Hello all. I am graduating with an ADN in December. I am interested in using the STRAP program to complete my BSN and commission in the Reserve. I have some questions.
When I am in the STRAP program and completing my degree what are my army responsibilities? Do I drill?
I heard that Gen. Pollack made an announcement that nurse deployments are to be 6 months at a time. Does that apply to Reserve nurses? Or only Active Duty? What exactly is a PROFIS?
What are the differences between the types of units (i.e. TPU, IMA) Battle assemblies? How do you choose your unit?
Are there too many med-surg nurses 66H that want to deploy? I heard there is a waiting list, is that true?
After I finish my BSN and commission I have to do OBLC within 12 months. Then is there a Med-surg course? or do I learn with my unit? Or do they just expect that I will be able to perform right out of OBLC?
Hello fellow nurses (to be) . I was just reading your thread and a lot of helpful info is in it. I am also thinking about joining the reserves. i am in a bsn program and set to graduate april 2010, so i would use the strap program starting this august if everything wraps up by that time and if i follow through with my gutt feeling of joining:bugeyes: are you guys nervous at all? I am only because it's something completly new and I guess when I think about the army, I know that you are someone elses's property, but the positives seem to outweight the bad... one quick question... and only one because I have many, but i meet with my recruiter on Monday... when you are commisioned in the reserves and are considered an "army nurse", do you only work for the army or can you have a "civilian" job elsewhere and just have to check back in 1 weekend out the month, 2 weeks in the summer, and then any deployments you may have? I'm just a little confused about that.. I don't know if I would be able to have a full time nursing job and still be a nurse in the army or if all you do is nursing in service until your time is over... confusing, I know.. sorry:bowingpur
Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Critical care nursing.
Hello fellow nurses (to be) . I was just reading your thread and a lot of helpful info is in it. I am also thinking about joining the reserves. i am in a bsn program and set to graduate april 2010, so i would use the strap program starting this august if everything wraps up by that time and if i follow through with my gutt feeling of joining:bugeyes: are you guys nervous at all? I am only because it's something completly new and I guess when I think about the army, I know that you are someone elses's property, but the positives seem to outweight the bad... one quick question... and only one because I have many, but i meet with my recruiter on Monday... when you are commisioned in the reserves and are considered an "army nurse", do you only work for the army or can you have a "civilian" job elsewhere and just have to check back in 1 weekend out the month, 2 weeks in the summer, and then any deployments you may have? I'm just a little confused about that.. I don't know if I would be able to have a full time nursing job and still be a nurse in the army or if all you do is nursing in service until your time is over... confusing, I know.. sorry:bowingpur
Look foward to speaking to you guys:)
Renee
While working for the reserves, you have another full-time job. You don't really get medical benefits unless you are on duty, I think. You may be able to purchase some benefits at a high rate. You have your 1wknd/2wk per year duty + any deployments. In the mean time you work somewhere else.
Also, in order to use the STRAP program you have to have your nursing license already. If you are in a BSN program and want to do active duty nursing you can put in a packet for the Army Nurse Candidate program for the last 2 years of the program. This is for people who want to do active duty and are BSN students, since you can only go active duty with a BSN.
. I was just reading your thread and a lot of helpful info is in it. I am also thinking about joining the reserves. i am in a bsn program and set to graduate april 2010, so i would use the strap program starting this august if everything wraps up by that time and if i follow through with my gutt feeling of joining:bugeyes: are you guys nervous at all? I am only because it's something completly new and I guess when I think about the army, I know that you are someone elses's property, but the positives seem to outweight the bad... one quick question... and only one because I have many, but i meet with my recruiter on Monday... when you are commisioned in the reserves and are considered an "army nurse", do you only work for the army or can you have a "civilian" job elsewhere and just have to check back in 1 weekend out the month, 2 weeks in the summer, and then any deployments you may have? I'm just a little confused about that.. I don't know if I would be able to have a full time nursing job and still be a nurse in the army or if all you do is nursing in service until your time is over... confusing, I know.. sorry:bowingpur
Itshamrtym
472 Posts
good luck to both of you!!!!!! You will make the right decsion!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS