Army new graduate board for FY2012

TIP ONE:

Continue looking for jobs while you prepare your packet...its going to be a long wait. On average, from the time a person inquires to the time the get accepted is about 12-18 months. It may be shorter if you are lucky and boards do not get pushed-back or cancelled.

Yep ... I first met with an Army recruiter in November 2009, met my healthcare recruiter in January 2010, was selected in November 2010, was notified in December 2010, and I didn't go to BOLC (officer basic) until March 2011. You will have to work very hard to become a member of the Army Nurse Corps right now, but it is 110% worth it. Develop a good working relationship with your AMEDD recruiter and stay on top of forms and deadlines and whanot -- the sooner you get things filled out and back to your recruiter, the sooner your packet becomes board-ready. Good luck!!

I am dumbfounded (which isn't new lol) that the selection process for AD RN's takes so long. My general impression is that there is a significant shortage of RN's on AD so you would think that Big Green would facilitate their entry.

Maybe I should stop thinking.

From a USAR standpoint, there are countless RN positions available as long as you have a BSN. Currently, I am assigned to my 3rd USAR unit as a 68W (Medic) with 68V (Respiratory Therapist) lurking in the background. When I informed my current unit that I was in the process of completing my pre-reqs for nursing school, everyone did nothing short of cartwheels. And backflips.

I presume that ROTC BSN grads have first crack at RN AD slots. Retirement and ETS play a major role in the FY slots that are available. But given the Las Vegas dollars of the HPLP and the enlistment bonus, I am presuming that AD has a similar Nursing shortage to the Reserve.

BTW: I am hopefully gaining acceptance into one of two BSN programs here in Albuquerque, NM and intend to commission AD after grad. Following these forums will def be a HUGE help!

One reason it took so long for me was simply timing: a few days after I met with my AMEDD recruiter for the first time, it was announced that there would be no more selection boards until the new fiscal year, 10 months away. I have no idea how many selection boards there will be in FY 2012.

But yes, I've heard it said that the best way for a new grad RN to get in is via ROTC. The numbers are a little nuts ... I was told by some folks in HRC that there were 300+ applicants for FY 2011, and there were 50-something selected; I assume that was for direct commission, which is the way I came in. I am sure that being prior service will increase an applicant's chances, too.

I recently spoke with a recruiter about this. He stated that the army is no longer accepting RNs for active duty with less than 2 years experience. In other words, no new grads. Has anyone heard this? He said reserves is 6 months experience. Hmmm, so no new grads at all...?

Wouldn't surprise me. Like many employers, the Army is getting far more applicants than it needs.

Angelrain, I think you will see your comment on no RN accessions w/o prior experience come true for fy12. I think the avenues would be rotc (limited), unsure on future of nurse candidate program, and RN's w/o experience will fade away and lean towards min of 1-2 years of exp. This is a good thing as the market (supply/demand) is leaning this direction. As an upcoming new grad I would focus on school, nclex & obtaining first job. Then you can began your packet and keep army as a goal but cont' to work as an RN. Even fy11 we saw almost no RN direct accessions for those w/o experience.. so the change in requirement might mean little when compared to the reality of applicants selected. Yup.. all my humble opinion.

Any suggestions for experience? More education? Specialties? I live in a rural area with limited options for nursing. We have 1 hospital, 1 prison, 2 nursing care homes and random home health care!

Hmmm, well i start working next month at an acute rehab hospital. I plan on staying there for a year then heading to Hawaii with my husband (active duty). The recruiter suggested checking back in 6 months and looking into the reserves. He says it is pretty easy to transition to active duty after awhile with the reserves but I have some doubts. I'm assuming acute rehab will qualify as experience...? I wonder if they would still offer a course guarantee if they are no longer accepting new grads.