RN looking to join Army National Guard but...

Scooty Puff Jr · Jan 4, 2011

Do you have your heart set on the Guard? If not how about looking into the Reserves. I know it's really competetive right now but maybe they have an opening.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 4, 2011

I believe they've stopped taking ADN nurses for the Army Reserves ... it's BSN-only now.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2011

get accepted into a BSN bridge program and you can start your packet 1 year out from graduation date (if that is something you are willing / able to do) otherwise you could keep tabs on upcoming openings in your ANG units if they accept ADNs.

lwood336 · Jan 26, 2011

Thanks for the information everyone. I am going to continue working on my BSN and then look into probably joining the reserves (since the guard has extremely limited RN slots the way it sounds from the AMEDD recruiters). The only problem is that I am 28 now and will probably finish my BSN when I'm about 30. I'm hoping that will not be too old to join then? Thanks again! Any other suggestions also welcome...

cutekittenj · Mar 16, 2011

Hey ma'am. You are not too old to join. I believe the national guard requirement is 47 and reserves is 41 or 42. I'm trying to join myself cuz I've always wanted to. I'm ready for the challenge. I'm not afraid of deployments and hard work. Good luck to you.

79Tango · Mar 17, 2011

If you are really itching, you could try to find a slot as a Medic, 68W and go the enlisted route. You would start as an E-4 and deployment $$ is good.. Later on you could go the OCS or direct commision route.. Let the Guard pay for you BSN or MSN plus you'd make a much better officer coming from the enlisted side. The Guard gives you the best of both worlds in fact you might like being an RN by day and Combat Medic by weekend better.

cutekittenj · Mar 19, 2011

I thought about doing that. The only reason I'm a little nervous about doing that is from what I have heard, it is hard to transfer from being an E-4 to a nurse. I really want to use my nursing degree to the full for my all patient but then again I really want to join a form of uniform service and am tempted to do that. Thanks for your suggestion cuz I was really thinking along those lines.

Murze · Mar 19, 2011

Hi guys, just curious, will you still be commisioned even if you still didnt get your nclex license? But has a bsn degree?

just_cause, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

no nclex passage is also a requirement.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

I would find a way to get BSN and then enter the military.. ADN is far less competitive now and relying upon options while in service is far less of a clear path that you have far less control over.

This is general advice in the forum, 1st priority is BSN.

Murze · Mar 19, 2011

Thank you mam,, but what if you passed the nclex has a bsn degree butfrom a foreign country? Will you still be commisioned?