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:welcome::balloons:Hello! I am a 27 year old mother of a 2 year old. I am currently getting out of the military in June of 2008. I want to become a nurse but the time to get my degree isn't working for me. I know school comes with time, and I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice to prepare for a nursing school once I get out. I already have an associates in Health Care Management but I actually want to me more interactive with patients as an RN. Please email me with any input or suggestions. I would start school now but the military will not allow me to go thru the day and my hubby works crazy hours so night is out of the question. Now I could possibly go through a Medical Assistant School and graduate before I get out but EVERYONE says not do it just go FULL throttle for the RN degree. Help Please!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I made the mistake of completing a medical assisting program a little over 7 years ago. It was the biggest waste of time (and $4,600 tuition) in my life. I was not able to find a job that paid more than $8 hourly. In addition, medical assisting programs are skills-based, so they will not help with the rigors of nursing school tests that require active studying and critical thinking.

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Specializes in NICU.

Have you checked into the RN programs yet? Were you a medic in the military? I was a medic in the Air Force for 6 years and I got out in July of this year. My school let me enter the 4 semester program in the 3rd semester (after prereq's) because they considered me to be at the same level as an LPN (as does my state nursing board if I pass NCLEX, don't think I will try it, too scared). I just had to take the same entrance exams as the LPNs (HESI test). It was called the career ladder track and it is also available for EMT-Ps.

Also, I found that local hospitals will hire a military medic based on experience rather than having a MA or something. I didn't have any type of civilian certification other than CPR for healthcare providers and EMT-B and I had no problem finding a job. I started at the University Medical center as a tech in the float pool about a month ago. If you can find a float pool, it works REALLY well around school and usually pays a little more but has no benefits.

GOOD LUCK IN WHAT EVER ROUTE YOU DECIDE ON!!!!!

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Right now you could probably take online classes, depending on what the pre-reqs for the particular nursing program you want to get in to.

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

Two sites you might want to check out are Johnson & Johnson's Discover Nursing (general nursing information) and All Nursing Schools, which lists various types of programs.

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Hello! Have you checked out Excelsior College? Google "Excelsior College" and see if there is a website and check it out. A lot of the "book work" can be done at home at your own pace. It's a possibility if night school is not an option.

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