BOLC July 2012

Specialties Government

Published

Hi Everyone!

I am an RN going to BOLC at Ft. Sam July 2012 and was wondering if anyone else out there is going as well?? I'm getting more excited/nervous the closer it gets and have been following some of the threads from other people who have gone through the course already. Anyone else going to be there or have any other info/wisdom to give?? Thanks!

Specializes in SICU.
Chudder- Can you be more specific on the PT? What the max distance that you ran while there? I've already passed my PT test with my unit and am working out regularly. I'd like more information so I know if I'm on target or not. Thanks!

The longest I ran was about 5K. You will split into "ability groups" based on your 2 mile run time. The A and B groups ran a bit further, I think. I was part of C group.

If you are a reservist here for the short course, the PT test is required but diagnostic only.

Tawrn2002.....Hi! Our BOLC training is almost here! I'm just ready to get this thing started! Not looking forward to all the heat though that is for sure. My first duty station is Tripler in Hawaii..and I'm not sure what to expect because I've never even vacationed there. Are you ready for next week??

Hi LunahRN! BOLC has started for me now and so far its been not too bad! Just curious if you had any info on the "nurse track" 2 weeks after the BOLC graduation. They just haven't told us what exactly we will be doing and wondered if you could help me out to know what to expect! Thanks :)

Specializes in SICU.
Hi LunahRN! BOLC has started for me now and so far its been not too bad! Just curious if you had any info on the "nurse track" 2 weeks after the BOLC graduation. They just haven't told us what exactly we will be doing and wondered if you could help me out to know what to expect! Thanks :)

Powerpoint + Patient CaringTouch. Rinse and repeat. There is an evidence-based practice project and a presentation based on a book about leadership, both done as groups. Morning PT a couple of times a week. If you're a new nurse there are other assignments that you will send to your next duty station... a letter of introduction to your DCN, a goals statement, etc.

New to the site. I'm a doc, not an RN, but this was the best discussion of BOLC I've seen. I hope the nurses will forgive me for horning in on a nursing site. Would appreciate the perspective of some of the nurses who have been to BOLC (particulary LunahRN, who seems pretty knowledgeable).

I've been working with my recruiter to go on active duty. It's a long story but the key issues are: age (54) and health (lumbar disc dz). Recruiter was encouraging - naturally waivers will be required. Most of the work up front had to do with training, credentials, etc. without very much discussion of the PFT. Recently got serious about meeting the standards and started to work out. I've done fine for years walking and hiking, but the running is, frankly, killing me. The only reason I've gone this far (other than personal committment) is that I know for a fact that there are docs 64 and even 76 years of age who are serving.

Does anyone know if there are actually any older docs like me with conditions that prevent running that were allowed to complete BOLC?

I've accepted the fact that the answer is probably "no," but I'm determined to see this through to the bitter end (although I would rather not go all the way to Ft Sam just to get chaptered out for PFT failure -I'll skip that part).

Thanks.

Specializes in SICU.

If you turn 55 prior to BOLC, you will have the option of walking instead of running regardless of whatever conditions you may have. We had a few older docs in our group. All completed BOLC without issue and, as far as I know, none of them completed the run for the APFT.

Specializes in Critical care.

Sir, you should check out this link on Army times, Vancouver doctor, grandfather in the Army now - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times . The article is about a doc who is 58, a grandfather and now a newly minted officer in the medical corps. I wish you the best of luck sir and I hope you make it.

Check out this link about soldier taking the APFT over 55.

APFT Over Age 55

I am in the process of joining as well, packet it in and awaiting the AMEDD FY2013 direct accession board for the nurse corps.

Good luck and well meet sometime at Ft. Sam

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