Any medics in the guard or the reserves who for what ever reason work as a RN, a nurse practitioner, a physician assistant or a doctor in your civilian career but just enjoy being a medic in the military ? Myself I work in a medical ICU as a RN and I am in school right now for my family nurse practitioner. The funny thing is the army doesnt recognize any of my civilian education and credentialing as a RN. I so look forward to finnishing my master's program in Nov of 08 ! ..... Any comments ?
I, too, was a civilian practitioner before joining. I have been trying to get back in for 4 years and this is the first year that the Active Duty side took civilian trained PA's. I am not sure why they will not recognize your civilian education. Are you talking to a medical recruiter (officer)? What Guard unit are you working with? Have you considered looking at a unit in another state?
NG Doctor (temporarily) resigning commission to go to 68K mos. (I was a medic 68w during med school instead of officer.)In lieu of a fellowship, and some 'down' time after residency, I plan to study during 68K AIT for my CP boards and enjoy San Antonio & Honolulu, while I'm at it. About a month after I get back from my year long study vacation, I'll put in for a direct commission again and an automatic promotion to the next grade. For experience, healthcare practitioners get 1/2 service credit for time in grade and I'll be eligible for promotion, so one doesn't lose any rank really. I'll pass my boards and then thoroughly know the army's laboratory setting from the bottom up in order to run it efficiently in theater. It will be a good experience, and a chance for me to get back in top shape since I was so busy in residency.
Unless the schools you attended/are attending are not accredited with the NLN, there is no reason for the Army NOT to acknowledge your credentials. Your license(s) should also be recognized - for promotion points if for no other reason.
I have a feeling your unit just doesn't know what to do with you. Contact an AMEDD recruiter at least - preferably an AMEDD Officer recruiter - for some guidance.
You don't HAVE to practice as an RN in the military - if you like being a medic, you can continue that - but the pay is better as a commissioned officer.
