Air force nursing cot august 2014

[Bayern]

Not sure if someone has started a thread for this Class. If there is one already, please send me a link for it. I thought we should have a threat to prepare people who made it to this class. Any input from the other guys that we started this long journey with would be appreciated. Thank you.

[GraceRn11]

Ok, I believe I have asked this question before and if I did I apologize. When we arrive to COT I am thinking I will leave everything in my vehicle except for a backpack which will have all my important paperwork in it needed for in processing. Will this be ok, or should I carry all my bags in? And if I leave them in my vehicle when will I be able to retrieve my luggage with my uniforms and clothing in it? Thanks!

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I would bring everything when you check-in with one exception (laptop, luggage, etc). I wouldn't bring more than a couple of civilian outfits; it's just more things you have to fold for room inspections. Everybody else will be bringing everything in.

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They do let you go back to your car the first evening (6-8 hrs later). Other than that, they won't let you go back to your car for weeks.

[Bayern]

So we should take our docs and back pack but leave luggage in the car bc we will have time to go fetch them?

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

You definitely need the cash ($150-$200 total), credit card, your orders, and your 2 forms of ID at a bare minimum to check in. I brought everything with me (including all my luggage), and they just have you stack it off to the side until you get your room key.

Bring everything with you or not...either way is fine. Niether will get you singled-out.

[Bayern]

what's the deal about drinking 3 glasses of water? I tried it and all I do is start peeing in 20mins! How about that? What's my option here?

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I think that's something they used to do. Now, they make you wear a camel back everywhere you go.

[Bayern]

Thank you very much. You have really helped ease plenty of my anxiety about this whole thing. I tell myself it is only 5 wks...others have it longer and tougher. So I think this is what I will do on reporting day. I will have my file with me that has every important documents (I have an appointment tomorrow at Maxwell to add my family into DEERS and also get ID for my wife and I) and I will be pulling my luggage case and carrying on my back my duffel bag. I have been to Maxwell around OTS/COT area...the distance did not seem too far, at least to the eye driving around the area. When we are given a chance to go to our cars. I will then get clothes that I intend to hang like the mess dress blah blah blah

[GraceRn11]

So I am looking at hotspots through my cell carrier (Verizon) and for pay as you go the cheapest is 199.99! I'm only going to use it the 5 weeks I am there and really don't want to spend that much or sign a contract... Does anyone have any suggestions for hotspots?

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

Have you checked your phone? Many smart phones have a hot-spot mode; you can have your laptop use your phone's data. I have an I phone 5 and my service is AT&T.

[GraceRn11]

I was informed tethering my laptop to my smartphone may not be as beneficial as an actual hotspot and that you may not always be able to pull out your phone to connect to.

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

Yeah, it's not ideal. However, I can guarantee the internet you you get from your phone is faster than the wifi at COT. If you can't find another way to get a hotspot,then you might want to consider it.

[GraceRn11]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up going on our local army base and getting one for 99 bucks at AAFES. Still pricey but it's pay as you go and I will always have it for later use if needed.