[Sobi]

Here is an awesome announcement that was sent to me by my ANCP CO about what the Army is doing for all new RNs.


The Army Nurse Corps is pleased to announce that we are establishing a
12 month AN Residency Program for new Army Nurses with less than 6
months RN experience. The residency is designed to improve initial
clinical proficiency training throughout the Nurse Corps and to provide
new officers with the experience they need to function in Army Medical
Treatment facilities and deployed environments.

AN Residency Details

* Start Date: The projected implementation date for this new program
is with the Officer Basic Leaders Course graduates of August 2008.

* Initial Assignment: We will be assigning new Army Nurse Corps
officers to one of nine selected Army Medical Centers (MEDCENs) for a
twelve months residency program in order to provide exposure to patients
with a variety of injury/disease conditions and acuity levels in a wide
range of clinical settings.

MEDECNs: (Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Tripler Army
Medical Center, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Walter Reed Army
Medical Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, Darnall Army Medical Center,
Womack Army Medical Center, Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center,
and Madigan Army Medical Center)

* Program Benefit: New Army Nurses will obtain the skills and
knowledge to provide care in a wide variety of settings without being
expected to be a staff members in the first few months of practice. We
plan to award post-baccalaureate credit for AN Residency program.

* How program affects assignments: If you are entering the Army Nurse
Corps on or after August 2008 Officer Basic Leaders Course with less
than 6 months of RN experience you should anticipate assignment to a
MEDCEN to attend the AN Residency program for one year followed by an
assignment to your next Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Some
officers will remain at the MEDCENs, but the majority of officers can
expect to move at the one year mark following the RN Residency Program.

[scout2505]

Hey Sobi,

Scout again. That's funny. I saw this after replying to your other thread. I recieved this email yesterday from Maj Barrell. I have many questions about this, especially in regards to family and course gaurentee? I haven't spoken with her yet. Maybe you know more than I do.

[lifeafter40]

This poses a question for me. This program has come about since my last speaking with my recruiter, and so I was wondering if any of you might have some information on it...

I was told that I would get to fill out a "Dream Sheet" for my first duty station, and that (taking into consideration the needs of the Army) I would have a good chance of getting one of my three choices.

Now I see that my first year will be spent at one of nine AMC locations (none of which are close to where I was hoping for). Is the residency considered my first duty station, or will my three choices come into play when I PCS following Residency? If so, Do I get to have input on which AMC I do my residency at?

My only concern is that i have teenage children who do not live with me full time, and I was hoping to get stationed at one of the bases within reasonable driving distance from them. After the first few years, they will be off to college and it will not be such a big deal...

Any information regarding this situation would be appreciated, and will help me to be better informed when approaching my Recruiter about it.
S

[midwesternboy]

I have a friend who will be in this new program. His recruiter told him to ask for bases where is generic course guarantee is located. That way after the first year, he can just stay on and complete the course guarantee. It save the Army money if you want to stay, plus it already puts you at the base to do your generic course. With all the deployments, the recruiter told him the generic course guarantee may not happen until the 3-4 year mark. After the one year residence you can apply for the generic course guarantee, but the Army won't move you for the 5 months the class lasts (i.e. if you aren't stationed at one of the big bases), therefore it would be wise to get stationed at a location that offers your desired generic course guarantee. Otherwise you may be waiting a while for the "guarantee". Hope this makes sense.

[lifeafter40]

Thanks for the fast response! That scenario makes sense. Unfortunately, it does not keep me near the kids those first few years. That makes it a tough decision for me. I really want to do this, and know that the ANC will provide a great career for me. If I could wait a few more years, that would work out best, but I will be on the age threshold as it is. I guess more contemplation is in order.

Thanks for your input,
S