such a rewarding career and I just want to know if you're happy with it, because it's where I want to end up so badly.

Lastly, I'm guessing you went to Fort Sam Houston for your AIT?

What was that like?! 68C is a 53 week long AIT and since I'm going to be there so long I was just curious about the schedule/get a gist of what life is like in San Antonio.

Oh and by the way, congrats and thank you on serving 12 years in the military, that's awesome and you should be very proud (:

SoldierMurse, DNP, CRNA · Sep 29, 2015

I didn't realize that they took away the requirement of becoming a medic prior to going to LVN school. This will have no bearing at all on being able to sit for the NCLEX-PN. They are completely independent from one another. The medic training did help me get a job as an LVN in the ED on the civilian side as they liked that I had my EMT from the medic training. The Army's LVN program has to be accredited through whatever state you attend phase II at. Going through the army's program is similar as going through a civilian LVN/LPN program. Do not worry, if you complete the program you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN board and will be more then ready to pass it.

I am happy that I went through ROTC and commissioned as an officer. It has its ups and downs but I am very happy and proud to be an officer in the Army Nurse Corps. The military has excellent educational opportunities compared to the civilian side and your upward mobility occurs very quickly on the civilian side. It is common to be in charge of a small nursing unit or clinic three to four years after you graduate from nursing school. I took great pride in being enlisted and NCO as well but the pay and autonomy are much better on the officer side.

I completed both phase I and phase II of the LVN school at Fort Sam Houston. Phase I for me was I believe 6-8 weeks long an consisted of around 10 tests on anatomy and physiology. It was all classroom based. We were still considered Initial entry soldiers so we had very little freedom on the weekdays but had weekends off to explore San Antonio. Phase II is where you are assigned to go to one of the larger Medical Centers in the army for the remainder of the course. Either Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Fort Lewis in Tacoma Washington, Walter Reed in Washington D.C. Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, or Fort Gordon in Georgia. Once their you will spend the first 4-6 weeks in classrooms going over pathophysiology lectures and having practical exercises on basic nursing skills ( bed Baths, IV's etc..) You start clinicals two three days a week after the first 6 weeks then transition to clinicals 3-4 days a week for the last half of the course. We had tests every Monday over pathophysiology as well as assessments, nursing care plans, and other assignments due throughout the week to our clinical instructors. Class was usually done around 1500-1600 on both clinical and lecture days. You will have weekends and holidays off. I had plenty of time to get homework and studying done as well as explore and enjoy the city. This was all nearly ten years ago so much has likely changed since then. Hope this helps. Enjoy your time, I had an excellent time throughout the course. I may run into you as I am trying to get a 68C instructor slot as my next assignment. Good Luck and if you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.

ChiDashYan, CNA, EMT-B · Nov 4, 2017

I am in this boat . I have a degree i health care administration and was considering 68c reserve to get exspirience and apply to a bsn program after . But i hear alot of diffrent things can i please email you mine is [email protected] i have many questions