Military spouse...so many questions

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Hey everyone! I'm new to this forum but excited that hopefully I'll "meet" someone to answer my millions of questions.

So first off, a bit about me. I'm just starting out with all my nursing and extra science classes although I have all my general education classes finished. In June 2010, I'm marry my love who is graduating from West Point and will first be stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood for 6-12 months. Does anyone know of a good school close by there?

Also I'm trying to determine the difference between going for my associate's or bachelor's degree right off. Should I focus on my RN certification for right now so I can start working and maybe do an online RN-BSN program later?

My fiance and I are also considering taking the opportunity to move to Italy or Germany as well. The one thing I'm concerned about is my ability to finish up my degree as I'll probably have about one or two semesters to go by the time we would move over there. Does anyone have any information about that sort of thing? Does the military have any special programs?

Well I guess that's all for now. Any insight anyone might have would be awesome! Thanks!

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As a military spouse, I would recommend going for the ADN first, because chances are you will never be anywhere long enough to finish a 4 year on campus program. You can always go back and get your BSN and/or MSN online through several reputable colleges. As far as the military having special programs, there really are none. I am half way through an online FNP program and have been completing some of my clinicals at the local AF base. In August, my husband who is AD AF got orders to a small geographically separated unit, with only about 100 American troops, which of course has no hospital. The nearest military base is Vicenza Army Base, and to put it politely, they were in no way welcoming to students. Landstuhl in Germany also turned me down. So right now, I am not to fond of Army health professionals, especially one chief nurse! However, I did contact Aviano another AF base (2.5 hourse away from we will be stationed) and they have been extremely accomodating! Good luck and btw look at militaryonesource.com for CAA accounts to help pay for school...it's paying for $6000 of my MSN!

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Ft Leonard Wood is out in the middle of nowhere. You barely have a 'town' outside the gate. My daughter graduated from Basic Training there and she was so very glad that she would never be stationed there!

I know that at your age, it is hard not to push for that walk down the aisle, but please take the time to evaluate everything before you do this. I would finish at least your ADN first. You can always get a job as a civilian at the base hospital. Once you have your ADN, then you can finish your BSN online or, if it still exists, I believe that there is a Univ of VA program for military families stationed in Europe. (But last time I checked was 20 yrs ago!)

Your fiancee can check as well. I know he is busy, but I am sure he has enough time to ask a few questions.

Good luck to you both!

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My husband and I are stationed at Fort Leonard Wood right now. Do you think you will be living on base or off?

For education on the post, check out the Truman Education Center. They have a satellite program from Lincoln University that is solely for the ADN. There are also other colleges in the area that offer nursing programs. There are a couple in Rolla, MO which is about 20-30 minutes away, and there is a community college in Lebanon, MO as well that also offers these programs.

They told me at the Truman Education Center that it is usually pretty easy to transfer credits from on-base education installations to other places, so I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem to get them transferred overseas.

I'm considering the Accelerated-BSN at Cox College of Nursing in Springfield, MO because I already have a bachelor's degree.

If you have any questions about the area or living out here, just let me know!

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Ditto on ADN first then worry about BSN. I have a friend who tried to do BSN and hubby got orders to leave before she finished and she got zilch...well, she had some college credits but no degree and no RN behind her name. My hubby is AD Army and I just finished my ADN in May and will start the online BSN in January. We are scheduled to move in another year and I can continue the BSN after we move. In the mean time, I can work, get experience and have the title and don't have to worry about it.

Good luck!

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Sorry for the piggyback post but do military treatment facilities hire ADN's? I was under the impression that only BSN's could work at military hospitals (to keep the level equal between military and civilian as military nurses are all BSN's).

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Look at USAjobs.com to see the requirements for a civilian nurse at a military hospital.

To be in the military reserves/national guard, ADN is OK. Active duty requires BSN

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Thanks...you were so helpful! I'm not sure where we'll be living, although it'll prolly be temporary duty housing....we could be there anywhere from 6-12 mo. while he's in MP school. Got to learn all the right acronyms. =)

I'm really trying to keep my costs as long as possible so I wouldn't mind driving a bit if it was a huge difference in price. It's awesome to be able to talk to a person who lives out there.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

one more thing....do you have to wait until you have your RN to start any sort of medical type job? I remember hearing something about being able to get a job after your first semester of nursing school.

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I am currently living in Waynesville, MO (which is right outside of Ft. Leonard Wood) I am not in the military I actually moved here from FL for the Nursing program they have on post in the Truman Education center offered by Lincoln University. I would definately recommend you get your RN since you will be moving...but if your only here for 6-12mo then you may just want to wait until you get to your duty station unless you are able to transfer your nursing credits elsewhere. I haven't had any issues with the school yet and I actually like it, they offer night classes which works great for me since I work during the daytime. I wish you the best of luck, maybe we can meet up once you get here and study... :)

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one more thing....do you have to wait until you have your RN to start any sort of medical type job? I remember hearing something about being able to get a job after your first semester of nursing school.

You will have to check with your school, but at mine, nursing students can take the CNA exam after their first semester of nursing school. Many people work as CNA's before becoming a nurse.

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My suggestion would be to finish your prereqs before he finishes school and request an unpopular/big/easy to get base that has a competitive admission (vs waiting list) nursing program near it (Ft Hood has Central Texas College; Ft Bliss is in the middle of El Paso which has several schools, I'm sure there's plenty of others). That way you'll know where you will be for 2 years and can be ready to start as soon as you move. Finish your prereqs before you move. Apply before you move. Be ready to start class as soon as you move to the town and be prepared to move ahead/after him. It will be VERY tough for you to transfer from one nursing program to another. It will be VERY tough to work on a degree overseas. I would suggest working on an ADN first, because a BSN can be done online later and time is not your friend.

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