army STRAP, deployments and other Qs

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Hello all. I am graduating with an ADN in December. I am interested in using the STRAP program to complete my BSN and commission in the Reserve. I have some questions.

When I am in the STRAP program and completing my degree what are my army responsibilities? Do I drill?

I heard that Gen. Pollack made an announcement that nurse deployments are to be 6 months at a time. Does that apply to Reserve nurses? Or only Active Duty? What exactly is a PROFIS?

What are the differences between the types of units (i.e. TPU, IMA) Battle assemblies? How do you choose your unit?

Are there too many med-surg nurses 66H that want to deploy? I heard there is a waiting list, is that true?

After I finish my BSN and commission I have to do OBLC within 12 months. Then is there a Med-surg course? or do I learn with my unit? Or do they just expect that I will be able to perform right out of OBLC?

Is there an "orientation" period?

Thanks for any help!

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

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hey str8fan, i pm'ed you!!

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Hello fellow nurses (to be) :D. 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:bugeyes: 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:bowingpur

Look foward to speaking to you guys:)

Renee

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Critical care nursing.
Hello fellow nurses (to be) :D. 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:bugeyes: 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:bowingpur

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.

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