Lvn...maybe airforce RN?! Help!!!

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So I just passed my Nclex pn on August 6th, 2015. I been planning to take the bridge program for RN probably a year from now because I wanna be able to get experience as an lvn. I also wanna join the Air Force as a reserve and go for my BSN-RN while serving. I was wondering if I can get advice if anyone who had experience going to the Air Force as an lvn and worked as one in the Air Force then later did they're RN. I wanna know what job can I get as an lvn? Am I placed as a higher rank because of my license? Do I talk to a regular recruiter or a health care recruiter if there is one? Pls help!

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I don't have much info for you on the Air Force side of it; I'm much more familiar with the Army. Be aware, however, that LVN/LPN is an enlisted position whereas RN is a commissioned (officer) position. If you join a reserve component, expect to be gone at least a few weeks out of the year and on weekends, more if there is additional training, professional development classes, or requirements. These times don't always work very well with a school schedule, and reserve components don't pay well enough for you to not work. So you'd be working, have military obligations at least once a month, and going to school.

You will probably get a more in depth answer if you ask in the Government/Military Nursing Forum.

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I don't have much info for you on the Air Force side of it; I'm much more familiar with the Army. Be aware, however, that LVN/LPN is an enlisted position whereas RN is a commissioned (officer) position. If you join a reserve component, expect to be gone at least a few weeks out of the year and on weekends, more if there is additional training, professional development classes, or requirements. These times don't always work very well with a school schedule, and reserve components don't pay well enough for you to not work. So you'd be working, have military obligations at least once a month, and going to school.

You will probably get a more in depth answer if you ask in the Government/Military Nursing Forum.

Thanks anyways for the information. I think my best bet is to meet with a recruiter. I'm gonna have my brother and my dad go with me since they were both in the service. However both my dad and brother were in the navy so they really can't tell how different the Air Force is but it's good to have support and they kinda know what the process is.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Make certain you meet with a healthcare recruiter if you wish to ultimately commission as an RN. Most recruiters are general enlistment. In order to commission as an RN, you must hold a BSN. All branches are reducing forces and it's highly competitive for coveted spots such as nursing. Check out the military nursing forum to get a better idea of the process. Very few new grads are accepted. Very few enlisted LPNs are eligible to be commissioned in a timely manner.

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