I am currently a BSN student, I am graduating in Dec.07. I was just writing to get some information hopefully from any present or past people in the army nurse corp about some things. I was doing ROTC and was planning on commissioning as a ROTC cadet, however some events happened in my life and nursing school schedule didn't allow me to fullfill all of the requirements to commission as a cadet. So I am now planning on being a direct commission, I talk to a recruiter on thursday 26 April 2007. Does anyone out there have any advice for what kind of information I should ask the recruiter about or any advice in general for me. I have friends that are prior service, but none that are in the situation I am in, so they really don't know what to tell me, except to be careful and don't let the recruiter pull one over on me. I could use any advice someone is willing to give me.Thank You so much!
You have probably already have met your recruiter by the time you've read this post.
What sort of advice you need to know? I am not in the military... yet. I've dealt with many recruiters in my past.
I could be wrong by assuming, but I can't see you not getting what you want in the Army if you are going to be an RN. In other words, a recruiter 'sells' you another thing to meet his recruitment quota. The Army needs Nurses for obvious reasons.
Thanks DRman76 for the advice. Yeah I already met with my recruiter. I just wanted to get some background info. I have a really good friend that is a E-7, so she told me before I go whatever I do not to sign anything right away. Next semester is my last one and I do a preceptorship during the semester. There are two pretty large army bases by me, so I am probably going to do the preceptorship at one of those hospitals. I am leaning more towards being in the ANC, but I am going to wait and start doing the paperwork for the process after I start my preceptorship. The recuiter told me that pretty much I can't do any type of training until I pass NCLEX, so I figured this would give me time to finish school and then take the NCLEX. Good luck with all of your schooling,I really appreciate all that the firefighters and EMT's do. As a person that works in a ER and the niece of a retired fire chief I know and understand the things you do and see, so Thank You:)
Your welcome.
You are doing the right thing by not rushing into signing anything yet. It seemed that your recruiter encounter went well.
I apologize to any recruiters of the armed services by antagonizing them. A vast majority of them are good people. Unfortunately, some of them are "bad salesmen".
I do aspire to join the Navy Reserves as an RN someday. It will be awhile before I get there.
:luck:
syudent1010
If you need some information. Send me a note. I am a Nurse Recruiter for the Army and I am an Army Nurse.
My big advice is to start gathering your paperwork now. That is always the biggest hold up.
:not: DRman76 we are not Salesmen. That implies that we are getting you to do something that you do not want to do. If you don't want to be an Army Nurse what good would it do us to sell the idea to you and then when you are in you are miserable? We are Career Counselors. And your apology is accepted.
I am a Navy nurse and my wife is a retired Army Nurse. I remember when we had the Army nurse recruiter at our house discussing switching from the Air Force to the Army. She was not high pressure at all and in fact encouraged us to take our time in making that important decision. Laid out all the facts and we made the decision which turned out to be good for us. She actually got orders to Hawaii where I was stationed. Its not for everyone but I recommend either the Army or Navy to nurses looking for a more adventurous nursing career. :houra:
DRman76 wrote:You have probably already have met your recruiter by the time you've read this post.
What sort of advice you need to know? I am not in the military... yet. I've dealt with many recruiters in my past.
I could be wrong by assuming, but I can't see you not getting what you want in the Army if you are going to be an RN. In other words, a recruiter 'sells' you another thing to meet his recruitment quota. The Army needs Nurses for obvious reasons.
Good Luck.
How did I miss this thread/post?
DRman76, it is never safe to assume, and YES you are WRONG 101%. War is hell, so being an Army Nurse deployed to the Sandbox is no fun. However, I did not accept a direct commission into the Army/AMEDD/ANC to just have fun, LOL! I'm very proud to be a Soldier Nurse. Since you are not a member of the Armed Forces may I suggest you keep your unwarranted, bias, ignorant [as in not knowing] suggestions to yourself. Army Health Care recruiters seek out healthcare professionals that not only want to provide care for those in need but want to do so while serving the United States of America as a member of the Armed Forces. Those Army Healthcare recruiters that are not Army Nurse officers may not have all the answers. Yet, they are NOT going grabbing bodies to fill a quota. I'd match any Army Nurse officer to a civilian nurse with the same amount of experience ... any day.
