TeeGee23

I served as a Combat medic (68W) then advanced to a LPN (M6 now 68C) and now I am enrolled in a direct entry MSN, RN, CNL program, I definitely understand your dilemma. Nursing offers many opportunities, critical care may work for you, but you may find something else such as flight nursing, transport etc. All of which may require a critical care or emergency nursing skills. The 1st step would be to obtain as many college credits as possible and your pre-reqs for nursing programs (there are sme pre- reqs that are common to all nursing programs ) and start the application process. Seek out preferable state schools that are veteran friendly and will give you the most bang for your buck via the yellow ribbon program in combination with the GI Bill and enjoy the stressful journey that is nursing school. If you are able to, consider a job as a tech in an ICU while in school to get a true feel for it. I hope this info helps.

Hi, I am an Army trained LPN. I joined the Army as a combat medic (68W) then after 3 years I signed up to go to the LPN program. It is 1 of the best career decisions to date. The experience gained as a LPN in the Army is immeasurable. I recent left active duty to pursue my RN as a civilian and being a LPN is greatly different in that my scope of practice is very limited (thankfully I graduate in a few months). I would recommend the Army because you will be a LPN not some other medical job that's similar with limitations. Plus you will have educational benefits and options to leave the service and advance to a RN degree or stay on active duty and complete a program like AECP and get paid while doing your RN (if that's a goal of yours, I know many ppl that are comfortable being a LPN). Whatever your decision I wish you the best of luck. ~Terri~

Thank you for the review! I have been contemplating making the purchase for a few months :)

I'm not looking to ork in a CNL role i'm only trying to commission as a med-surg general nurse no specialition.

Thank you for your response. I will continue to push it up the chain. There are several direct entry MSN-CNL programs throughout the US (though not common and hard to get into). Seton Hall, UVA, Rush are a few. Gotta love the ever changing world of nursing education.

Thank you for your response. I have been in contact with several AMEDD recruiters but i'm sure the answer is such due to the unfamiliarity with the program. There are several accelerated direct MSN-CNL programs but it's fairly new. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in something else, so it's not like I just went to get a MSN. . . I will keep trying though.

Hello all, I am prior enlisted having served 6.5 yrs active duty as a LPN (68C) , I currently serve in the reserves. I am enrolled in an accelerated MSN, CNL program and have been told by a recruiter that I am unable to commission as a 66H(general med-surg) as I have to have a BSN. . . My school will only confer a MSN as that will cover both generalist BSN and MSN requirements. I am baffled that I am facing this obstacle as I have read the regulation and see nothing stating that direct MSN degrees are ineligible for commission. Could someone please provide clarification on this? Thank you in advance.

I think that with all the information provided you've already answered your own question. . . Attending an Ivy league only counts for so much; however, Rutgers is a reputable research institution and is making waves especially in health care in that area. Though Columbia does have the name you will only be getting a FNP versus both FNP and ER training. If you are leaning towards family care and a clinical setting upon graduation then by all means go for Columbia, but if you'd like to diversify your portfolio I would recommend Rutgers. Also, cost is a HUGE consideration with school and if you already have student loans you have to consider the practically and strain of additional loans especially considering you can get your doctorate for FREE courtesy of the GI Bill. All the best to you in whatever you decide. I wish you all the best.