Anyone visiting Ft. Sam Houston, Texas in May for BAMC tour and physical?

db97 · Apr 15, 2009

Hey I'm not going on the tour but went on it last summer. I to am graduating next May and it was the biggest deciding factor for me. It was a very fun and interesting tour. If you eat cheap you'll actually come out money ahead because they pay you a flat rate for everything regardless of how much you spend. It was an awesome trip and will give you a first hand look at a working Army Medical Center.

pattyrn376 · Apr 15, 2009

I went last july, I had a good time, the physical was a lot easier than I thought. drew blood , UA, reflexes, looked at my feet, in my mouth and that was about it. It was not invasive at all and I am over 40. the night before dont drink the free drinks at the happy hr the night before as you will pull + on the etoh test the next day. and that might be a dq

Renee4christ · Apr 15, 2009

thank you for the tips Patty! good to know :) so you go on Sunday and the physical is on Monday? what about Tuesday and do you remember what airline and hotel you were in?

db97 · Apr 16, 2009

Hey I got your PM but I don't think I have made enough posts for my PM function to work yet. Anyway on the trip Sunday was basically a travel day. We did not get into San Antonio until about 11PM. Woke up Monday morning and did the physical as has been previously described. After the physical we toured the hospital and the rehab facility. Both were extremely impressive. Be prepared to know some specialty areas you would like to see such as ER, oncology ect. They asked us what we were interested in and tried thier best to get us in those areas. However the burn unit is pretty much off limits to tours. Then they set up some meetings for us with nurses in the hospital to talk with and ask questions. So, make sure you have some questions in mind to ask them because they are more the happy to answer. It is nice to get info from actual nurses that are there and working versus just hearing everything from the recruiter. After we did all of this we went down on the river walk and had dinner that evening. Then that was pretty much it for the day. Be prepared for a lot of walking. Tuesday was a little more hectic as everyone had different flight times out so the day was broke up a little more. The main thing of this day is we drove around and took a tour of the base and also saw the army medical museum. We also did vision and hearing tests at the on base MEPS. After that you basically hang out untill your leaving flight. If you have time to go anywhere or see anything they are usually more the happy to accomodate so long as it works out with everyone elses scheduals. Like I said earlier it was a blast and I really enjoyed it. My recruiter and I are now starting the job of getting all my stuff together to submit my packet. Had I not taken the tour I probably would have never choose the Army. It was my major deciding factor.

Renee4christ · Apr 16, 2009

Hey I got your PM but I don't think I have made enough posts for my PM function to work yet. Anyway on the trip Sunday was basically a travel day. We did not get into San Antonio until about 11PM. Woke up Monday morning and did the physical as has been previously described. After the physical we toured the hospital and the rehab facility. Both were extremely impressive. Be prepared to know some specialty areas you would like to see such as ER, oncology ect. They asked us what we were interested in and tried thier best to get us in those areas. However the burn unit is pretty much off limits to tours. Then they set up some meetings for us with nurses in the hospital to talk with and ask questions. So, make sure you have some questions in mind to ask them because they are more the happy to answer. It is nice to get info from actual nurses that are there and working versus just hearing everything from the recruiter. After we did all of this we went down on the river walk and had dinner that evening. Then that was pretty much it for the day. Be prepared for a lot of walking. Tuesday was a little more hectic as everyone had different flight times out so the day was broke up a little more. The main thing of this day is we drove around and took a tour of the base and also saw the army medical museum. We also did vision and hearing tests at the on base MEPS. After that you basically hang out untill your leaving flight. If you have time to go anywhere or see anything they are usually more the happy to accomodate so long as it works out with everyone elses scheduals. Like I said earlier it was a blast and I really enjoyed it. My recruiter and I are now starting the job of getting all my stuff together to submit my packet. Had I not taken the tour I probably would have never choose the Army. It was my major deciding factor.

Thank you so much for all your help "db97" :) That really helps me. I so agree with you with this being my deciding factor. I have never been on an military base, yet alone a military hospital, so I'm super excited. Last question about it... how many other people were there with you? Thanks for your help! When are you looking to join?

db97 · Apr 16, 2009

On the trip I was on maybe 10-12 were with us. About 4 or 5 were nurses or student nurses the rest were other medical professionals. I'm hoping to get my packet in this October or November. I graduate school May 2010.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2009

I went back in December, was a little cold but not bad. Enjoyed the tour, the Center for the Intrepid is unbelievable with what we can do for our wounded service members. If you have nevere be exposed to the military before you will see a little of how it runs, there is some hurry up and wait. Like other post have stated you can come out ahead on your per diem(meal money). Also on the wizz quiz they will be checking for alcohol & illegal substances. If you are takine RX'd meds, even if they are PRN, bring them with you in the original bottle.

Renee4christ · Apr 16, 2009

I went back in December, was a little cold but not bad. Enjoyed the tour, the Center for the Intrepid is unbelievable with what we can do for our wounded service members. If you have nevere be exposed to the military before you will see a little of how it runs, there is some hurry up and wait. Like other post have stated you can come out ahead on your per diem(meal money). Also on the wizz quiz they will be checking for alcohol & illegal substances. If you are takine RX'd meds, even if they are PRN, bring them with you in the original bottle.

Thank you so much for your help!!! how much money do they give you??? sounds good coming from 2 ppl! i'm really excited now!

pattyrn376 · Apr 16, 2009

I think it was 75 a day. I flew delta and stayed in the embassy suites. seemed like they were used to the army tours. I got comissioned as a 1LT just waiting for orders. I finally found the army reserve place in columbia mo. I will be in unit 7228 when I finally get my orders. I wouldn't mind working in an army hosp for a year or so. The VA has to keep my job open which is nice. I am single now, my kid is grown, I can do what I want. I have to go to a place where I can bring my 3 lb chihuahua roxy. otherwise its a nogo.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Apr 17, 2009

I think it was 75 a day. I flew delta and stayed in the embassy suites. seemed like they were used to the army tours. I got comissioned as a 1LT just waiting for orders. I finally found the army reserve place in columbia mo. I will be in unit 7228 when I finally get my orders. I wouldn't mind working in an army hosp for a year or so. The VA has to keep my job open which is nice. I am single now, my kid is grown, I can do what I want. I have to go to a place where I can bring my 3 lb chihuahua roxy. otherwise its a nogo.

Pattyrn- sounds like you have joined the reserves, what type of unit is the 7228?. For bringing your dog it will depend on where they are sending you. If you are being deployed overseas, that will be a no-go for your dog :crying2: . Stateside will depend on where you will be living. If staying on base or in a contract hotel, more then likely you will not be able to, but if you are staying out in town and renting your own place more then likely you will be able to bring your dog with. Just like with a child you will need to have arrangements ahead of time for someone to take care of your dog because if S* hits the fan and your unit gets orders to deploy it could be in little as 24 hours before you have to report.

Renee4christ · Apr 17, 2009

Pattyrn- sounds like you have joined the reserves, what type of unit is the 7228?. For bringing your dog it will depend on where they are sending you. If you are being deployed overseas, that will be a no-go for your dog . Stateside will depend on where you will be living. If staying on base or in a contract hotel, more then likely you will not be able to, but if you are staying out in town and renting your own place more then likely you will be able to bring your dog with. Just like with a child you will need to have arrangements ahead of time for someone to take care of your dog because if S* hits the fan and your unit gets orders to deploy it could be in little as 24 hours before you have to report.

i think you posted this in the wrong thread