I am currently a LPN/LVN with 1 year of experience, 22 years old and going for my RN BSN. I considered going through private schools for my RN (West Coast University) but it would cost me $67,000 for 18 months plus I heard the credits earned from private are non-transferable for Graduate school. That is no longer an option for me. I have a freshman status at my local Community College, just finished my first Science Class (Gen. Bio). I have long ways to go for Pre-Reqs for the RN program (approx. 3 years) thats just Pre-Reqs, not including guaranteed acceptance in the Program (LVN-RN ADN 1 year accelerated). I am struggling with getting into all the classes needed, which could extend my years at CC. So it could look like a total of 4 years of General Ed. accomplished while working full-time as an LVN.
I have a lot of years ahead of me for school no worries, I don't mind going to school for the next few years. But Ultimately I would love the support of a military background. My long life dream since High School was to Join the Marines, I've trained throughout High School, I did a 10 day Basic Training at Camp Pendleton San Diego (Devil Pups) and surprisingly enjoyed it. Was then convinced by my cousin who is currently in the Marines not to join. So my second choice was to go into Nursing out of High School. I got my LVN and still every cell in my body is for the military life, all signs points towards Military. I have my family, friends, co-workers telling me its a good idea to join for nursing. But they don't know much about Nursing in the Military.
I researched as much as I can about military nursing, and decided I am all for the Navy, the fact that it is connected with the Marines. I have nothing tying me down, not married, no kids, no mortgage to pay. Free man willing to travel, would enjoy to train with the Marines and be in the frontline (a Nurse with Combat training). I don't want to be an ordinary RN. But I need to make sure every step from here on out is towards my RN BSN and if possible accomplishing it while being in the Navy. Even If It would take me until I am 26, 28 years old.
So I guess my question are: Could I obtain a degree in Nursing and become an RN while being active in the Navy? How long would it take? What are my routes and options towards my goal? considering my background. Is their anyone I can contact in my area (Naval Officer Recruiter)? Should I enlist in the Navy now while I am still young and able? I read a lot of threads, but nothing seem to be related to my needs.
I finally had the courage to post my first thread, after reading so many, I had a build up so many question and ideas I needed to post a.s.a.p. Sorry for it being so long, I felt the need to explain myself a little.
Many thanks for reading, hopefully someone can help me out, I need to start planning my future!
Beachbummer: Good luck to you... It sounds like you really have a good plan figured out for YOU. It seems you are aware that it may take some time to reach your end goal... That is okay... YOU will reach it if you so desire.
From what I have read through the years, you will gain a lot of experience, skills, confidence and knowledge being a corpsman. I pondered the thought of going in the Navy after becoming an RN (was LPN for 8 years). But for me it didn't make sense to be enlisted in Navy when I could be an officer (reserve) in the ARMY. If you have your BSN you will have more options as far as which service you wish to enter.
I don't know what state you live in or if your state accepts it or not: but have you considered EXCELSIOR college (excelsiorcollege.edu) If you are looking for a challenge check out excelsior. YOU may be able to get your ADN-BSN more rapidly than you think. Check out the distance education threads here on all nurses. Yahoo also has numerous support groups for people that are going through excelsior and other distance programs. It is also VERY possible for you to clep/dantes a lot of your general ed classes. Lets say you want to clep American History: I bet if you studied the material you could take the clep exam and pass in a matter of weeks... There is a website, instanstcert.com that helps prepare you for clep/dantes exams. They also have a forum instantcertforumonline that you can search a specific exam, lets just say ethcis, and former students have posted to help you pass your test. What materials they have used etc. to pass their tests. So there is another challenge for you. Check out the ways to get some of your college classes under your belt quicker and cheaper than the traditional route. I did it and so can you. Dantes exams used to be only for military personal, but now any one can take them.. Good luck to you in your journey.
Cursed Irishman
471 Posts
Looking for a challenge? Head on over to RAAAANNNNGERRRR SCHOOL!
Sorry, that pops into my head everytime i read the title of this thread.