I am considering joining the Army, and have a few questions...

Specialties Government

Published

I was hoping I could find a few answers from those in the forum. Currently, I work in a Wellness Center as an assistant to a Physician and a PA. I guess my job description would be a combination of a medical assistant, LPN, and exercise physiology. I love what I do, but I really want to go to nursing school. I spoke with a recruiter (Army) and he stated the Army would place me according to my current job description, and then they would be able to send me to nursing school at Fort Sam Houston, or one that is local. I would go in as an officer (I have a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and finishing my Master's in Health and Human Performance). Has anyone done something similar or have any advice? I definitely do not want to go overseas, but would love to help those in the states. I guess the Army can't guarantee where you will end up. I spoke with the Air Force Nurse recruiter, but he stated that to go in the Air Force, they would need someone who already has their RN/BSN, or LPN. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

Rule one---Never,but Never believe a Recruiter. They lie, they con, they will tell you anything to get you in.

They are far worse than lawyers or even Insurance salesmen

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

I just want to wish you the best in whatever you feel is right. Follow your heart and research all you can before making an important decision as the one you are contemplating. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hi there,

as an army nurse with 7 years of experience i would recommend you obtain your bsn first and then enter the military. the shortage is so great in the military, that the military is now offering to pay any student loans (with a comittment of 1-2 years). direct commisionies (civilian nurses entering the military without prior service) are being offered great sign on bonuses as well as other monitary insentives.

if you do as the recruiter is recommending at this time, you will enter the military as an enlisted, work for 4 years and then be required to submit a long and painful packet to enter the amedd c&s.

best of luck!

if you have any further questions, feel free to send me a pm.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The Air Force is more 'family' oriented, waaaaaay better housing...We are stationed at Fort Rucker and the Army is NOT meeting its recruiment goals...so anything you agree to, get it in writing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a recruiter and I do not lie.

It is all in the contract.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Though there are not any BSN programs at FSH there is an LPN program.But you would be enlisted. You need to talk to an Army HealthCare Recruiter. If you need one PM me with your city and state. There is a program in which the Army will pay for you to go back to school and get your BSN. You can start as early as DEC of this year. It is called the Army Nurse Candidate Program.

Research it on

healthcare.goarmy.com

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ma'am,

There is a program just like AECP for Civilians. It is called ANCP.

If there are people on this webste that have questions please suggest that they talk to a Healthcare Recruiter if they need one they can go to healthcare.goarmy.com with all due respect. Recruiting is hard right now so we want to make sure that the right info is put out

There are tons of programs that the Mainstream Army is not aware of.

SSG Jimmedda Hayes

USA Healthcare Recruiter

1-877-573-9205

I am on global (outlook) if you have anymore questions for me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Rule one---Never,but Never believe a Recruiter. They lie, they con, they will tell you anything to get you in.

They are far worse than lawyers or even Insurance salesmen

Rule #2; Don't hold much weight with teeituptom's Rule one.

An Army Health Care Recruiter is an excellent source, as well as very credible in matters dealing with the Army Medical Dept. [AMEDD].

- Cary James Barrett, 1LT AN, BSN, RN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Ma'am,

There is a program just like AECP for Civilians. It is called ANCP.

If there are people on this webste that have questions please suggest that they talk to a Healthcare Recruiter if they need one they can go to healthcare.goarmy.com with all due respect. Recruiting is hard right now so we want to make sure that the right info is put out

There are tons of programs that the Mainstream Army is not aware of.

SSG Jimmedda Hayes

USA Healthcare Recruiter

1-877-573-9205

I am on global (outlook) if you have anymore questions for me.

IMHO, excellent advice! Go to Army Nurse Corps Site and read, read, read, then click on the Email Us link at the bottom of the page in link above to ask specific questions.

- Cary James Barrett, 1LT AN, BSN, RN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wouldn't go in as an enlisted soldier if I were you. I spent 8 years in the enlisted ranks and can tell you, the officer side of the house is where it's at. Wasting your degree to become a E-4 or E-5 in the Army (or any branch for that matter) is a mistake. By the time you realize it though, it will be too late.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

DO NOT DO THE ENLISTMENT !!!

Go to school and get your degree and commission. Period.

The military is a food chain... choosing to enter higher up will pay off in enormous and countless ways.

...and by the way recruiters DO ALL LIE... they do not disclose the whole truth or they change the truth and sell you on their version of it... like a used car salesman. You did the best thing and that was to solicit opinions from those other than recruiters.

"You will find that many of the truths we cling to depend upon your point of view..." - Obi Wan Kenobi

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment