A few military nursing questions

[cablefree]

Hello everyone, I have a few questions about reserve nursing... Thank you in advance for your answers! :)

I was finally pulled off of the OML list for the Army Reserve. How long is BOLC for reservists? Do I get to pick a date, or am I assigned a date? Do I drill with my unit before attending BOLC?

I also have a packet submitted for the Navy Reserve, the board isn't for a few more days. But, I'm sure it will take a bit longer to get the results from the board? Am I able to hold off my Army decision to wait on the Navy? (In another lifetime, I was enlisted USMC infantry, so I think the Navy would be an easier transition for me). I have 6 years of nursing experience, but only 3 years is with a BSN, word on the street is that the Navy only counts BSN experience, so I should expect a lower rank with the Navy?

Finally, when I submitted my packets; it was for Med/surg nursing. I now work in critical care. How long would I have to wait to change to critical care?

Thank You!

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

Based on your experience (assuming your prior enlisted time was at least 4 years and 1 day), if you do Army or AF, your starting rank is O-2E. If you do Navy, your starting rank is O1E (pre-BSN time doesn't count).

Reserves is a bit different. Typically on active duty, you need to work 2 years of med-surg before you can transition to ICU. I'm not really sure if you can switch specialties within the Reserves. You might be able to do it once you have a least 1 year of full time civilian ICU RN experience. However, the reserves probably won't re-train you. It will be up to you to get the civilian experience on your own and apply for the change.