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Am I able to be in the military for 4 years and then work as a neonatal nurse?
Hey, my name is chance and I attend Aldine Ninth Grade School in Houston Tx. I want to attend the military when I gradate highschool to make my family proud. I also really want to work as a neonatal nurse in the NICU. I love babies and being around them, I also was a baby in the NICU for about 6 months. So I need you're help I was wondering will i be able to go to the military and after 4 years of being in the military will I be able to become a Neonatal Nurse or would I have to go to medical school after military. And what classes should I take in order for me to follow my dreams. #military #medicine #nursing #doctor
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Updated
Tonya’s Answer
Thank you for your desire to enter the military, protect others, make your family proud, and serve others in the United State military.
There are great opportunities to become a nurse in the military and work in military settings and serve as a healthcare provider in diverse areas.
In a search I was able to locate the Army Medical Darnall-Hood Hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Texas. You may be able to contact the hospital to speak with someone who could provide you more information based on your interest.
You do not have to enter medical school to become a neonatal nurse. You can attend nursing school in the military. And, the military can support you in various ways to attend your degree/ degrees and certifications as a nurse.
Ask a military recruiter about the many career opportunities in the military services for nurses. You may be surprised.
A few resources are listed below for your research.
All the very best. And thank you again.
Resources:
Army Medical Darnall-Hood Hospital
https://darnall.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Hospital-Care-Surgery/Neonatal-Intensive-Care-Unit
Johnson & Johnson Nursing – Military Nurse (2021).
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty/military-nurse
Army nurse recognized with national nursing honor (2021)
https://www.health.mil/News/Articles/2021/05/10/Army-nurse-recognized-with-national-nursing-honor
U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence – U.S. Army Nurse Corps
https://medcoe.army.mil/amedd-army-nurse-corps
Military Nurse Career Overview.
Nurse Journal (2022)
https://nursejournal.org/careers/military-nurse/
Nurses Change Lives (Historical video of the differences nurses have made for patients and healthcare)
Johnson & Johnson’s Video (2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTMuh6AF3A0
There are great opportunities to become a nurse in the military and work in military settings and serve as a healthcare provider in diverse areas.
In a search I was able to locate the Army Medical Darnall-Hood Hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Texas. You may be able to contact the hospital to speak with someone who could provide you more information based on your interest.
You do not have to enter medical school to become a neonatal nurse. You can attend nursing school in the military. And, the military can support you in various ways to attend your degree/ degrees and certifications as a nurse.
Ask a military recruiter about the many career opportunities in the military services for nurses. You may be surprised.
A few resources are listed below for your research.
All the very best. And thank you again.
Resources:
Army Medical Darnall-Hood Hospital
https://darnall.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Hospital-Care-Surgery/Neonatal-Intensive-Care-Unit
Johnson & Johnson Nursing – Military Nurse (2021).
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty/military-nurse
Army nurse recognized with national nursing honor (2021)
https://www.health.mil/News/Articles/2021/05/10/Army-nurse-recognized-with-national-nursing-honor
U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence – U.S. Army Nurse Corps
https://medcoe.army.mil/amedd-army-nurse-corps
Military Nurse Career Overview.
Nurse Journal (2022)
https://nursejournal.org/careers/military-nurse/
Nurses Change Lives (Historical video of the differences nurses have made for patients and healthcare)
Johnson & Johnson’s Video (2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTMuh6AF3A0
Updated
brian’s Answer
I think its great you want to serve! Did you know you can do both! You can join the reserves or the guard, and you could continue your path in nursing while also pursuing the path to serve in the military. You can actually do both jobs or choose a different career path in the military. Cool thing about the guard and the reserves, especially the AF you can choose your career and your station.
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
Hi Chaance!
Those are excellent career goals. In general, military service does not necessarily translate to nursing or medical credit. Nursing licensure requirements vary from state to state, and the requirements for specialization in nursing also varies by state. With that being said, 4 years of service in the military on active duty will make you eligible for the post-9/11 GI Bill, which will cover most, if not all, of the cost of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Medical School would only be required if you were pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree in order to be a neonatologist physician.
To specialize as a neonatal nurse generally requires two or more years of clinical experience working with neonatal patients. The steps for becoming a neonatal specialized nurse are covered in this guide by Terri Heimann Oppenheimer: https://nurse.org/resources/neonatal-nicu-nurse/#:~:text=You'll%20need%20to%20get,Maternal%2DChild%20Nursing
If you would like to pursue nursing while in the military, the different branches of service each have nurses serving in hospitals and clinics on military installations. Speaking with a recruiter and expressing interest in serving as a nurse in the military would be a good next step. You can also learn more about military nursing jobs at the following links:
1) https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/browse-jobs.html?mosGroup=66&x=1.html (Army)
2) https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/healthcare/careers/nurse?gclid=CjwKCAiAsYyRBhACEiwAkJFKooF4X4K7erNDAMrlmr-II69_ufcshbJnhLj5Bo3sYw3PZOvj9yw6PxoC3zkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds (Air Force)
3) https://www.navy.com/careers/nursing (Navy & Marine Corps)
I hope that helps.
Those are excellent career goals. In general, military service does not necessarily translate to nursing or medical credit. Nursing licensure requirements vary from state to state, and the requirements for specialization in nursing also varies by state. With that being said, 4 years of service in the military on active duty will make you eligible for the post-9/11 GI Bill, which will cover most, if not all, of the cost of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Medical School would only be required if you were pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree in order to be a neonatologist physician.
