NurseGuy2014

Retired Army here. I finish my ADN program this May and will be starting my BSN bridge in Jan 2015 after I knock out a couple more prerequisite classes over the summer and fall. Between my GI Bill and Illinois Veterans Grant I will have zero out of pocket for my education. I have also been able to pick up EMT licensure and work part time for a rural ambulance service. This give me plenty of paid time to study between calls. In regard to quality of training between the branches there is very little difference. In fact, the medical departments of all three branches have started to blend into joint force hospitals. Places like Walter Reed in D.C. and Brooke Army Hospital at Ft Sam are blending with Army , Navy, and Air Force all working side by side. The Army has much, but not all, of the research facilities. The Army is the largest of the medical departments and has the largest numbers of separations and commissions each year. This translates into opportunity for promotion. Good luck to you in your career pursuit, and to all my veteran brothers and sisters, thank you for your service! Hooah!! Dave

Congrats to all of this year's selects! Welcome to the AMEDD and the Army Nurse Corps!

traumaRUs, I am also interested in obtaining my PHRN for the state of IL. I am currently an EMT-B with a rural ALS service in central IL while I'm in school for my ADN. I will be starting my BSN bridge shortly after graduation in May, but wish to function as an ALS provider on my rig. What advice might you have for me going forward from here because none of the 4 hospitals in my area are hiring right now. I already have ITLS and PEPP certification and will have ACLS in Feb. My eventual goal is flight nurse or ED nurse. Thanks in advance.