Anyone at BAMC/SAMMC?

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Specializes in Med/Surg;Hm Health;House Super; ER.

Anyone going to be at Fort Sam Houston (or already there), that will be working or is currently working at BAMC/SAMMC?

I'm an RN & a new 1Lt accession that will be attending the March BOLC next month; however, I've been told I have to report early to BAMC in 1 1/2 weeks (by the 8th of March), instead of the 23rd for BOLC....and I'm close to clueless at this moment about procedures of in-processing when coming in wayyyy ahead of the rest of the BOLC group.

I was soooooo hoping to be able to come in with our March group & learn & share & help one another; But instead I'm coming in COMPLETELY solo with verrrrryyyyy late notice for packing, prepping &, most worrysome enough, somehow making sure I bring in all the right documents/paperwork...& don't want to be a wandering fool, ha. I don't even have my uniforms/supplies yet because I've been told to report in so much earlier than I was previously told (I had planned to get all these things at least a week before the BOLC began). And, since I'm coming in earlier, I'm still needing to figure out housing.

Anybody else coming in early on the March 8th?

Anyone going to the ER Precision course August 28th?

Any suggestions about what to do? :eek:

Thanks!!! :rolleyes:

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First, I suggest a nice, deep breath. :nurse:

Yikes, sounds like you got the hammer dropped on you. While I'm not going to be working at BAMC, I'm currently at FSH for BOLC. I can't explain why you have to show up early (all I know is that they're changing parts of the course) but I might be able to give you some tips on what to bring and what you will need.

Hint #1: Bring fifteen copies of your orders. I know the packing list says 10, but you'll want 15.

Hint #2: If you don't have uniforms, there are uniforms available at very reasonable prices here at FSH. They clothing & sales folks do have some shortages on a few items (the one that I know if is longsleeve PT shirts), but otherwise, FSH has a fully stocked store that will be able to supply you with everything you need.

Hint #3: If you're coming in for BOLC, they should be providing you with housing. We're currently staying in a hotel on post. Even nurses who are going to be stationed here afterward are staying in the hotel, so you should be provided for.

Hint #4: Make sure you get a full record of your immunizations and your most recent annual exam. If you don't have it, you will be poked unnecessarily and sent to a GYN at FSH. Nothing worse than that.

Hint #5: If you're coming in for the 9-week course, bring nice clothes to go out in. You will have the weekends off and San Antonio is a beautiful place with a lot of nice restaurants/clubs/bars to explore.

Reassurance #1: Don't worry, you will be totally lost...and so will everyone else. Chances are, you won't be flying solo. The army rarely just sends for one person early. If I had to bet, I'd say you'll have company.

Reassurance #2: Most people come in with shortages in supplies. There will be plenty of time to get things that you need once you get here. I absolutely understand the desperate need to be prepared for everything (I'm the same way) but it's basically impossible to anticipate everything you'll need, especially as a direct commissionee. People will understand if you need to get things along the way.

If you have any questions for me, please feel free to shoot me a PM. Best of luck in packing!

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Did you ever receive the email from the TAC officer for our BOLC class? If you haven't you can email [email protected] and ask them to add your email address.

In the FAQ they sent it has:

Q: I am permanently assigned to Fort Sam Houston. Am I authorized to stay in lodging?

A: If your orders direct you to report to your unit (e.g. BAMC) prior to the course start date, you must provide your own lodging. If you orders direct you to report AFTER the course completion date, we will provide lodging at no cost to you for the duration of the course.

If you're going to your unit prior to BOLC, and therefore expected to provide your own lodging, you should be given 10 days TLE upon reporting to find and secure housing. You can stay in lodging during this time (though you may want to make a reservation).

See if you can contact someone in the unit you are going to because they often have unit sponsor's that can assist you. You can also contact A co 187 for guidance (phone numbers are on their website) as well.

When you report, people will point you in the right direction and keep you moving along. Allarmyallthetime22 is right don't worry! It will work out! I've been an army wife a while and it always comes together. I don't have enough posts to email but feel free to email me at [email protected] if you'd like!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, OR, FNP.

ditto on the "take a breath". I've worked at BAMC and WHMC and although inprocessing can seem like a huge PIA time waster...it'll all be fine.

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Specializes in Med/Surg;Hm Health;House Super; ER.

Thanks all. I guess my main panic is if I don't have all the right paperwork.

I've tried to find everything I'm supposed to bring, but dang it all if I don't keep finding more things I'm supposed to copy & print, ha.

I will be keeping your email addresses as a security blanket, lol.

I have to drive to San Antonio tomorrow to get my doggy settled & to make sure I get there in time w/ no problems. Ack. So little time right now!

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Specializes in Med/Surg;Hm Health;House Super; ER.

P.S. Any good places to run close to either the base or BAMC, because I'm still working on my 2 miles before the 23rd arrives :-S. Thanks! :)

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Specializes in ICU, ER, OR, FNP.

Plenty of places to run, but the safest will be the big track by South Beach II. Every bus driver will know where that is since they shuttle all employees to and from BAMC from offsite parking on the Ft. Sam side. The contruction has it all closed so make sure you always leave with the intent of getting to parking 45 mins to an hour before you have to be somewhere.

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Specializes in Emergency Room/1LT Army 66HM5.
P.S. Any good places to run close to either the base or BAMC, because I'm still working on my 2 miles before the 23rd arrives :-S. Thanks! :)

Care&Joy,

Right in front of the AMEDD school is an awesome track. Three in one to be exact. Along the track is work out equipment as well so that you can work on the sit up and push up part of your PT as well. The inside track is a half mile track, so only four times around for your two mile!!! A little better than the usual 8 laps...Plus the housing area on the opposite side of the school has some good hills to run...good luck, you'll do fine I'm sure!!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg;Hm Health;House Super; ER.
Care&Joy,

Right in front of the AMEDD school is an awesome track. Three in one to be exact. Along the track is work out equipment as well so that you can work on the sit up and push up part of your PT as well. The inside track is a half mile track, so only four times around for your two mile!!! A little better than the usual 8 laps...Plus the housing area on the opposite side of the school has some good hills to run...good luck, you'll do fine I'm sure!!!

Hills & trails: EVEN BETTER!! :monkeydance:!! I get bored with gyms & tracks sometimes...part of my curse of trying to workout with actual motivation, lol. Thanks! I would like to find some nature trails outside of San Antonio for weekends & enjoy those too!

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