The AMEDD provides a lot of educational opportunites, which I'd say surpasses that provided to civilian nurses by their employers. Yes, I've been both a civilian nurse & Soldier nurse. I'll be taking a helicopter to Baghdad next month to take the CCRN exam. The AMEDD has numerous programs for RNs to pursue MSN. Plus, the ANC is a great place for male nurses not to be out numbered [civilian nurses 5-6%] where males make up around 34% of the Army Nurse Corps.
The opportunity to advance as a nurse in the Army Nurse Corps far surpasses the same in the civilian nursing sector. As an officer you are expected to be a leader. Thus, as you gain rank you are expected to be a charge nurse/head nurse/ chief nurse, etc.
In the AMEDD, nurses an MDs' work side by side. Army Nurse officers are well respected by the Army Docs. In fact, an Army Nurse officer can out rank an Army Doc. None of that... I'm better than you attitude comes from the Army Docs.
Yes, I miss my wife very much while on my present deployment. However, I will be getting R&R with paid leave time, and round trip air fare paid courtesy of the DoD. Plus, most of my income while deployed is tax free.
Please, syudent1010@aol.com, if you have any questions [if, I'm not too late] feel free to send me a PM, or aol email to Carystransam@aol.com
I dont know where to begin because everything seems to be travelling so fast. I am considering joining the Army Reserves as a Nurse, but dont know if I even meet the requirements that I have read about. My recruiter, which I think is wise not to believe, says I do. I just dont want to get everything set in stone, go through OCS and then find out that they needed to reclass me because it was discovered that I dont meet requirements.
My background. I am former USAF AD (8 years) and have a BS in Microbiology. I am 34 years old, and looking at getting my commission in the Army in the medical field. Dont think this has anything to do with this, but I am also recieving 50% military disability compensation from my earlier committment in the USAF. My recruiter got a letter stating that I will be headed in as a nurse(66H), and I have a copy of that letter (from the hiring office). I have the commissioning board on 05Dec2007 and am going to MEPs immediately after to get all my dates (warrior training, OCS, and school).
My recruiter said that all I am required to have is 30 credits of Gen Ed, 30 credits in science, and a GPA of 2.75. Can anyone confirm this or am I having the wool pulled over my eyes? Also, what should I be looking out for?
Recruiter said Ill go to 4 weeks of warrior training (instead of the 10 week), OCS, and then either the AMEDD or other school of my choice to complete an ASN. Ill be doing my required drill time in the mean time, but being paid full time as a 2nd Lt.
Please feel free to email me if you have any additional info, but Ill check back here as well.
Hello, I hope to get my BSN in a year, and then hopefully get commissioned into the Army Nurse Corps, (Reserves) I will be 43 at that time with No prior service.
My question is: will I be eligible to be a combat nurse? For example: become airborne or air-assault qualified. Because, as far as I know, commissioned nurses who come in this way do not go thru BCT. I would love to be able to be part of a Forward Surgical Team but I don't know if I would qualify since I will not have the normal military experience of an enlisted soldier. Also, are the same opportunities available to the Reserve nurse as the Active Duty nurse?
I'm in great shape and plan on staying that way.
thanks
Hello,
I am studying to become a nurse, and want to join the Army Nurse Corps thru the Reserves or National Guard. I am 42 and in great shape. I signed up so I could read and ask questions in the Military Nurse forum.
The main question I have is when I get commissioned into the ANC, I will have no prior military experience. And as I understand it, when you go in this way, you do not go to BCT. Its a different Officer Basic Course..? My dream is to become a combat nurse, but will I be eligible without BCT??? I will work anywhere, but I would prefer to be in a faster paced environment... Can I get airborne-qualified?? I have many things to learn.......
I'm ex-Navy from a couple of wars ago. Though I can't speak directly to being a military nurse, I might only suggest that you carefully pursue the toll it can take emotionally during war time. I have a very good friend who was a new nurse deployed for 3 months on the USS Repose off of Viet Nam. She still has flash backs to some very bad memories. At the end of her short tour, she feared she could no longer feel any compassion for her patients.
Also, there is a nurse with whom I have corresponded a few times who works at, I'm guessing, Walter Reed (she hasn't disclosed the actual place other than to refer to it as a "military hospital." You can read her blog at From Our Perspective; some thoughts:. Look for Clara Hart on the page.
This being said, I applaud your desire. Though I'm way past being part of any military organization, I can see myself poss working in a VA hospital sometime during my career.
