Jshaf,
thats a lot of questions, so forgive me if I don' hit 'em all. As an RN, as well as a veteran, I can speak from both sides here. First, Nursing is a work of the heart, start there. Yes the pay is great, yes you can find a "job" anywhere, anytime, but it is not a job.....no its not an adventure either....well sometimes it is!!! Any way, You mentioned a jumping off point, that's not Nursing, this is a career in every sense of the word! You can choose to be a Dr. and treat a condition or you can choose to become a Nurse and treat a person...this is an art form and a science. If the VA is willing to pay for your school....Make them PAY!!! Because you will Pay out the nose trying to get them to pay down the road....trust me! Regarding continuing educaton...your options are limitless. RN, BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist (6 figures$$$), all the way to PHD, it's your choice.
As far as the "junk" that you spoke of...I wouldn't waste my time giving ear to opinions that people hold regarding men in nursing. You know what opinions are like right???? The ones you read here in this forum merely hinder the progress of a working society. I am a Registered Nurse because it is my passion, and I am good at it, it's a shame that that bothers people.
Your GPA sounds great, just keep it up, and know that Nursing school is a different school of thought, there is nothing general about it. Hope this helps!