How to Become a Registered Nurse in the Military

How to Become a Registered Nurse in the MilitaryHow to Become a Registered Nurse in the MilitaryOn the face of it, this seems like a silly question, but to this day, nursing is still plagued by countless myths and misconceptions. In the 20th century, nurse evolved from a subordinate position as the doctors handmaiden into a highly educated, largely autonomous profession. Registered nurses (RNs) provide day-to-day patient care based on a holistic model that concerns itself not only with medical procedures and drug administration, but also daily hygiene, mobility, and psychological and spiritual care. Although still reliant on doctors and other primary care providers to order prescriptions and certain treatments, registered nurses have become collaborative professionals rather than subordinates, with an arsenal of independent actions to help repair, maintain, and promote patients health. Specifically, a registered nurse is distinguished from others, such as licensed practical nurses an d certified nursing assistants, by education level, treatment privileges, and independence. Only a registered nurse may assess and treat wounds, review diagnostic tests, and give medications ordered by a physician. On the other hand, some nurses who pursue advanced nursing practice degrees earn even greater autonomy. Nurse Practitioners, for example, are able to practice much the saatkorn way as doctors they may run a practice, form medical diagnoses, and prescribe medications. How Civilians Become RNs State nursing boards specify educational and licensing requirements, but in general, RNs must graduate from a board-approved associate or bachelors degree program before sitting for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Many schools also offer fast-track programs for RNs with an associate degree to earn their bachelors, as well as for graduates of other non-nursing bachelors programs to earn a second bachelors degree, or even a masters, as nu rses. There are other, less common pathways as well, such as hospital-affiliated diploma programs (nearly extinct) and doctoral entry programs. Military Requirements and Training All military RNs are commissioned officers, and so unfortunately, RNs with an associate degree are disqualified. Any civilian whos earned a bachelors degree in nursing and received an RN license in their state can apply for a direct commission. RNs, doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals in this pipeline receive a somewhat abridged version of officer candidate training to orient them to the military culture and their role in it as officers. There are also programs that help civilians offset the cost of nursing education in exchange for serving once they graduate. The Navy, for example, offers a full tuition ride (unless you can find a school that charges over $180,000) to high school students going into a nursing program, or up to $34,000 to current student nurses through their Nurse Candida te Program. The Air Force also has a scholarship program for health professionalsand each branch may offer college loan repayment incentives. Scholarship programs are generally only for civilians aiming for a military career as RNs, but what about those already serving in the military? As with other college degrees, those who serve can receive tuition assistance or use their GI Bill benefits to pay for off-duty courses in an accredited nursing program. Completing a bachelor degree while serving as a full-time enlistee is no breeze, but depending on your level of experience in an enlisted healthcare specialty and the number of credits your college is willing to grant for military experience, you may be able to make your journey that much easier. Education in the Army and Navy The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends college credits for experience and training in the military (except the Air Force, for some reason.) With a transcript issued by your branch of service, you may be able to knock out some of the common prerequisites for a nursing program, such as general education requirements and anatomy/physiology. But bear in mind the ACE has no authority to actually award credits. Its still up to each individual college how much transfer credit youll receive for your military experience. The examples below are based on recommendations on the ACE website, and may vary with the level of education and experience Army Health Care Specialists (MOS 68W), depending on the level of experience, might receive three semester hours each for anatomy and physiology, nursing fundamentals, and emergency medical procedures, and 10 for clinical experience.Navy Corpsmen whove reached at least E-4 may be eligible for three semester hours of nursing fundamentals, physical assessment, and health information management. Higher ratings get even more recommended credits, such as pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing. Education in the Air Force Airmen enlisted in the Physical Medicine or Aerospace Medical fields may be eligible for credits for their training and experience awarded by the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). By combining that with resident and distance-learning courses, airmen can earn an associate degree in the CCAF Allied Health Sciences Program.? While not a nursing-specific degree, this may help fulfill some of the requirements to earn a BS in nursing, since it includes a variety of liberal arts credits and electives in biology, chemistry, psychology, and pharmacology. Certifications According to Navys Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL), Corpsmen may be eligible to receive Navy funding to pay for the NCLEX-RN exam. Remember, though, that to receive an RN license through this exam, youll still need to earn your bachelors degree in nursing through appropriate off-duty education. Unlike the Navy, the Army COOL site doesnt indicate any funding available for medics to take the NCLEX-RN, but there are a number of certifications at less advanced levels of medical care and nursing that may be paid for using the GI Bill. While pursuing a nursing education, it obviously couldnt hurt to get licenses in some of these specialties- including Emergency Medical Technician, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse, or Certified Nurse Technician- which can provide you with additional experience, earning power, and a vocational safety net should you choose to leave the service and complete your nursing education as a civilian.

1 behavior separates the successful from the average

1 behavior separates the successful from the average1 behavior separates the successful from the averageA certain farmer had become old and ready to pass his farm down to one of his two sons. When he brought his sons together to speak about it, he told themThe farm will go to the younger son.The older son was furiousWhat are you talking about?he fumed.The father sat patiently, thinking.Okay,the father said,I need you to do something for me. We need mora stocks. Will you go to Cibis farm and see if he has any cows for sale?The older son shortly returned and reported,Father, Cibi has 6 cows for sale.The father graciously thanked the older son for his work. He then turned to the younger son and said,I need you to do something for me. We need more stocks. Will you go to Cibis farm and see if he has any cows for sale?Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe younger son did as he was asked . A short while later, he returned and reported,Father, Cibi has 6 cows for sale. Each cow will cost 2,000 rupees. If we are thinking about buying more than 6 cows, Cibi said he would be willing to reduce the price 100 rupees. Cibi also said they are getting special jersey cows next week if we arent in a hurry, it may be good to wait. However, if we need the cows urgently, Cibi said he could deliver the cows tomorrow.The father graciously thanked the younger son for his work. He then turned to the older son and said,Thats why your younger brother is getting the farm.Successful People InitiateMost people only do what they are asked, doing only the minimum requirement. They need specific instructions on most things they do.Conversely, those who become successful are anxiously engaged in a good cause. They dont need to be managed in all things. They dont just do the job, they do it right and complete. They also influence the direction for how certain ideas and projects go.Most importan tly, those who become successful initiate. They reach out to people, ask questions, make recommendations, offer to help, and pitch their ideas.Being successful requires being proactive and leid waiting for life to come to you. It means youre on offense, not defense. Youre active, not passive.In every organization, there are a select few employees who would be difficult to replace. For the most part, most people are like the older son in the story. Most people could be easily replaced. Most people are passive and reactive. They require specific instructions. They need to be governed and managed in all things.Initiation always involves some degree of risk. Youre putting yourself out there and there is a chance you could fail.Conversely, doing only what youre told entails no risk and carries no responsibility. Its playing safe.ConclusionAre you an initiator? You absolutely can be.But if not, one thing is for certain Life isnt going to wait for you.This article originally appeared on Me dium.

Practicing With a Foreign Law Degree in the U.S.