Just curious as to some interesting assignments/duty stations those who have served have had or any interesting stories anyone is willing to share from their military nursing experience (good and/or bad).
Just redeployed [returned] last month from 15 month deployment at Camp Bucca, Iraq. I would not advise anyone to volunteer for a CSH deploying to Bucca. Very hard mission for so many reasons; patients are detainees, the detainee population is too large for the level of health care provided, and the LSA is miserable. I suppose if I'd been there for only 6 months I would not be so bitter towards the AMEDD. Now, those ANC officers not organic are deployed for only 6 months.
I will never forget June 9, 2007, when a rocket mortar hit Compound 8 [only 200 meters from the hospital]; 8 dead & over 70 injured. I was charge nurse the preceding night shift when we were hit around 0745. Ran for a bunker, then ran back into the hospital. Assumed care of one the casualities triaged in the ER. Transferred him to the ICU and was his primary nurse until I was relieved by another nurse around 1300. Came back around 1900 the same day. We were busy for several months d/t the MassCal.
Actually, I have lot's of memories from the deployment. It feels strange to be back home with my wife, even after a month. Nonetheless, a very good feeling. Hard to explain. Kind of like it was a very bad dream. I certainly don't have PTSD. Although, many Soldiers in my unit were on antidepressants. I'm having no trouble sleeping except for this damn arm sling. A combo of wearing IBA vest [w/attached gear > 40 lbs.] & lifting weights tore my supraspinatus... rotator cuff.
This past Friday I visited the OR at Madigan Army Medical Center. LOL, d/t versed I don't remember leaving the holding area for the OR. I woke up in PACU to the sound of a nurse very upset. I asked her what was wrong and she said my blood pressure was too high. I asked what was it and she said SBP in the 170's. Well, I usually run a little high, in the 150's. I told her to give me labetalol and to relax. She told she already did & was going to give me another dose. I told her she better not bottom me out and to get my wife in her. My wife is also an RN.
Anyway, I stayed the night and was discharged Saturday morning.
the316 wrote:Hello,
I am studying to become a nurse, and want to join the Army Nurse Corps thru the Reserves or National Guard. I am 42 and in great shape. I signed up so I could read and ask questions in the Military Nurse forum.
The main question I have is when I get commissioned into the ANC, I will have no prior military experience. And as I understand it, when you go in this way, you do not go to BCT. Its a different Officer Basic Course..? My dream is to become a combat nurse, but will I be eligible without BCT??? I will work anywhere, but I would prefer to be in a faster paced environment... Can I get airborne-qualified?? I have many things to learn.......
Combat nurse? If, you are thinking of what you have seen in war movies where an infantry Soldier gets hit with direct fire and someone yells... MEDIC, then you are in for a rude awakening. Most ANC officers deployed to the Middle East are with a CSH unit. However, most places you find a CSH will be in a combat zone. I heard the whistle of mortar rockets and saw smoke from rocket mortar hits. I saw brains hanging out the back of a skull.
BTW, all those accepted into the ANC go to OBLC, which is not the same as basic training for enlisted Soldiers. Yet, upon completion of OBLC your good to go regards to getting deployed to the Middle East where you can be introduced to mortar rockets, IEDs, and lot's and lot's of sand.
PSSST, please do yourself a favor and talk to both an Army Health Care recruiter & AF nurse recruiter before making final comittment.
I have been doing my research on the Army Nurse Corps and some people have told me that Army RN's have a broader scope of practice than civilian RN's. Can anyone elaborate or go into greater detail on that? I appreciate any feedback you can give me. Thanks!
I have been doing my research on the Army Nurse Corps and some people have told me that Army RN's have a broader scope of practice than civilian RN's. Can anyone elaborate or go into greater detail on that? I appreciate any feedback you can give me. Thanks!
I am your SME... subject matter expert ;)
My answer however may sound weak... my answer is yes & no.
Military RN's follow the same scope of practice per each individual's state nursing license, i.e. my license was issued to me by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the state of Texas. However, the standards of care applied to the battlefield, while in principle are based on civilian care, adhere to the principle of performing the correct intervention at the correct time in the continuum of combat care.
