Greetings, I have been a long time lurker on the All Nurses boards and relatively new observer of the military section. I have a few specific questions that I would greatly appreciate your help/opinion on.
Background: Prior service Army Officer, Left service (about 1 year ago) honorably to pursue nursing degree.
Questions:
1) A BSN is required to enter active duty - will a Masters Entry Program in Nursing full fill this requirement? (There is a program local that is cost effective and quick that I would like to enroll in)
2) At what point can you initiate the contract - as soon as you have the acceptance letter or?
3) I have the GI bill and will be using it to pay for bills and such... will I still be able to take school loans out to pay for tuition and then have this loan repayed?
4) Are there any stipends available if you join and are currently in college?
5) Prior service - do you know if the OBC type training will be required after entry?
6) Any comments on rank - I understand they will evaluate... trying to understand how leaving as a jr CPT transferring in will be affected.
7) Any comments on the new army residency program for non-experienced nurses?
Thanks - I look forward to any comments and want to thank you in advance.
Greetings, I have been a long time lurker on the All Nurses boards and relatively new observer of the military section. I have a few specific questions that I would greatly appreciate your help/opinion on.
Background: Prior service Army Officer, Left service (about 1 year ago) honorably to pursue nursing degree.
Questions:
1) A BSN is required to enter active duty - will a Masters Entry Program in Nursing full fill this requirement? (There is a program local that is cost effective and quick that I would like to enroll in)
Hello,
I entered with a Masters entry degree. Possibly it depends on which place you are assigned to but, it hasn't proved beneficial or helpful to me. My head nurse chose to avoid giving me, (I am a direct commission) any military guidance claiming that since I have a masters he thought I should know everything.
His boss's boss, (I'm being vague about titles and all because I do not want to point any fingers or be obvious) told me that perhaps I'm over degreed for my experience. Now it all started with a leadership issue...so hopefully you will have much better leadership experiences than myself. Meanwhile, I was offered and accepted a seat at a PhD program locally that recognizes the MS and is a three year, program. All I'd need is the one day a week for all day classes, (naturally homework and all is on my time) but, my boss's boss said, "why do you want to do that? Why not wait a few years and apply through the Army?"
While some say the Army values education, (I know that my boss's boss's boss does embrace masters degreed nurses but, her sentiment doesn't reflect my daily reality) the reality of my experience is that the masters entry degree with hurt you "UNLESS" you have rock solid military bearing.
Oh, and for this rock solid military bearing you will need...it won't be taught in OBLC, matter of fact, I was really looking forward to that class at OBLC...it wasn't offered, it was on our schedule alright but, it was scratched because they didn't have time for it.
Best,
Gennaver
p.s. formerly wanted to be a career officer, currently ticking down the days and wanting nothing 'but out' from the Army
Correct - prior service are not required to attend OBC - but you need to discuss with your health care recruiter.... prior service also have the ability to retain rank (potentially) and there is a review process to determine what rank you will transfer in as. However you will retain your 'time in service'.
That being said OBC is going to be required if your are prior service but did not complete a OBC within a different branch - lets say if you were coming from the enlisted side of the house.
Lifeafter40 - I'm in the same boat as you - feel free to email through allnurses.com for any comments, questions or brainstorming.. prior service NBQ CPT within the IN here.
Hi,
This is news to me. AT OBLC, (fall of 2007) my class was comprised of about half who were prior service. We were instructed that all who where new officers to AMEDD needed to go through OBLC together especially seeing as we were all going to be working together and OBLC is for AMEDD. Possible I have the details wrong, and all, but, it could be a rarity for a prior enlisted to not go to OBLC.
This is news to me. AT OBLC, (fall of 2007) my class was comprised of about half who were prior service. We were instructed that all who where new officers to AMEDD needed to go through OBLC together especially seeing as we were all going to be working together and OBLC is for AMEDD. Possible I have the details wrong, and all, but, it could be a rarity for a prior enlisted to not go to OBLC.
Thanks,
Gen
You are correct - prior enlisted need to attend their officer basic course.
Prior service officers whom have completed their OBC... have completed their OBC and do not have a requirement to attend... perhaps if there is a large time gap this is reconsidered.
Gennaver, MSN
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