LPN/LVN needs a Challenge

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2009

I know nothing about the Navy, but unless the private school you're looking at is not accredited, your credits will transfer. I went to a private school (Duke) and I assure you all my BSN credits are good!

kato10 · Dec 26, 2009

I guess it really depends on what you want to do, but a great option to be associated with the military in a way is a school with a ROTC program. You would get rid of the debt aspect of it. Like the above, I don't have any info in regards to the Navy. However, while I was at MEPS in Nov I did talk to a few Navy applicants. They are overstaffing right now. It is very difficult to get into the Navy as an enlisted person...very few job openings. The AF does have an option for you to be enlisted and then go through school while still connected to the service and become an officer after you finish. This would be a great option as well. Best of luck

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2009

Watch going in as enlisted first. I know many, many people who went in with the intention of becoming an officer who are currently still enlisted because they couldn't get accepted to a program.

I myself had a stellar enlisted record and was turned down twice while active duty for commissioning programs. I didn't get an officer slot until I got out, got my BSN, and applied - AGAIN.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2009

There are programs I believe in each of the services to help with you obtaining your BSN. It will be hard to get a nursing degree while on active duty. Depending on what you want you could go on active duty as a Navy Corpsman, get assigned to the Marines, become a 8404 Corpsman. Durning this time work on your gen. ed. classes, either on-line or thru one of the univesitys that work with the military. When you hitch is done use the GI bill to finish. There is also the seaman to admiral program (name could have changed since I was Navy) and be sent to school while on active duty. You need to speak with a recruiter. Even thou the numbers are tight all services are still recruiting, it just might take a little longer to get in then in the past.

beachbummer · Dec 28, 2009

this reply is for jeckrn

I researched a bit more about HM-8404 corpsman, I am so inspired. Its exactly what I was looking for, and considering. Navy Corpsman with Marine training ( Field Medical Training Battalion, Fleet Marines Force Recon), And I can further specialized in Special Reconnaissance Corpsman. Thanks for sharing that with me. Now I gotta put my facts together and see how possible this route really is. Navy Coprsman-Naval Officer (RN BSN).

So would this be right.. Enlist in the Navy as Hospital Corpsman, get into the Naval Hospital Naval School, upon graduating receive HM-8404 go through FMTB with the Marines and be now affiliated as a Marine Corpsman.

Would you happen to know any Naval Officer or how to get in contact with one?

beachbummer · Dec 28, 2009

Watch going in as enlisted first. I know many, many people who went in with the intention of becoming an officer who are currently still enlisted because they couldn't get accepted to a program.
I myself had a stellar enlisted record and was turned down twice while active duty for commissioning programs. I didn't get an officer slot until I got out, got my BSN, and applied - AGAIN.

I could see this as another possible route for me. Go straight and get my RN-BSN then enlist for the navy, definitely one of my options. But it would take me 4-6 years partime/fulltime school and/or work then once finished enlist.

Could you have taken classes while enlisted, received your BSN degree. Why did you have to get out of the military to get your BSN?

sorry, I dont know all my facts with Military terms and how ranking system works. Commissioning Programs is to become an officer, you have to have your Bachelor degree first correct? or do you get your Bachelor through the Program.

Thanks in advance, i'm sure ill have many questions as this discussions goes on.

zombie · Dec 28, 2009

Why not go straight into a four year degree program for your BSN. Stop bsing around at the community college if it is going to take the same amount of time.

DO NOT enlist with the intention of getting your degree and direct commission. Take you twice as long with twice the headache.

As a nurse generally your not going to be in the front line with your marine buddies. Thats what they have combat medics (or whatever they call it in the navy).

If your a RN your going to be doing working in the capacity of an RN. Your not going to be out there in the trenches having an "exciting time" getting your legs and arms blown off. Your pretty much going to be in a hospital like environment. Of course they are exceptions. If your with a line unit you may be in charge of admin crap and taking care of the admin side of the combat medic folks etc.

Enroll into a 4 year school and hook up with ROTC perhaps if you want. If you run up debt in school you have the option of having it repaid as a DIRECT COMMISSION after school if you do not go the ROTC route.

Dude, you don't have to enlist now "while your young" I joined the service at the ripe OLD age of 31. In my class we had nurses 50+.

people mess up doing the enlisted --> education --> officer route.

Don't talk to a recruiter cause they will try to get you in NOW. Earn your BSN on your own and then Join. Or, go the ROTC route... even if you take the ROTC money and change your mind when you finish school you could turn your back and not join (you have to pay them back though lol).

If you want some front line marine oorah high speed stuff. Join the marine corps... as a infantry officer... they need those.

As a nurse in the end its taking care of patients...... period. Priority wise though your a Soldier/Officer then a nurse of course, but seriously its about being a nurse.

Your challenge is getting your BSN. Thats it.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2009

Depending on the area it is not always possible to get your BSN right away. Where I come from the closet 4 year school was 75 miles away. Since I was working full time and had kids could not go that route. Did ADN then RN-BSN, can be an option. Depending on what you want going enlisted then using the GI bill to finish up your BSN is not a bad idea. You are young so you have many options. I was a prior 8404 Corpsman and would not trade that for anything. It made me a better nurse and officer.

beachbummer · Dec 29, 2009

Depending on the area it is not always possible to get your BSN right away. Where I come from the closet 4 year school was 75 miles away. Since I was working full time and had kids could not go that route. Did ADN then RN-BSN, can be an option. Depending on what you want going enlisted then using the GI bill to finish up your BSN is not a bad idea. You are young so you have many options. I was a prior 8404 Corpsman and would not trade that for anything. It made me a better nurse and officer.

I did a lot researching, and a lot of soul searching. Spoke my sisters boyfriend a Marine Recon, got some great advices that would work for me. I read everything I can from forums (military.com & corpsman.com) was even more inspired. I believe I figured out the route I wanna go and would benefit ME the best. Join as a Navy Reservist, become HM-8404, my first year or two get into SARC 8427. As a reservist work on my G.E's and step by step get my ADN then BSN and wait, wait some more while serving to become an Officer. It make take some time, but I got years to spare before any serious commitments. And through this route I experience some intense training making me a better Nurse Overall.

I already spoke with a Recruiter, spots are very limited to none. Ill be a QNJ, wait for an opening, who knows how long it would take.. But in the mean time work and train. Ill give it one year of waiting, and if God willing there is an opening let the journey begin.

zombie · Dec 29, 2009

I thought you already were a LPN which to me is a Associate degree nurse.. which in most places they have accelerated programs that can get your 4 year degree in additional two or 3 years. Your experience as a corpsman basically your a EMT. And EMTs are good and all but their job is indeed different than ours. Sounds like you have a plan though... albeit a long ass around the bush way to become a nurse officer lol.

Good luck man!

beachbummer · Dec 30, 2009

I thought you already were a LPN which to me is a Associate degree nurse.. which in most places they have accelerated programs that can get your 4 year degree in additional two or 3 years. Your experience as a corpsman basically your a EMT. And EMTs are good and all but their job is indeed different than ours. Sounds like you have a plan though... albeit a long ass around the bush way to become a nurse officer lol.
Good luck man!

I am a LPN, but I don't have my ADN. I rather do EMT duties, then work with Geriatrics for the next years of my life. It's just not for me. Yea, I feel really good about the route Im taking. Thanks dude, hopefully there is opening for Navy Corpsman in the next few months, I would hate to wait a whole year.