Army nurse residency

[aniko743]

I have been reading these posts for a long time, because my goal is to join the military after I graduate. I will finish my BSN Dec. 09. I talked to the Army healthcare rectuiter about the nurse residency program, but he didn't tell me much about it. He said they still working out some of the issues. I think it is a great opportunity the have this residency program. That is one of the reason why I lean towards the Army. Has anybody been accepted to the program and can tell me a little bit more about it? I have a hard time making decision between the Army and the Air force. I know each services has pros and cons, the residency program sounds great, but I don't know much about it. If somebody can tell me a little bit more about it, that would help me make a decision.

Thank you!

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Aniko - I have the same info that it was more of a test run... one great thing about the army is for new grads to get a guaranteed course in either OB, CC, OR or PSYCH. You attend the course (each lasts about 16 weeks) after having 1-2 years of general exp (typically med-surg, but need dependent). I think this is a great opportunity for new grads.

v/r

[scmatt83]

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Just a heads up on the residency program. I just finished it, or at least our medcens version of it. The whole concept is great, sure, but it doesn't make sense from a logistics point of view. We spent one month improcessing, then 3 months going from place to place in the hospital. Places like ER, ICU, Cardiology, PACU, OR, Same day Surgery, Med/Surg, 10 different care clinics. Trust me, on the second day you are going to think you are back in nursing school. You just observe everything, I and the people I was with wanted to get in and start nursing/patient care. Every floor has a different computer system, different ways things are run. They can't teach you that in the days you are there, usually two, so you just observe. The next day somewhere else. The LT's already on the floor can't go to there course till you get there to the floor and are oriented. So that sets them and you back a whole year. And as far as the course guarantee, it is a bit misleading. First of all, everyone who joins gets one, whether it says it in your contract or not. The length of the contract decides when you go. They like for you to go to a course with one year left on your contract. So if you have a 3 year contract, then at year #2 you would go. If you have a 6 year contract, then at year #5. So that means someone who has just been in the Army for two years would go, even if you have twice as much time in the Army. Not to fair. I have a three year contract and want to go to Anesthesia School so not really effecting me. But I see it happens. However, the patient load and work time is so much better as well as the training and benefits. GO ARMY!! Any questions at all, let me know.