[str8fan62]

Hi there, am 45, have 7 yrs ICU experience, got US citizenship 3 yrs ago, starting RN to BSN in July, seriously considering Army Reserves, would like to use STRAP and then loan repayment. I've talked to a recruiter, he said I would not get deployed while in school, the stipend is 1900.- a month for a max of 2 yrs. Will owe the Reserves 4 yrs total for that. Does not sound like a bad deal. I have started some of the paperwork but still having doubts. Guess I am just a big chicken. I have been around Army most of my life and really miss it. Any encouragement / tips / advice out there? Currently live in Missouri, the unit I would be assigned to is located in St. Peters, Mo.

[deemo21]

It is a big decision. I am still nervous that I am making the wrong decision for my family. It is, however, something that I want to do and have wanted to do for a VERY long time. I feel that I will regret not doing it, if I choose not to go forward with this. I have weighed the pros and cons and involved my boyfriend in the decision. After that, all that's left is to sign on the dotted line and hope and pray for the best!

[Itshamrtym]

good luck to both of you!!!!!! You will make the right decsion!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

[Renee4christ]

hey str8fan, i pm'ed you!!

[Renee4christ]

Hello fellow nurses (to be) . I was just reading your thread and a lot of helpful info is in it. I am also thinking about joining the reserves. i am in a bsn program and set to graduate april 2010, so i would use the strap program starting this august if everything wraps up by that time and if i follow through with my gutt feeling of joining are you guys nervous at all? I am only because it's something completly new and I guess when I think about the army, I know that you are someone elses's property, but the positives seem to outweight the bad... one quick question... and only one because I have many, but i meet with my recruiter on Monday... when you are commisioned in the reserves and are considered an "army nurse", do you only work for the army or can you have a "civilian" job elsewhere and just have to check back in 1 weekend out the month, 2 weeks in the summer, and then any deployments you may have? I'm just a little confused about that.. I don't know if I would be able to have a full time nursing job and still be a nurse in the army or if all you do is nursing in service until your time is over... confusing, I know.. sorry
Look foward to speaking to you guys
Renee

[deemo21]

Originally Posted by Renee4christ

Hello fellow nurses (to be) . I was just reading your thread and a lot of helpful info is in it. I am also thinking about joining the reserves. i am in a bsn program and set to graduate april 2010, so i would use the strap program starting this august if everything wraps up by that time and if i follow through with my gutt feeling of joining are you guys nervous at all? I am only because it's something completly new and I guess when I think about the army, I know that you are someone elses's property, but the positives seem to outweight the bad... one quick question... and only one because I have many, but i meet with my recruiter on Monday... when you are commisioned in the reserves and are considered an "army nurse", do you only work for the army or can you have a "civilian" job elsewhere and just have to check back in 1 weekend out the month, 2 weeks in the summer, and then any deployments you may have? I'm just a little confused about that.. I don't know if I would be able to have a full time nursing job and still be a nurse in the army or if all you do is nursing in service until your time is over... confusing, I know.. sorry
Look foward to speaking to you guys
Renee

While working for the reserves, you have another full-time job. You don't really get medical benefits unless you are on duty, I think. You may be able to purchase some benefits at a high rate. You have your 1wknd/2wk per year duty + any deployments. In the mean time you work somewhere else.

Also, in order to use the STRAP program you have to have your nursing license already. If you are in a BSN program and want to do active duty nursing you can put in a packet for the Army Nurse Candidate program for the last 2 years of the program. This is for people who want to do active duty and are BSN students, since you can only go active duty with a BSN.