The Nurse

Published

Okay here is my deal. My mom was a nurse, my grandmother, and now after all these years I too want to be a nurse. I can tell you that my time in the military has been great, I was an Marine Infantryman and I got to be an infantry medic(paratrooper at that, with the 82d Airborne Division), who can complain. Me!, of course!! If I could change one thing I wouldn't do it, but I would add one thing. I would add Nursing School. I have watched nursing through men and women I have known throughout the years and I believe that is where I was supposed to go. I got to do the tough cool guy stuff, but every time I help someone get better or apply some sort of wound dressing, I feel like it is definitely worth while. Since becoming a medic in the Army, I have managed to learn a great deal and I would love to continue that education in civilian life as an RN, and health educator. I know that nurses keep long hours and I have heard all the horror stories, but four combat tours later, I'm still here and I know medics that have been longer than I have at what I consider one of the greatest crafts in the military. Now I would like to see those of us who get out of the military and desire to become nurses there, get a break and get to school to become an BSN and skip the stuff they have already done. I, for one am definitely one his way to finding the best way to achieve that. Don't get me wrong I understand that theory in practice is everything, but that is where we need come up with a better assessment program of what a medic's skills truly encompass. So if there is anyone out there willing to listen, I am willing to tell all about a program that just may work. It would still require the military medic/corpsman to do some hard work, but will be worth it in the end. Some of us don't have very far to go at all. :smokin::smokin::smokin:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What stuff should they skip? I am a graduate of the 91B program, transitioned to the 91W, then saw the transition to 68W. However, the current health care specialist does not provide enough academic background or lab time to effectively allow the student to skip the core science and nursing course requirements. I absolutely agree that these students should and in fact can receive credits for basic training and AIT.

In addition, I think the Army would agree. In fact, a LVN in the Army has to complete an intense year long school (ASI M6) in addition to their initial AIT.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am talking about the folk who become civilians, we already know about the 68WM6 program. You are right about the Mike 6 program, but not everyone stays in the army, and why can't that 68W training counts as pre-nursing, or allow the individual to attempt to test out? huh hmm huh hmmmm!:bugeyes::uhoh3:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Test out of what exactly? You may look at CLEP as a way to receive credit for some classes. However, typical 68 W training will not provide nearly enough background to skip courses such as microbiology, a year of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, or a real pharmacology course.

In addition, nursing is a completely different mindset and role. You may have some of the skills that are taught in nursing school. However, skills are simply monkey see monkey do without the background and foundation of knowledge to truly understand the physiological implications of the said skills.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU cath lab, remote med.

I'm not sure what you're asking? Are you asking for advice about how to use your military experience to gain advanced standing in a BSN program? Are you looking to give advice on how those with similar experience can take a short-cut to their BSN?

My thoughts:

I spent 10 years in The AF as an IDMT (similar to Army 91C/18D and Navy IDC). I deployed frequently, ran my own clinics-obtained/ensured safety of the food and water supply, managed hazardous waste disposal, and managed all aspects of medical care for those I was deployed with (including prescribing meds and performing minor surgery). My military training and experience meant just about nothing to civilian schools. I was able to negotiate my way into courses without the required pre-reqs thanks to my mil. education/experience but other than that, I had to do everything everyone else has to do to get into nursing school. You can CLEP some pre-req type courses but since labs are required for all your sciences, you'll have to take those in a traditional classroom. AND, I learned a lot more detail in my college science courses than I ever did in my mil. classes.

Excelsior college is your best bet if you're looking for a "short-cut" to getting your nursing degree and license. When I looked at their program (while still active duty), you could complete the coursework online but had to do at least 2 weeks of clinical in person.

Some states used to recognize military experience and training...California used to allow IDMTs to take the NCLEX-RN but I think they've discontinued to do that.

I believe there's a PA school in Washington state that recognizes prior military training?

I can tell you that my first week of nursing school, I was in the dept. chair's office telling her I'd made a mistake and should have gone to PA school. Those first few classes felt like a waste of time...I knew how to do an assessment, take a blood pressure, get sterile, change dressings, start IVs...blah blah blah. But when I took patho and pharm and psych, etc. I began appreciating the education I was getting. We learn a lot in the military but it's always high-speed and crammed in your brain. As a civilian, I was able to take time to really learn and appreciate the whole "college" experience. With my previous education and experience, I was able to enjoy most of nuring school instead of being all stressed out like my classmates.

And for what it's worth...the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. And I truly believe I could not have passed the NCLEX-RN without the prep I received by getting my nursing degree.