I was deployed to Iraq. I worked in an MTF, medical treatment facility, rather than an aide station. We did come under mortar rocket attacks, although by definition it was considered indirect fire. Anyway, I mention this to point out most of the time an ANC officer will be at some type of an MTF and strictly adhere to the same scope of practice as civilian counterparts. The difference with ANC officers being the specific situation, and mission.
need advice about enlistment and the army nurse corps
I just started a BSN program last year. I want to be a member of the army nurse corps in the reserves. I am thinking of enlisting now in the reserves as an army medic and using the GI bill to pay for school. My question is, once I graduate and pass my exams, how difficult is it to get promoted to officer and join the nurse corps? Should I wait until after I graduate? I need the money now, but don't want to be stuck in my medic mos three years from now when I graduate. I want to be able to advance.
maureen82 wrote:I just started a BSN program last year. I want to be a member of the army nurse corps in the reserves. I am thinking of enlisting now in the reserves as an army medic and using the GI bill to pay for school. My question is, once I graduate and pass my exams, how difficult is it to get promoted to officer and join the nurse corps? Should I wait until after I graduate? I need the money now, but don't want to be stuck in my medic mos three years from now when I graduate. I want to be able to advance.
Knowledge deficit r/t no prior experience with ANC.
Hello everyone!!!
I'm new to the forum and this is my first post.
Quick BIO - Im prior service Ohio Guard Combat Engineer, deployed to beautiful baghdad in 2005 and made it home safe and sound to finally finish school. I'm currently in my junior year of my nursing program and have to say I'm happy with my decision, I love nursing. Anyway, I decided to re-up but as an active duty nurse. Currently, I'm working as a Clinical Assistant at a Trauma Level 1 hospital in the SICU and I absolutely love it.
My question is what should I expect?? As a nurse and as an officer. What's training like? What should I expect for a first duty station? Do I get any choices as far as the type of nursing (Critical Care, Psych, ED, Peds), or does the Army decide for me? What kind of hours are you expected to work when not deployed?
njohnso4 wrote:Hello everyone!!!
I'm new to the forum and this is my first post.
Quick BIO - Im prior service Ohio Guard Combat Engineer, deployed to beautiful baghdad in 2005 and made it home safe and sound to finally finish school. I'm currently in my junior year of my nursing program and have to say I'm happy with my decision, I love nursing. Anyway, I decided to re-up but as an active duty nurse. Currently, I'm working as a Clinical Assistant at a Trauma Level 1 hospital in the SICU and I absolutely love it.
My question is what should I expect?? As a nurse and as an officer. What's training like? What should I expect for a first duty station? Do I get any choices as far as the type of nursing (Critical Care, Psych, ED, Peds), or does the Army decide for me? What kind of hours are you expected to work when not deployed?
Hello everyone, I just talked with a Army nurse recruiter and was hoping for some advice on his advice. To put it into perspective, a little about my situation first: Male, 47, graduating with ADN on May 1st, 2009. I have 7 years prior enlisted service in the Army. Goal: CRNA and retire AD. His recommendation was for me to go Reserves and start the app process NOW d/t my age (only prior commissioned time counts for the age factor) After I finish my BSN then it would be easier to go active. He also said I have a choice of 2 of 3 incentives: 1. Monetary ($30k dispersed over 3 years) 2.LRP (up to $50k payable after I finish BSN) 3.STRAP ($1900.00/mo. Stipend while going to school) He recommended 2 and 3. He stated that I would be commissioned, but would not go to drill during school. Any thoughts would be most appreciated! Thanks, Gruffy
Gruffy wrote:Hello everyone, I just talked with a Army nurse recruiter and was hoping for some advice on his advice. To put it into perspective, a little about my situation first: Male, 47, graduating with ADN on May 1st, 2009. I have 7 years prior enlisted service in the Army. Goal: CRNA and retire AD. His recommendation was for me to go Reserves and start the app process NOW d/t my age (only prior commissioned time counts for the age factor) After I finish my BSN then it would be easier to go active. He also said I have a choice of 2 of 3 incentives: 1. Monetary ($30k dispersed over 3 years) 2.LRP (up to $50k payable after I finish BSN) 3.STRAP ($1900.00/mo. Stipend while going to school) He recommended 2 and 3. He stated that I would be commissioned, but would not go to drill during school. Any thoughts would be most appreciated! Thanks, Gruffy
Thought I answered your questions via email?
