Tobat

For anyone doing online LPN-RN programs, make sure you only plan on practicing in the states that recognize the programs. http://www.indstate.edu/nursing/images/icons/states-that-recognize-isu-lpn-bs.GIF

Great forums to research experiences: http://forums.military.com/eve/forum...m/f/8121999376 https://forums.goarmy.com/forums/forum.jspa?forumID=123

I'm from a neighboring island, and Guam is the largest and most developed of the Marianas Islands. But it is a far cry from even Hawaii. Things to consider: Pros - It is absolutely beautiful, all the typical vacation type activities are easily accessible - It isn't as rural as some of the other islands - The local cuisine is awesome and boy do they know how to throw parties - if you ever get the chance to go to a villages fiesta you have to go. It's an insane amount of people and food. Cons - It is very hot and humid. Even being from there, when I go back to visit I find myself taking showers 3 times a day. - It is a fairly conservative island since it is predominantly Catholic and it plays a huge role in the local community (village fiestas, novenas, rosaries etc) - It's a 7 hour flight to Hawaii, additional 5 hours to LAX/SFO (with layovers it can be a good 18-24 hours) - so it's a VERY long trip to go visit family and such. - It's pretty slow going and laid back, you won't find many of the huge store chains you are used to. And, you will find out what the term "island time" means. - Get ready for "typhoon season", you'll get storms ranging from tropical storms to full blown typhoons. But unless it's a super-typhoon you don't really worry about it there. We actually learned to build things in concrete instead of wood (something developers in Florida should have learned a very long time ago). Although I put a lot of cons up there, the pros find their way into your heart and once you become a part of the community, you'll know exactly what I mean. I would move back in a heartbeat if I could get a good job in the area, which is why I'm considering getting my RN and commissioning as soon as possible.

Please be aware that this program is not recognized in all states as well: http://www.indstate.edu/nursing/images/icons/states-that-recognize-isu-lpn-bs.GIF

I've been doing a lot of research on this recently so thought I'd share some of the info I've found. 1. You enlist as a 68W M6 (LPN). You are a Health Care Specialist with an ASI (additional skill identifier) of M6. To break it down, you are a medic with specialized training as a LPN (initially licensed in Texas). You will have to go to BCT (basic), AIT (advanced individual training) then further training in the M6 route. If you are already have LPN licensure, you will be able to get the chance to test out of a lot of sections, but I think you will have to still go through the medic training. Testing out means you will jump around with different training classes until you reach the level of your current license. 2. You should be able to enlist as a E3 or higher however you need to check with your recruiter. Be aware that as of a few days ago I was informed by my recruiter that 68WM6 is only available now as a Reserve or re-enlistment bonus so you will go to training, and then be sent back to your reserve unit and only be paid for drilling (Active Duty is not available). I've also been trolling the Military.com and army discussion boards and people are saying 68W period is full. But always check with a recruiter. You need to make sure that the M6 training is guaranteed in your contract, or you will only be classified as a medic and there is no guarantee that you will be able to get into the program. All nursing positions in the military are scarce, I hear even for RN's the boards are done and the board is not considering commissions until fiscal year 2011. I'm still not completely decided but I have been considering enlisting in the Reserves, completing training then requesting to be transferred into Active Duty and being deployed (I want that experience). However, whether they allow you to switch is completely up to your unit commander. Great forums to research experiences: http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/8121999376 https://forums.goarmy.com/forums/forum.jspa?forumID=123 and of course the Military and Government board here is great