Planning to be a Navy Nurse but not yet a US Citizen

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Hello wonderful nurses!

I am a 23-year old female who passed my RN license in the Philippines right after graduating BSN last 2011 and came here in United States of the same year.

I got denied by California BRN to take the NCLEX-RN because according to them I need to go back to school for some courses last 2012. I wasn't able to go to school due to financial reasons so I tried to get a job as medication technician first and earn for schooling. It is more than 2 years now since I got denied from the board and when I went to Cal State University to inquire earlier this year, they said that I need to go back to zero to have my BSN, not just take some courses. Because of that I decided to apply for NCLEX-PN and got approved to take it. I am currently waiting for the result of my exam last September 9, 2014.

I am looking forward of receiving a passing result via mail one of these days. But my next step is to become an RN in California. I am wondering if I will write the California BRN to follow up my application for RN once I receive my passing result for LVN, will they respond with specific courses/subjects I need to take in a Community College or University instead of going through the whole ladder program of LVN-to-RN considering my BSN from the Philippines?

My big goal is to be a Navy Nurse and I know I need to be a Bachelor's degree holder from a nursing school in US. I am presently just a permanent resident, and will be able to apply for citizenship on December 2016. Is there any possibility I can apply for Nurse Candidate Program if I will be taking the route LVN-to-BSN before I become a citizen? Please help. I really want to join the US Navy now that I am still young and single. I know I have the option of joining now as enlisted but I won't be able to work on my BSN while being enlisted. The recruiter for enlisted said that I am not qualified to be a Hospital Corpsman for the reason that I am a nurse from other country. :(

I am fully aware that I have a lot of steps to take before becoming a Navy Nurse but I never lost hope. Looking forward for all your suggestions! Thank you very much in advance and God bless us all. :)

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

You need to speak with a healthcare recruiter. They may not accept an LVN to BSN if your original qualifying education was outside the US. There are more nurses wanting to become navy nurses than the navy needs nurses so the restrictions are tight as is the competition.

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Thank you for your response @JustBeachyNurse. I remember reading something about not qualifying for LVN-to-BSN if you got your educational background from other countries in one of the University Nursing Programs. Good thing you reminded me, at least I know which route will I consider. :)

Yes, I noticed through my searches online that there are a lot of fully qualified nurses wanting to be a Navy Nurse. And I keep searching on what others do to become more qualified while I'm not citizen yet. :D Thank you again, your input is very much appreciated. :)

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

Your best and only accurate option would be to contact a navy healthcare recruiter to determine what if any program you might be able to qualify for before wasting time, money and take classes that won't count towards your desire.

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Your best and only accurate option would be to contact a navy healthcare recruiter to determine what if any program you might be able to qualify for before wasting time, money and take classes that won't count towards your desire.

Yay! I love your ideas. Thank you so much. Yes, I will definitely do that. I just searched for more forums and I've learned that California hires BSN grads than ADN. So I am now looking at Indiana State University's program for LVN-BSN if I am qualified considering my educational background.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Yay! I love your ideas. Thank you so much. Yes, I will definitely do that. I just searched for more forums and I've learned that California hires BSN grads than ADN. So I am now looking at Indiana State University's program for LVN-BSN if I am qualified considering my educational background.

It is not available for CA residents and is not acceptable to CABRN. There were many issues and CABRN will not issue a RN license to candidates who did LPN to BSN online via ISU. There are no online LVN to RN programs accepted/approved by CABRN.

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My advice you to do entry masteral program that is accredited, It is expensive but on the long run you can get your RN and you can be NP if you finish the program. I also want to be a navy nurse and Im in the same position as you.I was told that this is the best bet to sit in for NCLEX-RN is this route.

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

Just a note of syntax it's a masters program in the US. Check with a healthcare recruiter before choosing this route. Military nursing is highly competitive as there are extremely few slots. Generally they are seeking 2-3 years US paid experience. Many employers are leery of hiring entry level masters graduates. Even so ELM programs are vigorous and competitive.

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