I'm concerned about what you stated, "only prior commissioned time counts for the age factor". It is a fact...if, you have 7 years prior enlisted active duty military service in the Army, then those years count in your favor. At least, it did for me! I'm pretty sure I explained such in my email reply to you? So, I would clarify again with your recruiter because he is either lying, or they changed the policy since my commission in 2003.
BTW, you can only go into the Active Component [active duty] with a BSN in the Army Nurse Corps. So, your statement about it being easier is not valid because it is the only way. "After I finish my BSN then it would be easier to go active." You can in fact apply for commission into the Reserve Component Army Nurse Corps. However, you cannot do so w/o an ADN unless of course you sign under contract while going to school.
Regards to LRP & STRAP I cannot comment because I have no experience with either.
*Make sure this is an AMEDD recruiter and not a regular recruiter.
You did answer my questions and am very greatful for all your time and effort. Listening to everyone's response to questions provides slightly different answers and pretty much everyone says, "To be certain, check with the recruiter". That's what I did and those were the answers I received from him, Capt. Brunnel (not sure of correct name spelling) (Seattle MEPS) AD Nurse recruiter.
So, I was fielding this response to the forum for just the reason you respond. To seek discrepancies. The recruiter told me because of my age it would be "easier" to get in RC now and then apply for AD. He specifically said "enlisted prior service time did not count for commissioning (and age waiver), but did count for pay.
The STRAP is when an ADN signs into the reserves, get's a commission and is paid a stipend while completing the BSN. Afterwards an application can be submitted for LRP (Loan Repayment Program). This would be in the intitial contract.
My question about "easier" had to do with getting the BSN with exp and being more desireable than entry level ADN and the reserve route. He also mentioned that times are always changing and if I wait 2 years for the BSN, my age might prevent me from getting in at all.
I that's what the man told me. That's why I wanted to float it to the forum and get feedback.
Again, thanks for all your help and I welcome any future advice. After all the talking is done, I can only go and make the best decision I can with the info I have. And then live with it.
You did answer my questions and am very greatful for all your time and effort. Listening to everyone's response to questions provides slightly different answers and pretty much everyone says, "To be certain, check with the recruiter". That's what I did and those were the answers I received from him, Capt. Brunnel (not sure of correct name spelling) (Seattle MEPS) AD Nurse recruiter.
So, I was fielding this response to the forum for just the reason you respond. To seek discrepancies. The recruiter told me because of my age it would be "easier" to get in RC now and then apply for AD. He specifically said "enlisted prior service time did not count for commissioning (and age waiver), but did count for pay.
The STRAP is when an ADN signs into the reserves, get's a commission and is paid a stipend while completing the BSN. Afterwards an application can be submitted for LRP (Loan Repayment Program). This would be in the intitial contract.
My question about "easier" had to do with getting the BSN with exp and being more desireable than entry level ADN and the reserve route. He also mentioned that times are always changing and if I wait 2 years for the BSN, my age might prevent me from getting in at all.
I that's what the man told me. That's why I wanted to float it to the forum and get feedback.
Again, thanks for all your help and I welcome any future advice. After all the talking is done, I can only go and make the best decision I can with the info I have. And then live with it.
Thanks,
Gruffy
I know of other ANC officers, with no prior service, past 46 years old, that were granted age waivers.
I'm familiar with both LRP & STRAP. However, since I did neither I can't speak of same with experience. Yet, I don't need it explained to me, LOL.
I can speak with experience regards to my prior military service & age credit that I received. However, I never mentioned prior military service can be credit towards commission. I was awarded constructive credit regards to my prior five years of RN experience prior to entry/commission.
I can agree that those with prior active duty service are on a different pay scale, i.e. my pay grade is O3E, which is more than an O3.
Anyway, what do I know?
BTW, for those in the Army we know the correct abbreviation is CPT, not Capt.
FLMomof5 wrote:LOL! When I was in the Air Force it was Capt. Things always change....and that is definitely one of them!:rolleyes:
BTW, I at least looked at your siggy to see the CPT designation!
Your attention to detail is outstanding.
BTW, I say when in Rome do as the Romans. I'm prior Marine [1980-1988] and they abbreviate Capt. However, I do now as the Army does, well at least most things. ;)
I find it odd that responses are focused on trivial matters and taken personal. My question from all of this would be something like, "Why would the recruiter tell him his enlisted prior service doesn't count for age"? And maybe respond with link that disputes that claim, or say yes he is correct.
Gruffy wrote:I find it odd that responses are focused on trivial matters and taken personal. My question from all of this would be something like, "Why would the recruiter tell him his enlisted prior service doesn't count for age"? And maybe respond with link that disputes that claim, or say yes he is correct.
My apologies for getting your title wrong.
Agreed, let's not make this personal. I've given you info based on my first hand experiences. I wish you all the best in your decision.
To the best of my knowledge, prior service is prior service - for the computation of age. Initially, when they raised the general max age to 42, you couldn't use prior service to reduce your age. Honestly, I have been just outside so many age criterion..... before raising the age to 42, I was 22 days too old when computation used my prior service. Then they raised it, but no prior service credit. Still too old. Now, I can get a reserve or guard commission, but not active because my Bach is not scientific enough. (I have an EE.) :nurse-soapbox: I also have time in civilian service. I love how military service counts towards retirement from civilian service and not the other way around.
Then there is....USAFA..time in school counts. OCS training time counts. 4 YR AFROTC scholarship (you enlist when you get it) and time in Field Training doesnt count! (that is all I needed to be 'young' enough a few years back!!!)
So anyway, we can gripe, but it is what it is.
The only differences I have been informed of...due to my prior time being commissioned is: instead of a 2LT commission, I will start at 1LT. I will also be eligible for CPT a year later. (And this has to do with me having a bachelors degree whereas many ASNs do not.)
One last thing....the military is all about the trivial details. You could end a career based in trivial details.
Thank you very much for your insight. Due to my age I probably will go the Reserve route anyway. I don't want to take any chances of not getting into AD later. Better your foot in the door than in your nose. Like all of us, I'm not trying to rake the Army over the coals, but just want the best deal available. Unfortunately what is available is not published to where we can hold the recruiter to it.
Not to place a negative connontation on recruiters (wink), but it's like buying a car. You have to be willing to walk away and hope they call you. It all comes down to who needs who more at that particular time. First one to flinch looses the edge. With that said, it is people like you and SoldierNurse that help us gather the best possible information from your experience and take it to make the best arrangement for self and Service.
I still think that the nurse recruiter saying, "Only commissioned prior service counts, not enlisted" is a policy item that can be verified. I just don't know where to find it. I even asked him again by repeating his answer back to him and he said yes. hmmm?
Thanks again FLMomof5....I live on the Space Coast, where are you?
Thank you very much for your insight. Due to my age I probably will go the Reserve route anyway. I don't want to take any chances of not getting into AD later. Better your foot in the door than in your nose. Like all of us, I'm not trying to rake the Army over the coals, but just want the best deal available. Unfortunately what is available is not published to where we can hold the recruiter to it.
Not to place a negative connontation on recruiters (wink), but it's like buying a car. You have to be willing to walk away and hope they call you. It all comes down to who needs who more at that particular time. First one to flinch looses the edge. With that said, it is people like you and SoldierNurse that help us gather the best possible information from your experience and take it to make the best arrangement for self and Service.
I still think that the nurse recruiter saying, "Only commissioned prior service counts, not enlisted" is a policy item that can be verified. I just don't know where to find it. I even asked him again by repeating his answer back to him and he said yes. hmmm?
Thanks again FLMomof5....I live on the Space Coast, where are you?
Gruffy
Gruffy, you & I are the same age. I was three years ANC RC [Reserve Component] before coming over to the Active Component. Sometimes I wished I'd stay in the RC.
Absolutely please expand on your thoughts. We may be the same age, but you are already in and as a CPT. My thoughts are that since we are in the "WAR" there is a higher need. Once the "War" ends, the demand will drop.
If I were to go Reserves, what location and unit would I be doing my drills at? The only place I can find on the internet is Army Reserve Medical Command in Pinellas Park, FL. Not sure if I can even do drills there or not. I understand that the Jacksonville hospital is Tricare. Is that where I would drill?
To the best of my knowledge, prior service is prior service - for the computation of age. Initially, when they raised the general max age to 42, you couldn't use prior service to reduce your age. Honestly, I have been just outside so many age criterion..... before raising the age to 42, I was 22 days too old when computation used my prior service. Then they raised it, but no prior service credit. Still too old. Now, I can get a reserve or guard commission, but not active because my Bach is not scientific enough. (I have an EE.) :nurse-soapbox: I also have time in civilian service. I love how military service counts towards retirement from civilian service and not the other way around.
