Military or Nursing-Bay area

Published

Hi,

I'm currently considering leaving Active Duty Air Force after 9 years as an enlisted plumber basically to pursue nursing. I feel like nursing suits my personality and wants much better, however I do not have experience with it except for being certified EMT a short time before the military. I am also planning on getting into it for the money and the possible work schedules (3days on 4 off type of thing). I'd hope to start making around 75K as a new grad with a BSN in the Bay Area easily. I currently make around 70K a year in the military benefits included. I would also try to get back into the military as an RN, but it's always a crapshoot getting back in once you get out. Any suggestions or ideas? Is making 75K as a nurse unrealistic etc... Should I just stay my 20 yrs military and get my pension ?!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If you hang around here on AN for very long, you'll come across a lot of great information as well as 'take it or leave it' advice. There are many (many many many) of us that would advise against choosing nursing strictly for the (perceived) great salary & cushy schedule... the reality is actually much different. You may find it very difficult to even get into nursing school in your current area - the competition is very fierce. It's still very challenging for new nurse grads to land a job in the LA & SF areas... hospitals are only hiring BSNs.

It may be a good idea to go ahead and start taking your pre-requisite classes and see how it goes. You may discover that slogging through all the academics are simply not worth it. I'd also advise you to take a look at other health care professions because there are many with essentially the same type of basic educational requirement, but their career trajectories are better in the long run.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE. I wish you the very best of luck, no matter which direction you choose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the reply. I'm 99% confident I will be accepted to an RN program at one of the CSU schools based on my pre req GPA TEAS and military service.... So that part I'm not worried about . Mainly worried about whether or not I will be able to easily find a job When I graduate with my BSN that is at least comparable to the 75K I currently make.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

And could you be more specific about other health profession jobs which have better trajectories?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion