Finally after clearing MEPs, completing 50+page application, finding references and signing my DA61 sheet my packet will go before Army Nurse Board Nov.15 2016, hopefully if I get selected I will comission as a 1stLT - just wanted any advice or 2 cents for those who have had military experience as a nurse.
I have 2 boys and I chose the reservist route vs active to prevent them from having to move around too much and being able to live close at home to them. I've been an ICU nurse for almost 8 years and have always wanted to serve my country and this website has given me so much information so for the military nurses out there how is it? Why did you choose reserve vs active or vice versa
I live in Houston according to my recruiter I will probably drill in Fort Sam in SA one weekend a month I was hoping there would be someone out there who can tell me about the experience, as far as drill weekends, scheduling, juggling civilian job and life etc. my recruiter has done well filling me in but reading personal stories on here is always great input as well.
Thanks again and if someone can reach out to me personally please PM me with your email address I'd love to hear about your experience
There is a one-time ~$400 payment for all new officers get to uniforms. I personally spent $1200 on mine, so I'd have extra cash available. Unlike new enlistees, officers largely buy their own uniforms.
USAA offers low interest financing to new officers that allows you to consolidate you various debts. Call USAA (a private company), because that has nothing to do with the military at all.
I have trouble as well finding relevant information. I'm concerned with training. Deployment is an issue to deal with if that arises, but I don't want to take off and jet around for an odd training here and there above the basic, required training.
I've passed the army nurse consultant to enter as a APRN. I need to submit references, a motivational statement, and schedule the physical.
Can you explain why you chose Navy vs AF reserve, I'm very interested in being an ICU nurse after graduation in May? I have a enormous amount of student loans since I'm completing my 2nd Bachelor Degree. I decided the MCAT kicked my bottom and that promoted me to get my nursing degree. Any advice is appreciated, thanks.
My recruiter said my packet was board ready for Nov. 15 and yes, I looked into navy reserve ($30k sign on bonus) because my co-worker said she loved it. Her unit is a 30-minute drive in ellington base in Houston (my current location). But I've always wanted to do Army and the 75k ISP bonus with an O-2 commission is hard to turn down, even if I have to drive to San Antonio one weekend per month (6hr-roundtrip).
How far is your drive to the unit you will be assigned too? You can do a google search of the base you are interested in, find out the contact number and connect to their unit administrator or retention officer to see if they have a vacancy for your MOS
This is great information and a huge difference in the signing bonus!
Just wanted to share this with y'all - got a text from my recruiting saying I was selected!!! He said I just have to wait until official commissioning orders then I have 30 days to take the oath and from there he said he'd walk me through. Can anyone share their experience with starting off in the reserves? Honestly I feel pretty lost lol but I guess that's always how it as at the beginning
This is outstanding congratulations! I certainly look forward to hearing the next steps this is exciting.
I was wanting the unit in Paducah. I hear they deploy a lot. As far as board results, I found out I was on the OML the week after the board met. I'm just sitting around now waiting to hear about coming off the OML and sent to a unit. Mine has been a very long process. I could be a couple of weeks before you hear, but I would not be surprised if it were middle of next week.
Yes, West is the best! I was Neuro ICU/CVICU/House Supervisor there. I left after I graduated NP school.
I'm in my last semester of nursing school (BSN) and would like to know if it's best to apply to the AF/NavyArmy Reserves (currently employed part-time by a hospital in their ICU which I love) in advance of getting my first job offer? I'll be relocating from New Orleans to Marietta, GA (north of Atlanta) and have been offered a position where I'm currently working; however, praying I'll get an offer in a new grad residency program in GA upon applying in February. I definitely need a signing bonus due to enormous student loans. I'm interested in learning more about the loan repayment program. I'm in my late 20s not married and no children but want to experience living near family after being in New Orleans 10 years; 2 degrees. Eager to get insight from knowledgeable individuals in the field and important to add I was an Air Force brat my entire life.
jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA
1,665 Posts
There is a one-time ~$400 payment for all new officers get to uniforms. I personally spent $1200 on mine, so I'd have extra cash available. Unlike new enlistees, officers largely buy their own uniforms.
USAA offers low interest financing to new officers that allows you to consolidate you various debts. Call USAA (a private company), because that has nothing to do with the military at all.