Was 68C a good choice for my reclass?

2019-12-25T14:27:48-05:00

Or did i make a mistake?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2019 2:29 PM

2019-12-25T14:29:54-05:00

That's a pretty broad question. If nursing is something that interests you, then yes, it was a good choice. If helping people on a daily basis is something that interests you, then you made the right choice.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2019 2:35 PM

2019-12-25T14:35:56-05:00

Only person that can answer that is you.

Response by MSG Gary Eaker made Dec 25 at 2019 3:18 PM

2019-12-25T15:18:27-05:00

Stay in long enough and you will eventually move into hospital administration. The nursing license plus experience in administration will open up far more opportunities post-army than just experience alone. Work to upgrade your LPN to an RN and you can pretty much whatever you want in the civilian world. Your 91C may make it harder to make CSM in the Army, but in the long run you are better off.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2019 4:36 PM

2019-12-25T16:36:29-05:00

When I was enlisted my first re-enlistment and reclass was to 68C (called 91C then). Spent one year doing practical nursing in a hospital after AIT then 3 years in a CSH doing anything but medical stuff. Worked as an LPN and administrator after I got out and eventually upgraded to ASN RN then BSN and eventually back to active duty for CRNA (nurse anesthetist).

They all have their plusses and minuses but it boils down to what you make of it, whether active, reserves, or civilian. I was not happy working as an LPN but enjoyed being an NCO. The investment into an RN degree was well worth it. I can tell you as a retired O4 and working as a CRNA I probably make in a month what I made all year when I first got out in the mid 90s as a SSG or as an LPN. Utilizing the programs that the active and reserves offer to help fund and further your education will land you better jobs, with more options, better pay, better benefits, without having to borrow a couple hundred thousand to reach those goals.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2019 9:36 PM

2019-12-25T21:36:28-05:00

Depends on if you want to be a Nurse. I'm surprised there was a class seat, unless you mean you are just now requesting it, in which case I would advise you to have a backup plan.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 2:34 AM

2019-12-26T02:34:32-05:00

It’s definitely a good choice for a lifelong career path that will make a huge difference on job opportunities in the civilian world post Army. MSG Gary Eaker said it best, the experience and management skills will set you apart to civilian employers as well.

Nursing is not for everyone, but to those that can rest knowing a difference was made because of their clinical acumen, bedside manner and ability to care.....it is a life calling.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2019 3:44 PM

2019-12-26T15:44:02-05:00

Depends on what you want brother. As a SGT, you'll likely get to do a bit of nursing, but once you eventually get promoted (points are at 798 right now so don't hold your breath) you'll likely end up doing mostly administrative work in a hospital, or being a squad leader or platoon SGT in a field hospital. I'm on my sections' nursing schedule from time to time, but for the most part, I'm a medical administrator.

So you tell me. Did you make a mistake?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2019 12:51 PM

2019-12-27T12:51:19-05:00

It’s a good choice, particularly if you are reserves. LPNs make decent money civilian side and its a good start for eventually getting your RN, BSN, and NP.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Jun 12 at 2020 1:12 PM

2020-06-12T13:12:35-04:00

If it’s in the past tense, you waited to long to ask.
Being that I have an ambition to become a ManNurse(or Murse) one day. I would say there is no mistake and awesomeness and I wish I went that path instead of going GRUNT for 20 years!!!