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Thread: Interested in critical care.

  1. #1
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    Interested in critical care.

    Hi everyone. I am going to be graduating in May 2010 with my BS in nursing. I am thinking about joining the air force or the army. I am interested in the critical care field. Any critical care military nurses here? Do I have to work 1 year before applying to work in a critical care unit? Ultimately my goal is to become a CRNA or NP.

  2. #2
    Super Moderator cougarnurse's Avatar
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    Re: Interested in critical care.

    Welcome to the site, Kev! Our resident Army nurse, SoldierNurse, could best answer your questions. I know he'll be around to answer you soon.

    Glad to have you with us!

    'Cat'

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    Re: Interested in critical care.

    Thanks cougarnurse. Looking forward to hearing the reply.

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    Moderator SoldierNurse's Avatar
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    Re: Interested in critical care.

    At Ease! I'll be in the area all day.

    kevx, I am a 66H8A, otherwise known as Army Critical Care RN. After 6 months from original report date to duty at an MTF (Miltary Treatment Facility) an ANC (Army Nurse Corps) officer may apply for one of the AMEDD's (Army Medical Dept) nursing specialty care courses. The critical care nursing course is an intensive 16 week course. Upon completion you are awarded the additional skill identifier 8A. All new grad ANC's, as well as experienced Med/Surg RNs are 66H area of concentration. However, as 66H8A you specialize in critical care.

    One year of civilian ICU experience is probably not sufficient regards to entry into the ANC as 66H8A.

    More questions?

    ... carry on

  5. #5
    Super Moderator cougarnurse's Avatar
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    Re: Interested in critical care.

    How would he get the experience he needs? And how much? I believe kev is serious.

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    Re: Interested in critical care.

    Thanks SoldierNurse for the reply. If I do join the military, I will most likely join with zero work experience, but I do have clinical experience from the ED (level 1 trauma center). What I meant in my original question was I have to work 1 year of med-surg in the Army before I apply for the critical care specialty right? What are the chances of an applicant getting into the critical care nursing course?

  7. #7
    Moderator SoldierNurse's Avatar
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    Re: Interested in critical care.

    Cat, not sure what you mean by how would he could the experience he needs?

    kevx, I said after 6 months of entry meaning after working in a MTF (military treatment facility = hospital) an ANC officer (RN) can apply for one of the specialties. I don't believe an applicant can enter the ANC and go straight to one of the specialty courses.

    Again, join the ANC, WORK as an RN for 6 months in an MTF, then apply for one of the specialty courses.

  8. #8
    Moderator SoldierNurse's Avatar
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    Re: Interested in critical care.

    BTW, Cat I know he is serious and I'm glad to assist. He gets the experience by working, lol. All is required is 6 months of working in an MTF prior to submitting packet for one of the specialty courses.

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    Re: Interested in critical care.

    So, are the chances of getting into the specialty course good? and is there still a shortage of qualified applicants for the nurse anesthetist program like in 2006? How many hours do you usually work when deployed? I read your 2008 posts on your deployment to Iraq. How's that rotator cuff doing?

    Thanks for taking your time and answering my questions.

  10. #10
    Moderator SoldierNurse's Avatar
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    Re: Interested in critical care.

    kevx, my left shoulder is always in discomfort. Three surgeries in two years.

    The chances are very good on being accepted into a specialty course.

    The AMEDD is ALWAYS needing CRNAs.

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