Please help me figure this one out

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I am at a proverbial crossroads. I have a possible two paths ahead of me here. While both lead to a commission as an officer in the Navy (what I want) I want some advice as to the better path for me. Currently, I'm taking a class to become a CNA. Simultaneously I am taking prerequisites for the BSN program at UNLV. This is path #1. Upon completion I will be eligible to enter the Navy at 38 with a BSN. My other option is to take my CNA and complete it. From that point, finish my degree I had previously started (which is in philosophy) at UNLV and go on to graduate school. There I would pursue a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration. When that is done, I would then be eligible for entrance into the Navy as well.

A big question I have is this: How valued is a healthcare administrator in contrast to an RN in the Navy? I know that with a BSN a starting commission is as an Ensign whereas a MHA recipient has a beginning rate of Lieutenant Junior Grade. What I didn't mention previously is that my age would be similar for either path. Which one has the better potential to be of more service and demand is my question? While I understand that I could earn a BSN, accept a commission as an Ensign in the US Navy and later pursue the MHA (I think of that option often) the second pathway is of great interest.

Can anyone shed some more light on this for me and offer a fresh perspective? PLease?

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Specializes in ER, NICU.

I kow you are asking for the needs of the Navy, but what do you want? Patient care or administration? Follow your heart. Just my :twocents:

:D

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I think the bottom line here is whether you want to be a nurse or not. Are you really wanting to be a nurse and care for people or do you want to run a hospital. Both are fine. I'm a nurse with a BSN and a Master's in healthcare administration. My MBA is less valuable to me than my BSN. I love being a nurse. Don't worry about the rank in the navy, you'll get it one way or another. Find what you want to do.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

are you already in the navy? if so go interview (informally) health care admins without rn licenses and interview rns. look at their jobs and picture yourself in either job. just a heads up, as time goes on (as you move up the rank as a nurse) you will move into admin. it is what will be expected of you as your career progresses. thus, as the others have asked, do you want to be a nurse? as an admin with a rn you are still a nurse. btw, if you are not already in the navy you might want to check to see if you can receive a commission at 38 without a health care professional license.

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Specializes in FNP cardiology, ER.

Also, something to keep in mind from the Air Force end. I've heard healthcare admin jobs are very competitive compared to nursing slots. The military needs a lot more nurses than it does admin folks. As previously stated, as you move up in rank you move into admin. It is always nice to have RN behind your name.

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