Should I go into the navy??

benegesserit · Jul 30, 2008

So I am currently an LVN student and I plan on getting my RN as well...I have been looking into joining the Navy, so here are some of my questions...
1. Would I still be able to get my RN (not in the navy's school) and be in the navy?
2. If they let me go to school and work will I be able to work as an LVN?
This is really something I just started thinking about. I've heard they have a loan re-payment plan and I think it would be a neat experience! My family (mother haha) just about hates the idea . It would be really hard to leave family behind.

Telling my family and friends (if I decide to go for it) is going to be one of the hardest parts for me, because I know they're not going to understand!

If you go into the military as an LVN (or ADN, for that matter), you'll be enlisted. If you wait until you get your BSN, you'll be entering as an officer. If you go in as enlisted with an LVN (especially if you got some work experience first), you will likely be assigned into a medical position, but you are not assured of this. Basically, the military will put you where you will be most useful to them, and with medical training, something medical-related will likely be the place, but there is no guarantee. If you get your BSN and enter as an officer, you will be a nurse.

If you are enlisted, you probably will not have the opportunity to pursue an RN for at least a few years. You can take college courses while in the military, but nursing school is too full-time.

So, if you know RN is your goal, it probably makes sense to just get your BSN first. The military does have loan repayment programs, as well as the ROTC and Navy Nurse Candidate Program that help pay for school before you start active duty.