LPN graduating from BSN program in Dec '10 wondering if Military is right for me.

[EmmyBnurse]

Hi everyone! Thanks for reading, here is my situation and questions:

27 year old, married with 3 kids. I have already talked to hubby about the possibilty and he is open to it but wants more information. I am just starting to look into everything and I am open to all branches as of right now.

I have been an LPN for 5 years and I am graduating with my BSN in December (Major GPA: 3.5, Overall: 3.2). I have 2 years of CCU experience, and over 10 years of progressive healthcare experience (don't know if that matters or not).

My questions:

1) How do I get in contact with the actual healthcare recruiters? From reading the forums it seems you need to talk to them to get accurate information.

2) What is all included in the application? Do all branches only review these once a year? (again forum discussion)

3) Based on the above information do you think I have a chance?

4) How long does the whole process usually take, from talking to a recruiter-application-acceptance-start of COT?

5) Should I start now, even if I am to graduate in Dec?

6) Do I have to choose a branch before applying or can you go for all three?

7) I am very committed to getting my MSN, how long do you have to be in the military to begin those programs? Do you have to be a certain rank? Or can you start right away?

8) Will I get credit for my 5 years of LPN experience or am I considered a green nurse?

I appreciate any answers you have time to give.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

hi everyone! thanks for reading, here is my situation and questions:

27 year old, married with 3 kids. i have already talked to hubby about the possibilty and he is open to it but wants more information. i am just starting to look into everything and i am open to all branches as of right now.

i have been an lpn for 5 years and i am graduating with my bsn in december (major gpa: 3.5, overall: 3.2). i have 2 years of ccu experience, and over 10 years of progressive healthcare experience (don't know if that matters or not).

my questions:

1) how do i get in contact with the actual healthcare recruiters? from reading the forums it seems you need to talk to them to get accurate information.

go online to the services recruitment web sites and click on officers then healthcare and go from there.

2) what is all included in the application? do all branches only review these once a year? (again forum discussion)

each service sends packets(applications) to be reviewed by a board several times a year. this depends on the number of qualified applicants vs openings.

3) based on the above information do you think i have a chance?

just as good as anyone else.

4) how long does the whole process usually take, from talking to a recruiter-application-acceptance-start of cot?

several months to a year plus

5) should i start now, even if i am to graduate in dec?

yes, yes, yes

6) do i have to choose a branch before applying or can you go for all three?

you will need to choose one before applying but speak with all of them including us public health.

7) i am very committed to getting my msn, how long do you have to be in the military to begin those programs? do you have to be a certain rank? or can you start right away?

for the military to pay to send you to school you will need to be in for several years. each service has its own requirements. if you are going to school on-line on your own time you can start right away and use tutition assistance which also varies by service.

8) will i get credit for my 5 years of lpn experience or am i considered a green nurse?

you will be considered as a new rn.

i appreciate any answers you have time to give.

i know the answers didn't tell you much that is way you need to speak with a healthcare recruiter and not a enlisted recruiter.