Veteran/medical experience

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Good afternoon all,

I recently came across this website and have found some wonderful information on it and figured I would give it a try. I am 29 years old now and I am basically starting from scratch on the civilian and academic side. I got my EMT when I was 18 and thats where it all started. I worked full time on an ambulance for a year and loved it. I then joined the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and learned incredibly valuable medical training and experience, as well as life experience. I worked in various settings. I worked in an ER and aboard a ship. I was also attached the Marines. Long story short, I am starting this journey into the nursing world with a goal to eventually be a NP. I am going to work hard in school to get good grades and do my best. Is 29 too late to go after this goal? I see how competitive it is just to get into a nursing program. So if anyone can give any advice or just general tips, it would be greatly appreciated!

Sam

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Welcome! Former HM here as well!

29 isn't too old at all. I'm 34 and graduating next month with my BSN, going back eventually for my CNM. There are plenty of people in RN programs in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

Your HM experience will serve you well! Just be sure to go into the program when the time comes with some humility- there's always more to learn, and a new way of doing things may work well. Hopefully, your instructors will be as good about utilizing your experience as mine have been.

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That's excellent advice! You are spot on about going into these programs with humility. I take pride in what I have learned, however it was also a privilege. A tough part for me now is deciding between nursing or PA, based on my on my previous experience. I have read a lot of threads ok that issue. But since I have not much schooling, it's making it kind of tough. I love patient contact but I also like the puzzle aspect. And I see that a lot of colleges only accept people into programs like once a year. So, one step at a time I guess.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

There are many programs that are very 'veteran friendly' - particularly those in areas with heavy military presence like San Antonio, Tx. (Financial Aid & Veterans Services). I encourage you to investigate these programs, as they offer support and resources especially designed to meet the needs of our military veterans.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
That's excellent advice! You are spot on about going into these programs with humility. I take pride in what I have learned, however it was also a privilege. A tough part for me now is deciding between nursing or PA, based on my on my previous experience. I have read a lot of threads ok that issue. But since I have not much schooling, it's making it kind of tough. I love patient contact but I also like the puzzle aspect. And I see that a lot of colleges only accept people into programs like once a year. So, one step at a time I guess.

Both nurses and PAs piece together puzzles much like any independent provider. RNs are often the ones telling MDs what we need ordered. It's more about the approach you want to take.

And yes, you're correct, many programs on start once a year. It's frustrating to have to wait, I know!

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Specializes in Hoping for NICU!.

Hey!

I was HM for 5 years, I start nursing school this summer! I sent in my nursing application with an essay about my experience in the Navy and I think that really helped me out a lot. I didn't get nearly as much experience as you did, I was in the armpits of the Navy....Bethesda and Portsmouth. It was horrible, I didn't even get a chance to work on a ward. I did Family Practice for 2.5 yrs, Imms one year and Deployment Health a year. Didn't even get to deploy even when I begged and routed requested chits. When I had my nursing interview and told them what I've done, simple things like IV's, shots, triage (in sick call), sutures the interviewer was excited and said it'd be a bit easier for me than other students. You'll do fine, don't hold back on any dreams! The GI Bill is great, I've never had any issues. I'm sure with you'll have no problems getting in a program as long as you get A's and B's!

Good Luck!!! ;)

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

As a former Navy brat, I thank you for your service :D

You will find that some programs which use a point-based admissions system will give you points for military or former EMT training, so use this to your advantage. Some of our best students are former military. Go for it!

Now to address the "too old" issue. You are NEVER too old, so don't let age hold you back. I was 42 when I made the decision to leave a 17 year career and finally pursue nursing. Yes, I may be one of the oldest people in class (and I'm old enough to be some of my classmates' mother) but I'm loving every minute of my experience and I'm so glad I decided to pursue what I wanted to do. My husband remarks all the time that I'm so excited when I come home from clinicals and he loves seeing me smile when I talk about school.

My son is in high school and he always jokes that I do more homework than he does :D

You're only 29 with lots of energy. Go for it!!!

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