Then there is....USAFA..time in school counts. OCS training time counts. 4 YR AFROTC scholarship (you enlist when you get it) and time in Field Training doesnt count! (that is all I needed to be 'young' enough a few years back!!!)
So anyway, we can gripe, but it is what it is.
The only differences I have been informed of...due to my prior time being commissioned is: instead of a 2LT commission, I will start at 1LT. I will also be eligible for CPT a year later. (And this has to do with me having a bachelors degree whereas many ASNs do not.)
One last thing....the military is all about the trivial details. You could end a career based in trivial details.
FLMomof5,
Thanks for your insight. I'm sure it is just a crap shoot at getting the best deal. It certainly was when I enlisted 30 years ago, but I had the leverage of youth. Now I don't have the youth, but scaleable skill and education.
Therefore, is the Army shortage in nursing just because of the "War" or has there always been a shortage but increased by the war?
Thanks for your insight. I'm sure it is just a crap shoot at getting the best deal. It certainly was when I enlisted 30 years ago, but I had the leverage of youth. Now I don't have the youth, but scaleable skill and education.
Therefore, is the Army shortage in nursing just because of the "War" or has there always been a shortage but increased by the war?
Thanks,
Gruffy
Both, the ANC is short D/T GWOT, as well as pretty much the norm.
Gruffy wrote:Absolutely please expand on your thoughts. We may be the same age, but you are already in and as a CPT. My thoughts are that since we are in the "WAR" there is a higher need. Once the "War" ends, the demand will drop.
Any info is good info.
Thanks,
Gruffy
I don't see "the war", i.e. GWOT soon to be focused in Afghanistan, ending any time soon.
Most RC ANC officers that get mobilized to active duty are used at Army Medical Centers as backfill to fill the vacancies left by those AC ANC officers PROFIS & deployed to a CSH OCONUS.
If I were to go Reserves, what location and unit would I be doing my drills at? The only place I can find on the internet is Army Reserve Medical Command in Pinellas Park, FL. Not sure if I can even do drills there or not. I understand that the Jacksonville hospital is Tricare. Is that where I would drill?
Thank so much for your input,
Gruffy
Not sure where the drills would be.....I never asked. I'll see what can find out.
I have been a member of Ultimate Nurse for four years, but have not had anything to say, until now.
I live in the Dallas-Texas metro area and plan to go down to San Antonio-TX, some time late this summer to talk with a Nurse Recruiter. I plan to join the ranks of the AC ANC, upon completing my MSN program in May 2010.
I am former AC Army, with 13 years (6 = RN & 7 = LPN) of combined civilian nursing experience. I have been out of the military for some time now.
I hope the ANC still needs Psych Nurses and I hope to be commissioned as an O2E vs O1E.
I have been a member of Ultimate Nurse for four years, but have not had anything to say, until now.
I live in the Dallas-Texas metro area and plan to go down to San Antonio-TX, some time late this summer to talk with a Nurse Recruiter. I plan to join the ranks of the AC ANC, upon completing my MSN program in May 2010.
I am former AC Army, with 13 years (6 = RN & 7 = LPN) of combined civilian nursing experience. I have been out of the military for some time now.
I hope the ANC still needs Psych Nurses and I hope to be commissioned as an O2E vs O1E.
Regards,
Good luck! BTW, sent you a PM... just in case you want to talk to an AC ANC CPT while your in SATX.
I have been a member of Ultimate Nurse for four years, but have not had anything to say, until now.
I live in the Dallas-Texas metro area and plan to go down to San Antonio-TX, some time late this summer to talk with a Nurse Recruiter. I plan to join the ranks of the AC ANC, upon completing my MSN program in May 2010.
I am former AC Army, with 13 years (6 = RN & 7 = LPN) of combined civilian nursing experience. I have been out of the military for some time now.
I hope the ANC still needs Psych Nurses and I hope to be commissioned as an O2E vs O1E.
Regards,
Yes, I know for a fact the AMEDD is short on Psych RNs and is an excellent time for those with your specialty to come on board. You will be looking good regards to future promotions. However, be advised you will be highly deployable. Again, would be happy to chat one on one, if you like.
