Military nursing to politics

[Esr90]

Hey all,

Im a recent 25 yo male nursing graduate (ADN) and I'm currently studying for the NCLEX to take next month. I don't have any history of working in the medical field at this point (aside from nursing rotations at various hospitals during my program).

I've recently begun thinking about a career in military nursing.

I know I'd be starting as an officer if I were to accepted into the National Guard, and I have heard of New Grad* programs.

But I would need a BSN (and experience, in some cases) to get accepted into the Navy or Army, correct?

And my last question:

As an officer within the military, that would add quite a degree of clout to my resume for most other future careers, correct?

but would it be possible for say 6+ years as an officer (via nursing) in the military to lead to a future career in the field of politics?

Jusr weighing my options, as I see quite a few prominent politicians come from military backgrounds.

Many thanks to your input, advice, and opinion in advance. Any and all experience on this matter would be appreciated.

- California nursing grad

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

You need a BSN for any branch, including the National Guard. They used to have programs to commission ADNs while they were pursuing BSNs, but I believe that changed a couple of years ago.

As to the politics, I can't say. But I do know there are lots of RNs in local and federal government. Military service definitely sets a person apart from others.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

So do you want to serve your country in the military or build a political resume?

I would say focus on passing the NCLEX. Then get your BSN and some experience. Being a 2LT in the military is a challenge in itself that will take a majority of your attention to navigate successfully.

How about you do research on the backgrounds of the politicians you aspire to be and figure out what percentage of them have served in the military. Then you have a quantifiable information that may or may not be what you are looking for.

[Esr90]

I would prefer it if serving my country and building a resume (possibly political) were not mutually exclusive. I see many personal benefits in joining and serving in the military, but of course I also put a lot of thought as to where it would lead my career in 8 or 20 years.

PixieRN, could you possibly elaborate on the RNs you know in local and federal government? Or do you mean you just know that there are jobs in that field in general?

As always,

Thanks for your input :)

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

PixieRN, could you possibly elaborate on the RNs you know in local and federal government? Or do you mean you just know that there are jobs in that field in general?

Just as an example, one of my state senators and the head of the state Health and Human Services committee is an RN. Typically nursing is the most trusted profession according to Gallup polls, and that probably helps in the political arena.

Here is a list from the ANA: Nurses Currently Serving in Congress

[Esr90]

Just as an example, one of my state senators and the head of the state Health and Human Services committee is an RN. Typically nursing is the most trusted profession according to Gallup polls, and that probably helps in the political arena.

Here is a list from the ANA: Nurses Currently Serving in Congress

I was searching online for info such as this for quite a while, but this is the best. Very interesting read, thank you í ½í¸

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Using military service to boost your political aspirations does not really exemplify honor, integrity, excellence, and service. But practice those traits and you will be successful in any career. Good luck.