New Army Nurse!

[teddy4987]

Let me start off by saying that I know a lot of you are stressing over the FY2012 boards, and I wish you the best of luck!

Personally, the army has put me through a roller coaster. I've been considering joining the military since I was in high school participating in the JROTC program. When I was applying to colleges, I also applied to both the Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC scholarships (and got both). Being 18, however, I wasn't quite ready to commit 4 years of my post-college life to the military, so I declined both. I take complete responsibility for being so indecisive at that age, but it all worked out eventually :)

During my junior year of college I decided that I really would like to go active duty army. I contacted a healthcare recruiter and got the process started. I got the papers submitted for FY2011. My recruiter told me that they were only going to accept 50 new grads in the entire country. A few months later, I was told that I was selected as an "alternate" to be a commissioned officer. I was disappointed, but I knew it was very competitive and that being wait listed was better than being turned down altogether.

A few months went by, and my recruiter calls me up to tell me that the army is willing to take me as a reservist. I accepted the offer since I was about to graduate and had no job lined up, even though I wanted to go active duty. So, I signed the papers and swore in at my recruiter's office, and everything was all set. All I had to do was pass my boards.

WELL, a couple of months later I called my recruiter to check in, and essentially, he goes "Sorry, we made a mistake, we were never supposed to accept you as a reservist because you don't have a year of experience." And that was the end of my reservist career. I was angry, because I felt like they had broken a contract and now I REALLY had no job. I though that was the end of my chances in the military. He encouraged me to re-apply for FY2012, and I said I would think about it.

A new recruiter took his position, and she contacted me shortly after starting her new job. She told me I really wouldn't have to do much to update my application, just get new recommendations, and update my resume/letter of motivation - so I agreed to reapply. About a month later she gave me a call and told me that the Army has once again decided that they will offer me a reservist position, even as a new grad. I had just started my civilian job, and accepted the offer because I figured things were finally going right. The NEXT DAY she called me back and told me that the reserve offer is off the table, and that they want me to go active duty. She told me that if I didn't accept, I wouldn't be able to re-apply until I had 2 years of experience as a nurse. They wanted an answer right then and there, but I asked for 24 hours to think about it (after all, I JUST started a new job). After a few hours, however, I thought "Why wouldn't I accept? This is what I wanted all along!" I called her back and said "Okay, let's do it!"

That was the middle of August. She told me that I would be most likely going to the January or March BOLC because the October class was most likely full. Well wouldn't you know it, about 2 weeks ago I got an email from my branch manager stating that I needed to report to BOLC on 06 October! There was no way I could prepare in 2 weeks, especially since it would take me about a week to drive to San Antonio! Even my recruiter was shocked, and could not believe they cut me orders that quickly. She said her last recruit took 7 months before she got her orders. She told me to email the branch manager back and ask if it was at all possible for me to go to BOLC at a later date, and she said that was okay :)

SO. BOLC in January 2012. I haven't gotten my official orders yet, but I'm so excited! I'm not positive, but I think the report date is 18 January.

I'm going to go through the new graduate program and do med-surg. I can't really decide if it's a good or bad thing, because the 6 months of nursing experience I already have isn't going to count towards anything. On the other hand, however, I feel like I don't know anything anyway and being treated like I don't know anything might be good haha.

On a side note, if I had gone to BOLC in October, the only assignments available for new graduates were Fort Bliss and Fort Hood. Hopefully more options are available since I'm going in January!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Wow, congrats!! I remember when they offered you Reserves then took it back, so I'm glad this has turned around for you to be active duty! How awesome. Keep us posted on BOLC and your first duty station! :)

[teddy4987]

Thanks!! Hopefully they don't take this one back. My only obstacle now is to be able to pass the PT test!

[chyna016]

Congratulations!

[ArmyRN789]

Wow, indeed! You were very lucky to have slipped in like that! Now just make sure you pass that PT test!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Thanks!! Hopefully they don't take this one back. My only obstacle now is to be able to pass the PT test!

If I can do it, you can too!

[ArmyRN789]

Same here! It sounds dumb, but just start doing pushups, sit-ups and running. Try to run outside as much as you can though. I can send you a PT card if you need one.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

If you have an Android phone, there is an "Army Fitness Calculator" app by 550cord.com. Pretty handy!

[ArmyRN789]

There's one for the iPhone too!

[teddy4987]

Thanks everyone! I've already started the whole workout routine, and I am improving a little every week :) The running is definitely going to be what kills me, because I still feel like dying after a half a mile!

[ArmyRN789]

Believe me, I know what you mean. I have never naturally been a runner. Find something that motivates you like good music or a scenic area. Maybe find a partner to run with. That always helps. The good thing about it is that it does get easier the more you do it.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

Take it from a old man who used to hate to run, you can do it. The more you do it the more you will enjoy it as long as you do not make it a "I have to do it" thing.