New Grad Nurse Joining Army-Helpful Tips Please!!

How long did the application process take? I am completing the paperwork now, and I'm ready to start this career. Hope all goes well with you.

Are you waiting to go up to the Board or have you been already accepted. I am completing all paperwork tomorrow with my recruiter and just want to know about how long I will have to wait. I already passed NCLEX and I'm just ready to get into ANC. How was MEPS? People have me really nervous about going to MEPS. Thanks!!

Hey guys! I graduate May 2010 with my BSN and started my process I think in May and got an official letter on September 16. I was sooooooooo relieved!! As far as your contract, I think you should know everything you have been told or promised is in there (loan repay, bonuses, committment). I selected the loan repay, so that was the first thing I looked for. Also, if you are promised any of the course guarantees (OB, psych, perioperative, Critical care, public health), I'm told you should definetely have that in your contract. For bases, when I went on the Brooke Army medical center (BAMC) in July for my physical and tour, I asked the escorts the best bases for new nurses, and he told me if I REALLY wanted to learn, to go for BAMC (San Antonio, TX), Madigan (Washington State) or Walter Reed (Washington, D.C.) One of them explained the other places are great, but those 3 see a lot and also deal with civilians. I thought a lot about my choices when I selected them and chose Hawaii, Washington State, and Germany. I've heard all great things about Hawaii and he told me he worked there and had a great experience. I think it really depends what you're looking for and what you want out of where you liven but seems like most ppl I've talked to made the best of wherever they landed!

When are you all looking to go to OBLC? I hope to attend the July course. As far as MEPS, I haven't heard too much of that for Officers.

curious to know whether one actually does get one's base of choice...

When I came on active duty in July I was able to choose my base and ended up with my 2nd choice.

Getting Hawaii or Germany out the door as a new officer is difficult, but not impossible. I would suggest a large medical center like San Antonio (BAMC), Ft. Lewis, WA (MAMC), or Walter Reed Army Medical Center to get your basic nursing experience. Those places have a large patient population that will help you learn. I think the Army is trying to keep new nurses from deploying during the first year post-graduation, so you may be in luck. I know that was a goal of the Army Nurse Corps, but all things are subject to the needs of the Army. Good luck and thank you for joining up!