Military getting out to go to Nursing School.

[Asherahh]

Hello everyone! I'm currently Active Duty Navy and have a little less than a year left on my tour of duty. When I get out I plan to apply to go to Nursing School, but I'm absolutely dumbfounded as to what I need to do at this point.

What can I do to help myself prepare to apply?

At this time, I'm taking online college courses and should have about 30 credits by the time I get out of the military. I'm maintaining a 3.5-4.0 GPA in all coursework thus far. What can I do while I'm here in California before going back home to Kentucky to go to school?

I work 15 days a month, 12 hour shifts, so I have limited time to do anything other than online courses, but my schedule is slightly bendable if needed.

If I get Nurse Aide training here in California, will it be applicable in Kentucky? I've also had pretty much every shot in the book since I'm in the military and they vaccinate for EVERYTHING. (Yes, I've even had that terrible anthrax shot from being stationed overseas in Japan.)

Anyway - what can I do now to prepare myself as much as possible before I get home?

I really appreciate all of your help! :)

[kalimuse]

hi - do you have any idea what you would like to do in the nursing field? this can help you start targeting schools in ky. after you know of some schools that interest you, verify that your online courses will transfer. take as many gen ed classes that you can so you can focus on your sciences. if you have questions, contact the nursing dept counselor at the school you are interested in. have you looked up the nursing board for ky? i was able to find a lot of information from the ca rn board (since i live here).

read threads on this site about: first year nurse, employment, recent grad, anything that interests you...it will give you a better picture of what school and nursing can be like. also can give you an idea of what the job market could be like for your area. if you find any teachers that have experience with the nursing field, ask of they are available to talk to you about it. my physio prof has been a great resource. this has helped me to apply for another school that will be a better fit for me and what i would like to do. keep the good grades up!

my husband is former military, and i thank you for your service to our country - good luck in your future endeavors

[Asherahh]

Thanks so much for your response!

I planned on going for the four year BSN, then getting some experience on my belt before going back to school for a Master's or PA. Like I said, I'm really not sure just yet, but at the very basic level, I'm going for the BSN.

I plan to make some calls Monday to my hometown University about what I can do now to prepare myself as well.

I will definitely take your advice about looking up the nursing board for Kentucky and calling to find out if my credits will transfer. I don't want to end up wasting time and money taking college classes that won't do anything for my degree.

Again, I appreciate your taking the time to respond to my post. :)

[aztova]

Well, as far as your question about a Cali CNA license being able to be transferred to Kentucky, you would just have to look on the Kentucky state board of nursing website and find out what you have to do. I moved from AZ to VA and my license transferred easily with a simple form sent to VA state board of nursing. I am sure CA's standards for a CNA license will transfer easily to KY.

Good luck on your journey!

[Student4_life]

I am doing the route you plan on doing

My advice:

Start saving as much money as you can, the VA is just like dfas, its slow as heck. I had a years worth of income saved up when I got out, you don't need that much, but I recommend 6 months worth.

Ensure you have KY residency, I am guessing you are from KY, but if you are not get residency there before you get out so that you get instate rates (the VA only pays instate rates).

Start thinking about who you can get letters of rec from (leaving Department heads, your master chief, even a workcenter supervisor).

Get CPR re-qualed just before you get out.

Apply for the new GI Bill today! Well that is if it is a greater benefit than the old one, but it likely is.

Apply for California unemployment as soon as you get out, it does not matter that you are moving to KY, you worked in CA, so you can collect CA benefits. On that, if you have to go to community college while you are waiting to get into nursing school (or knocking out pre-reqs) take online and night courses and you will still be eligible for unemployment, even if you are collecting GI Bill benefits.

When applying for FASFA do not include BAH, Clothing allowance or BAS as income (nor does GI Bill BAH count).

Your books are dollar for dollar tax credits for last year and this year, get that money.

And now for your question;

Dont bother with nurses aid training, you are better off taking classes with TA and spend some time at a hospital working with nurses, best place to do this is at a MTF or the VA.

With the classes, even if they dont count they will help you get into the mindset that is going to set you up well for college. You can't afford to get a C in college and get into nursing school, so its good to get all the rust knocked off

And remember even John's Hopkins takes clep tests if you score high enough.

Any questions send me an IM, and good luck.

[Asherahh]

Wow!

Thank you so, so much. I'm going to print out your response and use it as a checklist. You made some really great suggestions, and I'll definitely be following your advice.

Thank you for all of your help!