BOLC June 2014

Specialties Government

Published

Hello all! I have been browsing threads to see who's headed for BOLC 2014 possibly June. No orders yet. Still waiting for the "phone call", my recruiter says it may take "2 weeks to 2 mos". I was commissioned (took an oath) Jan, 14th :). HOOAH! Also, are you going to Pre-BOLC? I am interested, I mentioned it to my recruiter and he just dismissed me. No prior military background/experience. I have been an RN for nearly 3 years. Currently working at a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital as a M/S Nurse. Still working on my APFT.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hi dodleg, Congratulation! I live in Wisconsin :), but it's in our list to visit. Have fun there, I heard so much good things about San Antonio. I look forward to be there soon.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hi Everyone! I got my orders yesterday! I will be going to pre-BOLC Aug. 10. Still a few months away, I was hoping I will be on June 29, pre-BOLC. However, we got date and place to work with, so I am okay with that. My assignment will be Winn Army Community Hospital in Fort Stewart GA. Not in my list and just started reading about the place yesterday. Can anyone tell me anything about it especially those who served there. I can't wait to serve our troops and their families. Thank you all! Hooah!

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
My assignment will be Winn Army Community Hospital in Fort Stewart GA. Not in my list and just started reading about the place yesterday. Can anyone tell me anything about it especially those who served there. I can't wait to serve our troops and their families. Thank you all! Hooah!

Well I will see you when you get here. :) I'm at Winn. If you're going to start looking for places to live, I suggest Richmond Hill. It's about 25 minutes from Ft. Stewart and has great schools, nice places to live, etc. It's halfway between Ft. Stewart and Savannah, essentially.

Are you going to be working in med/surg? It's called the Family Care Unit (FCU) at Winn. It's a pretty small community hospital, but we stay busy, especially where I am in the ER.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hi Pixie,

I am so thrilled that you are there! This is a good sign! I can't wait to meet you. The family still processing the news as of this time. Yes, I will be working as a Med/Surg Nurse. I am hoping and wanting to transition in ER at some point.

Do you know who to contact about basic information regarding family life at Fort Stewart? I have two small girls, 2 and 6 years old. Our Kindergartener goes to private school here. I saw that they have one in Hinesville & Richmond Hill and it cost twice as much as we pay now. I will not be making more money when I will be in the Army compared to now. I have no bonus and not even the loan repayment incentive.

We are 40 minutes from the Twin Cities, we are making a comparison to decide what's best for my Family -- if they have to join me now vs later when I will know my work load and schedule. Can you give me an idea what the typical Army Med/Surg Nurse work schedule is like at Winn? Will they have time for their families on the weekends or at least 2 days a week?

On the other hand, I am very excited to go to BOLC! Take care everyone, and thank you in advance.

I received my army orders too! It looks like Armymom and I will be going to bolc together! I am continuing on to Ft Benning. Ironically I had Ft Stewart on my top 3 choices, and Benning was not on my list. But I am very happy we are going there. I have heard great things. I'm excited.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Scrubnurse, Congratulations again! I read good things about Ft Benning. I can't wait to meet you, I will see you in BOLC. :).

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

ArmyMomRN2014, I will message you soon!

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hi everyone, here's an update,

I have been reviewing blogs and websites about Fort Stewart and Hinesville, Georgia and so far, no luck of finding many good reviews, regarding low crimes, school systems and parks for my children.

I emailed my branch manager today if there's any other location for a 2nd LT. She gave me Fort Irwin, California. Just starting to read up about Ft Irwin as of this time. I am very proud and grateful for the opportunity offered to me and I really can't wait to serve our troops!

This allnurses site has been very helpful, as many of you has been so generous sharing your knowledge. Please give me some input on the Pros and cons of Fort Stewart vs Fort Irwin as a new officer with no military background.

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

As far as I know, Ft. Irwin is literally the middle of nowhere. The closest town is Barstow, 30 miles away. As I said in my previous post, most officers I know who are stationed at Winn/Ft. Stewart live in Richmond Hill because there is low crime and the schools are excellent. I'd probably pick Ft. Stewart over Ft. Irwin, if it were me.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hi Pixie,

Thank you for your input. If it's only me, I will go anywhere the Army will send me in a heartbeat!

I have 2 wonderful places to chose from that would still let me serve my country. I love my family and I want to take them anywhere I go if I can. This is a big decision to make, coming from a family with no military background. My husband and I agreed to maintain two homes, since we are living in a single family home that is paid-off.

I agree, clinically and professionally Ft. Stewart is a great place for me that matches my career goals, but I am taking into consideration whether my husband/kids will be happy in Georgia as much as I am with my career. On the other hand, BOLC and Deployment are two situations where you can't bring any family members.

I have some time to think about this and I am very fortunate that the HR has been generous working with me.

Again, thank you. I will let you know soon.

Be advised that Ft Irwin is austere at best as far as places in the United States are concerned. It is hours from anything. I've been several times and my only thought upon arrival every time was, at least I'm leaving in a few weeks.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hi there PulselessNine,

Thank you for your comment. Personally, I don't really mind being in an isolated place or in the middle of nowhere, is that what you mean? I was born and raised in a rural area of the Philippines with no or very little opportunities. Maybe I can keep myself busy working and studying for the certifications needed for any promotion. Did you get a chance to visit Weed Hospital, can you tell me about it, the typical flow? I guess, I would like to know what I would miss if I were to choose Weed vs Winn hospital in Ft. Stewart.

On a side note, I have friends, cousins, and mom-in-law in San Diego, LA and Palm Springs. I am sure our family can drive there if I can get a pass. Cheers!

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