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Nurses General Nursing

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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!!

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.

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!!!!!

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.

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.

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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