So what program are you referring to that "just may work"?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

With the exception of you as an IDMT, every MT I speak to in the Air Force wishes they could get to do what we do as medics. Form what I have seen of some nursing programs NAs CNAs and MAs get more of an edge then we do. I maybe wrong in my thinkng, but I am aware of the pharmacology, A&P and Chemistry along with the theory of nursing that you must have. I must have been search all the wrong programs, just think about all the training you received, and it's worth and zI think you you know what I am getting at. I mean yeah the army does have a 68WM6 program, but I keep seeing them in level 3 MTFs and higher which is right, but you and I are doing the same job as them and "can't get a break" do see what I mean know. I told the last person that I understood there was more to nursing then most think, but what I am talking about is a program to bring your average medic up to that level when they depart from service. I once had a LtCol and Maj Both PAs speak with me about a senior medic course, my response was Paramedic, the reply was you see any paramedics running the show here? I got what they meant. The training you receive in the W1, 18D, and Pararescue Programs only warrant you so much, because some civilian educators don't understand rapid need for us on the battle field and in the units, yeah we get our A&P and Parm pretty quick down and dirty, but that doesnt mean we are so far removed from what an LVN does to some degree, I think you know I am fairly right in what I am saying considering you and I have similiar backgrounds.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You are not even fairly wrong, you are absolutely wrong. Spending a few hours on A&P in a 16 week course cannot compare to a year (8-10 credits depending on your college), you spend learning about A&P prior to nursing school or other allied health programs. In addition, talking about how bacteria causes infection in no way compares with learning about the metabolic pathways bacteria utilize to run various anabolic and catabolic processes in a microbiology class.

A program does exist to bring "your average medic" up to the level of a graduate nurse if that medic desires nursing as a career. It is called nursing school.

Yes, military members should receive credit for their courses. I received just over 14 credits for my military education. However, to imply that you should be entitled to come out a BSN without going to nursing school is a bit presumptuous.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Guy I was talking on the pre nursing and LVN levels in preparation to RN. Is that so presumptuous. I mean if a kid doesn't go to the M6 course because at that time they think to do so, it would be kind of cool if they could go to an assessment type program to see where they are as far as their LVN or Pre Nursing core requirements are instead of just getting 14 credits. I come to this site for answers and I you like you want to bite my head off. Just listen to what I am saying, because maybe you have the answer or am I looking in the wrong place for answers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Lucky1RN what I was trying to say before the other person answered was in the last post. I was looking for a program that bring the basic medic, corpsman, or med tech up to par with prenursing skills or something close to at the very least LVN skills. That person thought I wanted to take a medic and turn them into an RN overnight. I thank you for taking the time to respond back and well as the other responses I received from GilaRN. Trust me your responses are all noted, but that is why I am here to pick your brains for good sound advice. I guess I kept hearing how we needed nurses, and thought what a pool to pick from. I figured through assessments and proper education, I'd hoped to come up with an idea to produce folks that could get an LVN or LPN License and move on to RN later if they so desired.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am listening and another member gave you suggestions. However, many of the online programs require you to already have experience in a health care occupation such as RT, LVN, or paramedic. In addition, you have yet to specify what courses you think could be skipped.

Typical pre-nursing courses include;

-Psychology

-English I

-English II

-Biology

-A&P I

-A&P II

-Microbiology/Molecular Biology

-Wellness or PE type course

-Nutrition

-Chemistry in some courses

-Math (depends on the college)

As I stated, if you really think you are sorted in a specific area, you can always look at the CLEP process. You can take the CLEP exam for specific courses, and upon passing, you may receive college credit for the said course.

In addition, a college based LVN/LPN program will likely have many of the same class requirements.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I believe I was looking at something more on a traditional path. And you are not listening because I have said many times that I understood one needed those classes, but how could I create a program to satisfy all those requirements for the non m6 medics that want to be an RN later. I know you understand that medics know the basics, offering a soldier the other prerequisites now that's something different. :bugeyes::uhoh3: You are giving me good info, but I want to create a better program. Give me some time and I'll download a sample to you. I'll even have some the RNs I work with look over it. Sound like a deal!?!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

why don't you contact some nursing programs in your area? they would have to decide if the classes you have had in the military can be transferable. i think the poster was trying to help you the best she could. my father was in the army for 30 years retired a full colonel and my brother was also in the 82nd airborne along with my dad ( when he was in the army/ airforce many years ago) . i understand your frustration and you are a veteran and deserve some credit.

i encourge you to make your dream come true and contact some schools in your area. go see them and talk to them about what you are looking for.

please keep me posted on how you are doing. thank you for serving the United States of America, you are a hero.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion