Can I work and recieve STRAP funds at same time?

lifeafter40 · Jun 30, 2009

You would have to talk to a recruiter for full information, but this is what I understand. I do not think that you would be required to quit your job. However, I do believe that you are required to be enrolled full-time in whatever program you are attending...if you can do that and still work your job, I do not think there would be a conflict.

nevb · Jun 30, 2009

My local university does RN to BSN 1 night a week and gets you the BSN in 18 months. It is set up for working adults would this fly with the military? I think it is 6 credits per semester the classes run in 7 and 5 week sets per semster.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2009

not only can you work but you the option to drill if you so please. It is your decision if you want to drill or not, but it can not be I will drill for a couple of months take a couple off then come back to drilling. Either you drill or dont drill no inbetween.

DonnerDawg · Jul 2, 2009

You can work while in STRAP; there are no prohibitions on it. Beware the drill/no drill option; while it is true that STRAP does not require you to drill, membership in the Select Reserve does obligate you to perform drill. Trust me, I learned of this the hard way. After 10 months, I found out that I was a nonparticipant! Now, I'm busting butt to catch up!

With regard to the question about RN/BSN programs, I think that any accredited program in the US should suffice, but definitely run that past your recruiter. The school must be approved by the Army for you to STRAP through it.

GOOD LUCK!

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2009

If you do the no drill option you must assure that the paperwork is in place. Remember just as in nursing the military has the same saying if it is not in writing it is not done.

Skeletor · Jul 2, 2009

If you do the no drill option you must assure that the paperwork is in place. Remember just as in nursing the military has the same saying if it is not in writing it is not done.

Jeck,

I'm planning to drill while I'm enrolled in a RN-BSN program. I would look to my recruiter for a STRAP form, HRLP form, and Drill "option" form? Am I missing any other forms you typically need for Army Reserves Nurse Corps Direct Commission? Thanks in advance.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2009

I could not tell you since there is so much paperwork to get commissioned. You will have to ask your recruiter what you need. Just make sure that what you want is in your contract before you sign it. Because if it is not in then it can be harder to get later.

FromSAHM2nurse · Jul 3, 2009

Your recruiter can verify if your school is acceptable for the RN-BSN program before you apply/register. Just in case, you won't waste money enrolling in a school that is not acceptable.

And you can certainly work if you want to. I work Sat/Sun 12 hr shifts just like before I was commissioned. I have off M-F because I have 3 kids in school.

You can work as little or as much as you want, but your priority is to pass school. Even tho your program may allow you to fail or repeat certain classes or a certain number of classes within your program and still pass, your contract for maintaining STRAP does NOT allow you to fail or repeat classes or you may lose your STRAP stipend. (Was just told that by my STRAP counselor at HRC-St. Louis just to clarify some of my questions). You will have to send periodic enrollment verification forms from your school and each class enrolled in to HRC-St Louis during your program and they will know if you repeated a class more than once.

Also know that you are to maintain at least 1/2 time at your school (whatever your school/program considers half-time) for all/consecutive semesters including summer unless your school does not offer summer courses...not sure if your STIPEND gets held for those months. Hopefully your 1 night a week will be considered at least 1/2 time, or you may need to enroll in another course for credits.

My school is an online program at Univ. of Wyoming (very inexpensive - no waiting list) and it's 6 hrs PT during Fall/Spring (or 9 FT) and 6 hrs FT during summer in a 8 wk period. I am currently finishing 10 hrs this summer because I didn't get the 'memo' - clearly. Now that I have an option to be PT or FT, I may spread my classes out more over the 24 months just to make it a more relaxing school year.

Good luck!

Skeletor · Jul 3, 2009

Also know that you are to maintain at least 1/2 time at your school (whatever your school/program considers half-time) for all/consecutive semesters including summer unless your school does not offer summer courses...not sure if your STIPEND gets held for those months. I may spread my classes out more over the 24 months just to make it a more relaxing school year

Could you let me know if/when you find out if stipend is held for summer if you don't take classes.

Also, does the time you drill during STRAP counts towards fulfilling the four years you will owe them for the 24 months of payments?

Thanks in advance.

nevb · Jul 3, 2009

How long of an obligation would be owed can this be done AD or must all of it be RD? Can you transfer to AD before the total time is served RD? What is the benefit to drilling while in school does this count toward years of service?

sunflowersrose · Jul 12, 2009

as far as I know, you do have to be full time enrolled in your adn-bsn program. But if you are only 1 night a week just get a letter from your school stating that it is a full time program and give it to your recruiter (if the school considers it to be full time.) You can drill or not drill, it would count as time served, and you would get drill pay on top of your salary from your job and your STRAP for your school program. You can work as much as you want... just be sure to inform your job that you will be in the reserves... and if you are drilling, let them be aware of that as well.