FY2020 Army Nurse Corps

[ReconMedic]

Hello!

My name is Dustin and I thought it would be a good idea to create a topic for those who are applying for the FY2020 Army Nurse board! A little about me; I am prior service Army enlisted with four years on active duty as a 19D (Cavalry Scout) and four years in the reserve as a 68W (Combat Medic). Recently, in December of last year I graduated with my BSN from a highly reputable school in Texas. In January of this year I started my new job in a Cardiothoracic and Transplant ICU, but in the process of applying to the 66H (Med-Surge Nurse) position with the Army. Per my recruiter, this is essentially the standard for nurses who have less than two years of RN experience and who will attend the Army’s Nurse Residency Program.

I’m hoping that my year of ICU experience and my CCRN certification at the time right before leaving for training will be an advantage to changing over to the Critical Care Nurse AOC (66S) as soon as I can. ? If it wasn’t for my yearning to return to the Army and wear the uniform again, I would just wait until I have over two years of civilian experience and apply to the 66S position. My desire to continue to serve is stronger than my AOC, 200%!

Please, use this to connect with others and share your experience! I look forward in embarking on this journey and hearing from others.

[ReconMedic, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

3 hours ago, vnj2004 said:

Not True. I just commissioned as a med surg nurse and have NEVER worked on a med surg floor. I have worked in a GI lab and now as a school nurse. I would definitely just talk to an AMEDD recruiter and see what they say

That was just what I was told. A friend of mine tried to join as a 66H with ONLY oncology infusion experience and his CV was denied for not actually having med surge experience. Exactly why I said to just contact a recruiter. 

[vnj2004, ADN, BSN]

1 hour ago, ReconMedic said:

That was just what I was told. A friend of mine tried to join as a 66H with ONLY oncology infusion experience and his CV was denied for not actually having med surge experience. Exactly why I said to just contact a recruiter. 

Sounds like they probably didn't want to do the work or something LOL and sorry if that sounded harsh, I just read it back. But I have learned that every recruiter is different and some just don't care and some will go above and beyond to help! I definitely didn't want to commission as a 66H, but I'm hoping to change my AOC in a couple of years. 

[ReconMedic, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

33 minutes ago, vnj2004 said:

Sounds like they probably didn't want to do the work or something LOL and sorry if that sounded harsh, I just read it back. But I have learned that every recruiter is different and some just don't care and some will go above and beyond to help! I definitely didn't want to commission as a 66H, but I'm hoping to change my AOC in a couple of years. 

No, you’re good LOL. That does bring up a good point to people reading this post in the future. If you’re turned down by one recruiter, definitely get a second opinion from a different one. 

[Nurse_Boo, ASN, BSN, RN]

On 10/6/2020 at 12:57 AM, tt2323 said:

Glad to see the efforts to join the Army Nurse Corp as well as the other branches! 9 year Army Reservist myself. Started as a 66H and got lucky to get a slot for 66T school which I completed in 2018. Literally like 90 people across the Army do this program yearly.

Please if anyone has questions about going 66H to 66S/66T please don’t hesitate to ask. Someone said a recruiter guaranteed a spot that is completely untrue, it doesn’t happen.

Also have experience with getting on an FRST for those interested. Don’t hesitate to reach out! 

 

Hello there! I just got selected as a 66S Program for FY 2021. Waiting on orders to commission.  Most of the info I've seen on here is slightly dated and pre-covid (although invaluable) but I definitely would like some insight on the 66S program. I hear the first few weeks the 66S and 66T students are together then separated later. How was BOLC and DCC as a nurse officer? How long did you wait after commissioning before you left to DCC and BOLC? Did they take your requested locations to be stationed into consideration? FYI, I'm going in active duty. 

[ReconMedic, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

24 minutes ago, Nurse_Boo said:

Hello there! I just got selected as a 66S Program for FY 2021. Waiting on orders to commission.  Most of the info I've seen on here is slightly dated and pre-covid (although invaluable) but I definitely would like some insight on the 66S program. I hear the first few weeks the 66S and 66T students are together then separated later. How was BOLC and DCC as a nurse officer? How long did you wait after commissioning before you left to DCC and BOLC? Did they take your requested locations to be stationed into consideration? FYI, I'm going in active duty. 

Sounds like we’re in the same boat! I was wait listed in April 2020 and was finally pulled off the list around June-July. Still waiting on Commissioning orders... I am more than likely going to miss the January DCC and will probably go to the one starting in June.