To specialize as a neonatal nurse generally requires two or more years of clinical experience working with neonatal patients. The steps for becoming a neonatal specialized nurse are covered in this guide by Terri Heimann Oppenheimer: https://nurse.org/resources/neonatal-nicu-nurse/#:~:text=You'll%20need%20to%20get,Maternal%2DChild%20Nursing
If you would like to pursue nursing while in the military, the different branches of service each have nurses serving in hospitals and clinics on military installations. Speaking with a recruiter and expressing interest in serving as a nurse in the military would be a good next step. You can also learn more about military nursing jobs at the following links:
1) https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/browse-jobs.html?mosGroup=66&x=1.html (Army)
2) https://www.airforce.com/careers/specialty-careers/healthcare/careers/nurse?gclid=CjwKCAiAsYyRBhACEiwAkJFKooF4X4K7erNDAMrlmr-II69_ufcshbJnhLj5Bo3sYw3PZOvj9yw6PxoC3zkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds (Air Force)
3) https://www.navy.com/careers/nursing (Navy & Marine Corps)
I hope that helps.
Updated
James’s Answer
Hello! Glad to hear that you have an interest in serving the country. It is an honorable profession. You can work in the medical field in the military. Just make sure to choose a branch that has medical job field. For example, the Marine Corps does not, as the Navy handles all their medical needs. As long as you serve four years, you can work any civilian job you wish. You will, however, still be required to attend whatever schooling or training needed for that job. Veterans tend to get better choices. I think it will help you breaking into that field. Best of luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Chaance!
Can I Serve in the Military and Then Become a Neonatal Nurse?
Yes, you can serve in the military for four years and then pursue a career as a neonatal nurse. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this pathway works:
1. Serving in the Military
When you enlist in the military, you will typically sign a contract that commits you to service for a specified period, often four years. During this time, you will receive training and experience that can be beneficial in your future career. The military offers various roles related to healthcare, including positions as a medic or corpsman, which can provide foundational medical knowledge and skills.
2. Transitioning to Nursing
After completing your military service, you will need to pursue nursing education to become a neonatal nurse. Here are the steps involved:
a. Education Requirements
To become a neonatal nurse, you generally need to obtain at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is increasingly preferred by employers and may offer better job prospects.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This typically takes about two years to complete at community colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This degree usually requires four years at a university and includes more comprehensive training.
b. Licensing
After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license. This exam tests your knowledge and skills necessary for safe nursing practice.
c. Specialization
Once licensed as a registered nurse (RN), you can pursue specialization in neonatal nursing through additional training or certification programs. Many hospitals require neonatal nurses to have experience working with infants and may prefer candidates with specialized certifications such as the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
3. Recommended Classes
To prepare for both military service and nursing school, consider taking the following high school courses:
Biology: Understanding human biology is crucial for any medical field.
Chemistry: Knowledge of chemistry is important for understanding medications and treatments.
Mathematics: Strong math skills are necessary for dosage calculations.
Health Sciences: If available, this course can provide foundational knowledge about health care.
Psychology: Understanding psychological principles can be beneficial when working with patients and families.
4. Additional Considerations
While serving in the military, take advantage of any educational benefits offered through programs like the GI Bill, which can help cover tuition costs for nursing school after your service ends.
In summary, it is entirely feasible to serve four years in the military and then transition into becoming a neonatal nurse by pursuing appropriate education and licensure afterward.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
This organization provides information on nursing education pathways, including details about BSN programs and their importance in modern healthcare settings.
2. U.S. Department of Defense - Military Health System
The official site outlines various medical roles within the military and educational opportunities available during service.
3. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
This source offers comprehensive information regarding licensing requirements for nurses across different states, including details on the NCLEX-RN exam essential for becoming an RN.
God Bless You!
JC.
Can I Serve in the Military and Then Become a Neonatal Nurse?
Yes, you can serve in the military for four years and then pursue a career as a neonatal nurse. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how this pathway works:
1. Serving in the Military
When you enlist in the military, you will typically sign a contract that commits you to service for a specified period, often four years. During this time, you will receive training and experience that can be beneficial in your future career. The military offers various roles related to healthcare, including positions as a medic or corpsman, which can provide foundational medical knowledge and skills.
2. Transitioning to Nursing
After completing your military service, you will need to pursue nursing education to become a neonatal nurse. Here are the steps involved:
a. Education Requirements
To become a neonatal nurse, you generally need to obtain at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is increasingly preferred by employers and may offer better job prospects.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This typically takes about two years to complete at community colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This degree usually requires four years at a university and includes more comprehensive training.
b. Licensing
After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license. This exam tests your knowledge and skills necessary for safe nursing practice.
c. Specialization
Once licensed as a registered nurse (RN), you can pursue specialization in neonatal nursing through additional training or certification programs. Many hospitals require neonatal nurses to have experience working with infants and may prefer candidates with specialized certifications such as the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
3. Recommended Classes
To prepare for both military service and nursing school, consider taking the following high school courses:
Biology: Understanding human biology is crucial for any medical field.
Chemistry: Knowledge of chemistry is important for understanding medications and treatments.
Mathematics: Strong math skills are necessary for dosage calculations.
Health Sciences: If available, this course can provide foundational knowledge about health care.
Psychology: Understanding psychological principles can be beneficial when working with patients and families.
4. Additional Considerations
While serving in the military, take advantage of any educational benefits offered through programs like the GI Bill, which can help cover tuition costs for nursing school after your service ends.
In summary, it is entirely feasible to serve four years in the military and then transition into becoming a neonatal nurse by pursuing appropriate education and licensure afterward.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
This organization provides information on nursing education pathways, including details about BSN programs and their importance in modern healthcare settings.
2. U.S. Department of Defense - Military Health System
The official site outlines various medical roles within the military and educational opportunities available during service.
3. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
This source offers comprehensive information regarding licensing requirements for nurses across different states, including details on the NCLEX-RN exam essential for becoming an RN.
God Bless You!
JC.
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