Army Nurse Corp Reserves advice/input on experience 2016

[RayRN87]

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

[Aaraya428]

On 5/7/2019 at 11:59 AM, jjphoenix said:

So, your time commitment is based on if you sign in for any incentives. For example, I received a bonus that will be paid out over 4 years so I am obligated at least 4 years. As a commissioned officer you don’t have an end date per se. In order to get out you have to resign your commission compared to enlisted just finish their contract and go home if they don’t re-enlist. There is also the IRR, i believe if you haven't done 8 years then when you finish your active duty or reserve then you transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve for a period of time.

Deployments could be anywhere the military needs you. The Army has forward surgical teams and Combat support hospitals that can be relatively close to “a hot zone” but the navy you might end up on a naval hospital or a boat somewhere.

As far as where you would drill if you go reserve that is a better question for your recruiter. Just make sure you are talking to a healthcare recruiter for Officers. I hope I was able to answer some of your questions. Let me know if you need anything else.

What is your experience in the military? Are you in the army? Active or reserve? How many years?

[jjphoenix]

I am a 1LT in the Army Reserves as a Critical Care Nurse. I have been in since December but, I have only been drilling since March because it took almost 3 months for my orders. Also, I was on the enlisted side in the Marine Corps for five years.

[Aaraya428]

On 5/14/2019 at 11:38 AM, jjphoenix said:

I am a 1LT in the Army Reserves as a Critical Care Nurse. I have been in since December but, I have only been drilling since March because it took almost 3 months for my orders. Also, I was on the enlisted side in the Marine Corps for five years.

Have you been deployed?

[jjphoenix]

Not yet. I have to finish all of my initial training before I can be deployed. There are 2 courses about a month long each that I need to finish.

[GetBehindtheBarn, BSN]

On 5/7/2019 at 11:14 AM, Aaraya428 said:

If I sign on as a reserve, what is the time commitment? Are deployments usually around or near hot zones? Would I stay local in NJ or do they pick where they send you?

This is my 7th year in, and the Reserves are ALWAYS an adventure!

You spend one weekend a month and at least 2 weeks a year between drill weekends and ECT/AT weeks. You can pick up more time, if there is a mission out there that needs you MOS (and you actually hear about it in time to apply).

Depending on your MOS, your Unit, your Unit Administrator, and other people you know, deployments can be few and far between (speaking of the climate we as a country have experienced in the last few years - who knows what the future will hold). I am a Med-Surg Nurse (66H) and our opportunities are limited (at this time). Most that I have seen come around are to exotic places like Wisconsin, Louisiana, DC area, etc. ?

As far as the Unit you are assigned to - that can be all over the place! ? When I joined, I was told I would be with a Unit in my state. Six months later (after waiting FOREVER for orders), I received a letter saying that I was assigned to a Unit nine hours away. It was a pain, BUT I met great people and worked through it. As life would have it, my husband took a job that moved me closer to my current Unit (lucky chance, not planned), and now I am only 2.5 hours away.

The Army Reserves can be extremely frustrating, but I am glad that I am in. As I said earlier, the people you serve and get to work with make it worth the pains. Your career can be whatever you make of it, but you have to be willing to face the frustrations of participation.

Best of luck!

[catamounts30, BSN, RN]

On 11/3/2016 at 5:37 PM, RayRN87 said:

I have very bad vision as well but the Army MEPs was able to clear me still, maybe air force has stricter regulations for vision ? But I don't see how it would be an issue with corrected lenses

Agreed, i think the vision requirements are pretty liberal.

On 4/29/2019 at 8:25 PM, RobdRN said:

Hello Michk, Did you get your orders yet. I just found out today that I got selected as Capt/03 / 66E reserves. Just wondering how long will it take to get my orders and start drilling?

congratulations!