MEPS

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I had my nurse interview today and I signed some more papers. I am very excited to finally make some progress, however, I still need to go to MEPS. I sent a doctors note and lab results to them about my hypothyroid and my recruiter said they need more information. I don't know if I ever make it to MEPS. It seems like they make it very hard to qualify. I am a little bit discouraged right now, I hope I still have a chance to join. I don't mind waiting, I just want to make sure that I can get a waiver if I need one. Anyway, I am just venting......

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

It took me forever to get to meps. Then when I got there, they didn't give me my stamp of approval that day as I had expected. Nope, more tests. They needed my last pap. I had that done and results.... but left the folder at home thinking that thye had everything and couldn't possibly need more! In the military there is always more paper! lol. Just keep at it. :)

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I would like to know how things go for you. I'm in the consideration stage, but expecting to go for a physical around Feb, but I don't graduate with my ADN until May, so I still have time. I, too am concerned that health issues will knock me out of the box as they did when I tried to enlist in the Marines at 17y/o. Everyone tells me that I still have a good shot (outside of the military) and I hear from soldiers that there are quite a few military members that have medical conditions.

I just want you to know that you aren't waiting by yourself. I was heartbroken that the Marines told me that because I had protein in my urine, was losing my hearing in my right ear, and had asthma when I was younger (no exacerbations for ten years prior) I could not get in. I cried for days and still have had no problems nor civilian dx (except asthma) of the other rejection reasons.

I just know that I am going to see this through because if I don't, I will kick myself. I have different health issues now, but I've wanted this since I was 17 and I'm 32 now. Hopefully things will go the way we want them to. Hang in there. We know the mililtary has the hurry up and wait attitude and this is just the beginning. We want this....so we will grin and bear it. Use this time as much as you can to get your house in order, because before you know it, the hurricane of activity will leave you breathless.

aniko743, stay focused, stay positive, stay motivated....your time will come and whether it be a military or civilian career....you will be great at it.

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Thank you for the support. I want to do this more than anything. I'll be patient and persistant, hopefully it will pay off. I made a decision about joining about 5 years ago when I finished LPN school. Now I have my BSN, I am ready to jump right in.

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Specializes in Flight/ICU/CCU/ED/Trauma.
I would like to know how things go for you. I'm in the consideration stage, but expecting to go for a physical around Feb, but I don't graduate with my ADN until May, so I still have time. I, too am concerned that health issues will knock me out of the box as they did when I tried to enlist in the Marines at 17y/o. Everyone tells me that I still have a good shot (outside of the military) and I hear from soldiers that there are quite a few military members that have medical conditions.

I just want you to know that you aren't waiting by yourself. I was heartbroken that the Marines told me that because I had protein in my urine, was losing my hearing in my right ear, and had asthma when I was younger (no exacerbations for ten years prior) I could not get in. I cried for days and still have had no problems nor civilian dx (except asthma) of the other rejection reasons.

I just know that I am going to see this through because if I don't, I will kick myself. I have different health issues now, but I've wanted this since I was 17 and I'm 32 now. Hopefully things will go the way we want them to. Hang in there. We know the mililtary has the hurry up and wait attitude and this is just the beginning. We want this....so we will grin and bear it. Use this time as much as you can to get your house in order, because before you know it, the hurricane of activity will leave you breathless.

aniko743, stay focused, stay positive, stay motivated....your time will come and whether it be a military or civilian career....you will be great at it.

Before you bother doing anything else...you need to have a pulmonary function test done by a pulmonologist. They will accept either a methacholine challenge or treadmill test. If that test is negative for asthma, you'll be fine. If it is positive, they can't waive it. Asthma will always be a disqualifier.

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Specializes in FNP cardiology, ER.

I started the process of reentering the AF back in July. I was able to go to MEPS the end of August and just knew they would disqualify me due to bilateral ACL reconstruction. The silly part is when I was prior enlisted they accepted me with my 1st ACL then the 2nd was while I was in the AF. So, my papers went off to the surgeon general and finally got a response saying I needed to go to Ortho. I did that the week before Thanksgiving and am sitting and waiting for the next answer. It is very frustrating....this is my second time going through the process.

I had decided back in October to put our house on the market and have a closing on it today. So now, my family and I have our lives in boxes as we've temporarily moved into an apartment in anticipation of going back into the AF.

Hang in there to all of you waiting on medicals.

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Thanks! Waiting on a hearing waiver ( minor loss on one side ) and acceptance to a BSN program. Hurry up and wait-Boooyaaa

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Specializes in all.

I know what you mean. I was DQ'd by and idiot MEPS doc and followed up with physicians (out of my pocket) and they asked for even more things then. I am so frustrated I am ready to just walk away.

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Specializes in FNP cardiology, ER.
I know what you mean. I was DQ'd by and idiot MEPS doc and followed up with physicians (out of my pocket) and they asked for even more things then. I am so frustrated I am ready to just walk away.

I don't know why you are having to pay out of your pocket. My medical stuff went to the surgeon general and he requested that I go to see an orthopedic. The AF paid for that visit. It is very frustrating, but if you are really wanting to be in the service just be patient. I've now gone through this twice, so I definitely know what you are going through. Just keep on everything.

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Specializes in all.

I am told that I will miss the Jan application deadline with all the additional garbage they want. I am really leaning on giving up.

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

Don't give up Hnella. It is a long and frustrating process. But the result is worth it. So we endure a few months of frustration. I have tried to just put it out of my head (difficult) and march on with life until I can move on. So just keep doing your life and keep doing what your recruiter asks you to do. It's been a long road for so many of us, we know how you feel. But if you really do want to give up now, then really question what it is you want in the long run. If nothing else, this wait has proved to me that the AF is the future that I want.

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Specializes in FNP cardiology, ER.
I am told that I will miss the Jan application deadline with all the additional garbage they want. I am really leaning on giving up.

Well, the March COT is just about full so I wouldn't worry about not having your application in. This time of the year is pretty tight for slots due to the lack of full staff at COT. From what I've been hearing people are getting pushed into the May COT or even later due to lack of slots. Again, don't give up.

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