Military vs civilian nursing curicculum?

Specialties Government

Published

All,

I'm a 91W in the reserves planning my next career move as I approach 60 college credits.

I have been to a civillian nursing program but found the dominance of psychosocial curicculum to be disapointing. There is so much more to being a nurse than psychology and sociology but it was impossible to see that there. I could easily see myself as a nurse but never could I imagine that I could put up with that curicculum for 2 years.

Are the military programs, by any chance different?

live4today, RN

5,099 Posts

Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

If you "found the dominance of psychosocial curriculum to be disappointing", then you will not make a good nurse. Why? Caring for patients INCLUDES caring for their "psychosocial" behavior and problems. The two cannot be separated in nursing which is why those courses are required subject matters. :) From the patients admission to the patients discharge from the hospital, you will be up close and personal in their psychosocial issues no matter what unit you work on. :)

Weebils-Wobble

24 Posts

If you "found the dominance of psychosocial curriculum to be disappointing", then you will not make a good nurse. Why? Caring for patients INCLUDES caring for their "psychosocial" behavior and problems. The two cannot be separated in nursing which is why those courses are required subject matters. :) From the patients admission to the patients discharge from the hospital, you will be up close and personal in their psychosocial issues no matter what unit you work on. :)

Caring for and about patients is not really all that complicated. Not only would I make a good nurse but I would excel apparently. I take knowledge for granted that it takes nursing programs years to teach. I see no reason for such tedious focus on common sense.

There was a disconnect between what I observed nurses doing in the real world and what I found in the curicculum. I can't help but think that there must be a better way to train them. I carried a high "B" in the coursework but felt that I had learned very little new information except for the skills labs that were virtually free of the didactic work.

I thought that I may find that difference in military curicculum as is found in other skills that I've observed.

Weebils-Wobble

24 Posts

BTW,

Is there such a thing as a military nursing school?

If there isn't, why has nobody mentioned that?

It would explain the lack of response to the original question. I often take for granted what I perceive as obvious as being automaticly included universaly.

Weebils-Wobble

24 Posts

Well,

Am I banned yet? Speaking one's mind is usually fatal in nursing.

I tried to post a more specific question so I could avoid off-topic discussion but I can't post a new thread.

I understand why nurses would feel protective of nursing theory but please don't expect me to lie to you so you will like me. I understand the need to avoid anything that is not pro-nursing.

Never wanted a conversation about it actually. Just thought I could get some good information from those that would know.

Nurse Ratched, RN

2,149 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

You're not banned. If you can't start a new topic, are you trying to start one in a premium member format? That's the only restriction you would have.

I'm not at all sure that there is a military nursing curriculum. I always presumed someone would go to a "civie" program but have it paid for by the military. I'm looking forward to hearing if it's otherwise.

RNPATL, DNP, RN

1,146 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Education.

Why would you think that you would be banned? I have been on this forum and board for several years now and know that members post their views on many different topics and don't get banned. There are those that violate the rules and yes, they get warned and if necessary banned, but not for posting a respectful opinion.

As far as military nursing schools, I am not aware of any. I would certainly be interested to learn if there are any.

Weebils-Wobble

24 Posts

I guess I had the wrong impression. I thought I had a straight-forward question. I tried to not put anything too controversial in it but wanted to provide a little background information.

The only one that posted did so because they took exception to a comment. With all the views of my thread with no responses, I just figured I was getting the silent treatment. Military nurses gotta know the answer, so I think they aren't posting because they took exception too. A bunch of regulars on a BB taking exception to what you say seems bad juju.

Anyhow, thanks for posting to me.

RNPATL, DNP, RN

1,146 Posts

Specializes in Nursing Education.
I guess I had the wrong impression. I thought I had a straight-forward question. I tried to not put anything too controversial in it but wanted to provide a little background information.

The only one that posted did so because they took exception to a comment. With all the views of my thread with no responses, I just figured I was getting the silent treatment. Military nurses gotta know the answer, so I think they aren't posting because they took exception too. A bunch of regulars on a BB taking exception to what you say seems bad juju.

Anyhow, thanks for posting to me.

As the moderator for this forum, I have found that the military folks here are very helpful if they know the answer. Perhaps many of the views were regulars passing by and, like you, were wondering if indeed there is a military training program for nurses. From what I have seen and read, I don't think there is, but perhaps someone out there might know.

CPT_Jana

20 Posts

There is no military nursing (i.e. BSN producing) program at this time. There have been programs in the past (WRAIN is the one that comes to mind) and I had heard that in light of the global nursing shortage from which the military is not immune there was a thought of bringing the concept back. The Army sponsors advanced training programs in critical care, emergency care, OB/GYN, community health, and psych. There are also military-run MSN programs for FNP, periop CNS, and CRNA. There is an Army LVN/LPN program. It produces an enlisted soldier with the credentials of combat medic + civilian LVN/LPN licensure.

Sorry, but I can only really speak to Army-specific programs. Not sure if that answers your question or not - but there you go!

Jana

mwbeah

430 Posts

1. Facts.

a. The AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP) provides eligible active duty soldiers the opportunity to complete a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN), become a registered nurse (RN), and be commissioned in the Army Nurse Corps (active component). Participants continue to receive their current pay and allowances during school while in the program for up to 24 consecutive months of enrollment. This program funds academic costs of up to $3,000 per semester or $2,250 per quarter.

b. Deadline for receipt of applications for FY is July. The selection board will convene on ____________. No exceptions for late applications will be considered.

You may want to check this out, it is the only "military" option I know for RN.

CPT Mike

mwbeah

430 Posts

1. Facts.

a. The AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP) provides eligible active duty soldiers the opportunity to complete a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN), become a registered nurse (RN), and be commissioned in the Army Nurse Corps (active component). Participants continue to receive their current pay and allowances during school while in the program for up to 24 consecutive months of enrollment. This program funds academic costs of up to $3,000 per semester or $2,250 per quarter.

b. Deadline for receipt of applications for FY is July. The selection board will convene on ____________. No exceptions for late applications will be considered.

You may want to check this out, it is the only "military" option I know for RN.

CPT Mike

Here is the link:

http://www.usarec.army.mil/AECP/

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