Practicing With a Foreign Law Degree in the U.S.Practicing With a Foreign Law Degree in the U.S.If you research how to become a lawyer, most of what youll find will be about how to do so in the United States. Youll learn about the typical pathlaw school, then the bar exam, plus a few additional requirements. But what about law professionals who were trained abroad? It can sometimes be difficult to practice law in the U.S. as a foreign-trained lawyer, but its notlage impossible. Each state has different requirements, so it can depend to some extent on where you want to live and work. Every potential lawyer must sit for the bar exam in the state in which he hopes to practice. New York and California are popular destinations that offer the most flexible requirements. State-Specific Regulations- New York The New York Board of Law Examiners administers the New York bar exam and it has a dedicated platzset of requirements just for foreign-trained lawyers who want to practice here. A fo reign-trained lawyer will fall into one of two categories in New York Her foreign education will transfer to the U.S. system, or it will not. If a foreign-trained lawyer has completed a program that was at least three years and was focused on English common law, her education will usually transfer. She can sit for the bar after receiving an Advance Evaluation of Eligibility from the Board. Be koranvers to plan ahead because Board approval can take six months to a year or longer. Its advisable that you submit all your materials at least a year in advance of the date you want to take the exam. All other foreign-trained attorneys must complete a Master of Laws (LLM) degree program that meets certain qualifications before they can sit for the bar exam. California Requirements Like New York, the California Board of Bar Examiners Bar has relatively liberal admission standards for foreign lawyers. In fact, it might be even easier to sit for the bar exam here than it is in New York. For eign-trained lawyers who have been admitted to practice law in a jurisdiction outside the U.S. are often eligible to take the bar exam in California without completing any additional requirements. If the foreign-trained attorney has not been admitted to practice outside the U.S., however, he can still be eligible to take the bar exam after completing an LLM degree program that covers four separate subjects tested on the California Bar Exam. One of ansicht courses must be a Professional Responsibility course that covers the California Business and Professions Code, the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, and leading relevant federal and state case law. California additionally offers a provision for an additional one years schooling at a law school approved by the ABA or accredited in California. The year should be dedicated to bar examination subject material. Other States Foreign-trained lawyers can gain admission to the bar in 34 other jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia and five territories. In almost all cases, the American Bar Association must first review and approve your foreign law degree. This can take a year or more. Only Vermont recognizes foreign law degrees with any regularity. The state has an apprenticeship program in place to help foreign-trained attorneys prepare for the bar exam. Foreign-trained attorneys can take the bar exam after earning an LLM in four states, including New York and California, and the territory of Palau. Having an LLM degree would also allow a foreign-trained lawyer to take the bar exam in Washington and Wisconsin. Georgia imposes two additional requirements You must have received your education from a school that was sanctioned or recognized by your foreign government, and you must also be admitted to practice law there. Additional requirements to become eligible to sit for the exam exist in the remaining 29 jurisdictions. These include but arent limited to legal education in English common law, add itional ABA-approved education, and practice of law in a foreign jurisdiction. The requirements for each state are listed on the bar exam website and are summarized by the National Conference of Bar Examiners Bar Admission Guide. Go Back to School If Necessary Completing the specified graduate education in your area of study should be high on your priority list in the states where only an LLM is required. The states that allow foreign-trained attorneys to sit for the bar exam after earning an LLM require specific courses and subjects covered, so its advisable to look up the requirements in each state before settling on an LLM program. Some states offer accelerated JD degrees for foreign-trained lawyers to get them to the point of bar exam eligibility in that jurisdiction. But in all other states where foreign legal education is not recognized, earning a JD at an ABA-approved law school is the only way youll be able to practice law in that state. While it would likely feel very r epetitive to do so, practicing law in the U.S. is a competitive and closely-monitored profession. The Bar Exam The exam typically takes place over two days. The first day is a multiple-choice test covering laws that are not necessarily unique to any one state. The second days test focuses on the law in the state in which you want to practice. Most states require that you take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam as well. Bar exam passage rates for foreign-trained lawyers are lower than the national average, which is about 58 percent. The average for foreign-trained lawyers is around 30 percent. Law school studies in the U.S. are rigorous, and students come out with a specific set of skills and a knowledge set that helps them study for and pass the bar. Foreign-trained lawyers might not have all these same tools, and their passage rate could be lower for that reason. Foreign students should plan to take a full commercial bar review course, and they might want to explore private bar tutoring options as well. If You Dont Become an Attorney You can also use your foreign law degree without becoming a fully-admitted state bar member in a couple of ways. One of the most common is to become a foreign legal consultant (FLC). This is a foreign-trained lawyer who has set up a limited practice in the U.S. Thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have foreign legal consultant rules in place. There are also opportunities in some states for temporary transactional work, for pro hac vice admission to the state bar, and for foreign lawyers to serve as in-house counsel. Earning bar admission allows for the most opportunities for a foreign-trained attorney, but these other opportunities exist as well.