[vnj2004, ADN, BSN]

36 minutes ago, Nurse_Boo said:

Hello there! I just got selected as a 66S Program for FY 2021. Waiting on orders to commission.  Most of the info I've seen on here is slightly dated and pre-covid (although invaluable) but I definitely would like some insight on the 66S program. I hear the first few weeks the 66S and 66T students are together then separated later. How was BOLC and DCC as a nurse officer? How long did you wait after commissioning before you left to DCC and BOLC? Did they take your requested locations to be stationed into consideration? FYI, I'm going in active duty. 

 

10 minutes ago, ReconMedic said:

Sounds like we’re in the same boat! I was wait listed in April 2020 and was finally pulled off the list around June-July. Still waiting on Commissioning orders... I am more than likely going to miss the January DCC and will probably go to the one starting in June.

I’m heading to DCC in June! I guess I’ll see you there! 

[Nurse_Boo, ASN, BSN, RN]

21 minutes ago, ReconMedic said:

Sounds like we’re in the same boat! I was wait listed in April 2020 and was finally pulled off the list around June-July. Still waiting on Commissioning orders... I am more than likely going to miss the January DCC and will probably go to the one starting in June.

OMG me too!! Just got selected in Oct. They told me my commission orders are "pending" but that I may not leave until March at the "earliest" 

13 minutes ago, vnj2004 said:

 

I’m heading to DCC in June! I guess I’ll see you there! 

Wow June!?! ? I swear this whole thing has been nothing but hurry up and wait! 

[Ope Lola, ADN, BSN]

Hello Everyone,

I can only appreciate everyone who has contributed to this thread in one way or the other. There is a wealth of information here for any nurse looking to go the military route, but I need some clarifications.

I went to board in November and was placed on OML. I am a perioperative Nurse, 66E. 

1) What is the physical exercise like for Nurses? Is it just like Basic training? How often do you exercise and do the weapons training especially in this COVID period?

2) How long am I likely to be on OML? Should I just ask to reboard?

I anticipate your responses. Thank you

 

[CC Freakazoid, MSN]

11 hours ago, Ope Lola said:

 

1) What is the physical exercise like for Nurses? Is it just like Basic training? How often do you exercise and do the weapons training especially in this COVID period?

 

I cant answer the 2nd question but the durst I can. Prepare for the ACFT. As a nurse you'll need to meet gold standard. You'll do the ACFT at DCC and BOLC. It doesn't count for record until March 2022 but if you pass, then better for you. Google Army ACFT they have a website with all the info and there is an app too

[Ope Lola, ADN, BSN]

11 minutes ago, CC Freakazoid said:

I cant answer the 2nd question but the durst I can. Prepare for the ACFT. As a nurse you'll need to meet gold standard. You'll do the ACFT at DCC and BOLC. It doesn't count for record until March 2022 but if you pass, then better for you. Google Army ACFT they have a website with all the info and there is an app too

Thank you!

[vnj2004, ADN, BSN]

17 hours ago, Ope Lola said:

Hello Everyone,

I can only appreciate everyone who has contributed to this thread in one way or the other. There is a wealth of information here for any nurse looking to go the military route, but I need some clarifications.

I went to board in November and was placed on OML. I am a perioperative Nurse, 66E. 

1) What is the physical exercise like for Nurses? Is it just like Basic training? How often do you exercise and do the weapons training especially in this COVID period?

2) How long am I likely to be on OML? Should I just ask to reboard?

I anticipate your responses. Thank you

 

I was on the OML for like 4 months. It just depends on how many slots get filled. 
 

I haven’t been to dcc or BOLC yet ( I go to dcc in June) but from what I have heard and seen on fb it’s definitely not like basic! Dcc has a fb page  I would look that up  also, I would definitely start working out now though  my unit is doing acft familiarization every 3 months or do for the next year. I passed my first one, but I CrossFit so it was not too bad for me    Definitely go prepared! 

 

[vnj2004, ADN, BSN]

On 12/11/2020 at 10:52 PM, Nurse_Boo said:

OMG me too!! Just got selected in Oct. They told me my commission orders are "pending" but that I may not leave until March at the "earliest" 

Wow June!?! ? I swear this whole thing has been nothing but hurry up and wait! 

I signed up for June. I’m a school nurse at the moment, and have no long term sub. June was the only date that I could swing and not have to have a sub for a long period of time. It also helps because I will be paid by the army and the school during my absence. It works out for me this way. It only sucks, because it prolongs my time to get promoted.