Army Reserve Nursing

angelkerri · Apr 9, 2011

@Jerryl and anyone else doing OBC soon: During training, if you're able, or afterwards, could you post some impressions/tips/etc of your experience of OBC. Us future reservists would love to know what we're in for :)

sunshinestudentA · Sep 30, 2011

I will Have an ADN in October and am currently looking into the Army Reserves, do you have to have a BSN to apply?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 30, 2011

I will Have an ADN in October and am currently looking into the Army Reserves, do you have to have a BSN to apply?

Yes, I'm hearing it's BSN-only at this point.

angelkerri · Sep 30, 2011

When I first applied I heard that ADNs could apply for Reserves but that you can't make past a certain rank (I think Captain? But don't quote me on that) until you get a BSN. Active Duty has always only taken BSNs. They are parsing the force down quite a bit since they're winding down the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq but if you really want into the Army I would say it's worth talking to an AMEDD recruiter about it.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Sep 30, 2011

At this point RNs also need 6 months of experience for the Reserves, and two years of experience for Active Duty.

angelkerri · Sep 30, 2011

Lunah, interesting. I remember during last year's board they supposedly had spots set aside just for new grads. I imagine this is all changing though.

I followed the link to your blog and I really enjoyed what I read. Very informative. Especially about BOLC. I'm going to have to check out those Nike Boots. Going to BTA tomorrow and I'm supposed to be getting "Officer 101" since I'm waiting to get into BOLC (Reservists do the first part online and then do just 26 days at Ft. Sam...but I imagine you knew that? My life has been no end of pain, though, since online BOLC has been out of commission for the last 6-7 weeks. SO frustrating). My sponsor and platoon sgt stressed to me last time that it's essential we all learn the right way to do things because Big Army is cleaning house and wants all the newbies to toe the line.

Anyway I will share your blog with the other new LTs in my unit. We're all VERY curious about

scotch-irish1 · Oct 1, 2011

Question for anyone regarding age waiver??

I am an Assoc RN with approx ten years critical care experience. I am only a few credits shy of BSN. I am a single Dad and my son just turned 18 and is now in college. I've always wanted to join the Army since my father was career military and WWII veteran. However, I am 51 years young- but in very good to excellent physical condition. I wasn't at liberty to join the military with the responsibilities of raising an adolescent son and found it very difficult to continue classes to get BSN while working more than full time hours in often 2 or more jobs at the same time. I had seen on the Army Nurse Corps web site at one time, individuals that held a nursing degree could join the Army Nurse Corps as long as able to fulfill a 2-year obligation before 62nd birthday? Now the link to that web page is gone. I read now, that the maximum age is 42 but may request an "age waiver". My question is... if anyone knows an age waiver for someone 51 is likely whatsoever- despite my experience. At this point, would only consider the Reserves anyway, but if the opportunity exists, would definitely consider active duty. Thank you.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Oct 1, 2011

Yeah, they had the Officer Accession Pilot Program (OAPP) information on the Army website last year or the year before, but I think it has since been discontinued. This was the only link I could really find:

http://www.armyaccessionsnewsroom.com/media-resources/fact-sheets/officer-accession-pilot-program/

It has probably been discontinued because it's no longer available on the main Army site, but it wouldn't hurt to check with an AMEDD recruiter in your area:

http://www.goarmy.com/locate-a-recruiter.html

just_cause, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2011

scotch,

You might also look at the guard options in your state. Truthfully all you can do is submit the waiver to see what happens.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Oct 1, 2011

Lunah, interesting. I remember during last year's board they supposedly had spots set aside just for new grads. I imagine this is all changing though.

There were a handful of direct commission new grads at BOLC with me, but not too many. Most of the direct commission folks were experienced RNs with identifiers, or those going to the Army nurse anesthetist program (USAGPAN).

Glad you enjoyed the blog! I really do need to add to it, now that I'm at my duty station. Our Reserve folks at BOLC didn't have access to the online training modules (I believe they are somewhat newly online?), so they had soooo much information crammed into their brains while we were out in the field. They had classes at night while the rest of us were "relaxing" (if you could call it that, haha).

angelkerri · Oct 2, 2011

I would take sitting through class any day (and getting paid for it too I might add) to this bull crap with the internet modules not working. If I can make it through nursing school lectures I can make it through anything lol!

scotch-irish1 · Oct 2, 2011

Lunah & Just Cause,

Thank you for your quick reply and information. I will contact a recruiter Monday and see what my chances are. At least I know I wasn't imagining the OAPP that was on the website and know what to refer to when talking to a recruiter over the telephone. I didn't even consider the National Guard- that could likely be a way to get a foot in the door. Thanks again.