Published Aug 2, 2011
sa[RN]ah
43 Posts
I'm always lurking around on here.. i haven't seen anyone, as of yet, really post anything about the fast [very fast] approaching boards for the next fiscal year. im just curious who else out there is planning on submitting a packet? how many years experience? specialty/area of interest?
i myself am a pretty new nurse, i'll have a solid 6 months experience by the time the board meets. Ive got 3 months in general surgery/oncology and am in the poccess of switching over to a neuro trauma stepdown. i know how competitive things are anymore, and that the odds are more or less.. not in my favor. I applied last year while i was still a student, but too close to graduation for the ANCP, So i know the market for new[er] graduates isn't very good. im not really sure at this point if its my sheer determination or stubbornness thats driving me even hard this year..
Im hoping that not giving up and trying again at least says something?
Here's to better luck this year!
jeckrn, BSN, RN
1,868 Posts
Good Luck, remember the answer is always "no" if you do not try.
thanks jeckrn!
im keeping my fingers crossed that this will be the last time i have to go through this whole charade lol
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
Good luck!!! Please keep us posted. I remember how completely nerve-wracking it was to wait for boards, then wait to find out ... I hope you get selected! :)
Luhan has it right, it is nerve racking. I had 6 years in the reserves and there was 1000 slots to fill and until you get the official word you are on edge. It really doesn't completely disappear until you are on active duty.
Thanks for the good luck Lunah! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for selection this year too!
Applying last year made me realize the true definition of nerve-wracking lol. Im sure it will be as tight this year as it was last, and since 6 months experience probably wont stand up against most of the more experienced nurses, so i'm just trying to find ways to make myself as marketable as possible before november 1st :]
Just got word from my recruiter... they received the mission for next year. 2 years experience minimum, nonwaiverable. So I guess it looks like im out for active duty this year . Im extremely bummed.. but as long as reserves is still only requiring 6 months then im going to try to get get my foot in the door that way and try switching to active duty when I qualify.
all these hiccups are making things difficult here... :/
Wow ... I'm so sorry. Don't give up!!!
I haven't given up, thus far, so I will see what my options are with the reserves and go from there. But it definitely sucks to feel like the only thing being a new nurse has gotten me in this whole process is being automatically discounted and discredited.. TWICE..
New1LT
131 Posts
ah;5482481']I haven't given up thus far, so I will see what my options are with the reserves and go from there. But it definitely sucks to feel like the only thing being a new nurse has gotten me in this whole process is being automatically discounted and discredited.. TWICE..[/quote']Don't look at it as discounted and discredited, look at it as a goal to strive for. The Army isn't going anywhere, but you are. You will move forward and gain the experience the Army is striving to get. Just do what all of us did, get the experience and then some. Now you know the goal you have to reach to obtain your ultimate goal to serve RA...go get it and do it well. Get certified in your area and when you have it all, I'm sure you'll be in uniform before you know it!! I'm sorry about this board, but you're going to do great things I'm sure. You've already shown more determination than most!!!
Don't look at it as discounted and discredited, look at it as a goal to strive for. The Army isn't going anywhere, but you are. You will move forward and gain the experience the Army is striving to get. Just do what all of us did, get the experience and then some. Now you know the goal you have to reach to obtain your ultimate goal to serve RA...go get it and do it well. Get certified in your area and when you have it all, I'm sure you'll be in uniform before you know it!! I'm sorry about this board, but you're going to do great things I'm sure. You've already shown more determination than most!!!
You can ignore my extreme cynicism... not much has been going very positively lately.
But, when it comes down to it, I know I will get to where I want to be when the timing is all right. Im still going to pursue my options for this year to hopefully get a foot in the door. But in the meantime, I'm just gonna keep working to get the experience. If the reserves doesnt pan out, I guess I better hope they don't require 2 years experience again next year because I still won't have it lol
thanks for all the support nonetheless!
mmcgorrian
17 Posts
I know exactly how you feel. I'm in the same situation. I've only been working as an RN since March and was working on my packet for the Army as well. I really want to be Active Duty but now I'm really thinking about doing Reserve and hopefully switching to Active duty in the future. I just don't know how different the process is for going in the Reserve. Its all so frustrating but I'm going to keep working at it. Good luck to you.