How does initial and ongoing training work in reserves?

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Specializes in ICU Rapid Response.

I am wondering how training works for a direct commision reserve nurse with no prior military experience. I've read that OBLC for reserve nurses is only 2 weeks (although on this site I've read 4 weeks). My response to that was (huh? I'd feel way underqualified after only such a short time). Then what happens when I return to my home unit? Do I go on to the critical care training program (like AD nurses) or am I limited to weekend and annual drills (not including deployment training). I'm one who always liked being a bit overqualified for my job so undertaking something with so little training is a bit intimidating for me. It's not the bedside I'm too concerned about. It's the "not looking like a complete idiot" away from the bedside that concerns me. Especially considering I want to have the opportunity to deploy frequently. Thanks again!!

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Specializes in L+D, ambulatory surgery, Womens Health.

OBLC is 4 weeks (3 1/2) for reserves nurses. You are a nurse, and qualified. The OBLC is to make you understand the role as a soldier and nurse. You will be fine, just give it 100% at the bedside, on drills, and at OBLC.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.
i am wondering how training works for a direct commision reserve nurse with no prior military experience. i've read that oblc for reserve nurses is only 2 weeks (was 2 weeks several years ago)(although on this site i've read 4 weeks). my response to that was (huh? i'd feel way underqualified after only such a short time)(as the previous poster stated this is how to start becoming a soldier) then what happens when i return to my home unit?(you will drill one weekend a month, 2 weeks a year)(you properly will start drilling with your unit before you attend oblc) do i go on to the critical care training program (like ad nurses) or am i limited to weekend and annual drills (not including deployment training)(there are limited number of slots available for reserve nurses, can be hard to get, attempt to have written in your contract). i'm one who always liked being a bit overqualified for my job so undertaking something with so little training is a bit intimidating for me. it's not the bedside i'm too concerned about. it's the "not looking like a complete idiot" away from the bedside that concerns me. (almost everyone feels that way when they join) especially considering i want to have the opportunity to deploy frequently.(depends on your unit and needs of the army how often you can deploy) thanks again!!

when i was in the reserves i was asked what we did. i informed the person that we were "warm bodies" for the army, awaiting to be called up. in the reserves you will never have the military experience as you active duty counterparts, but most reserve nurses have more clinical experience. if you join get to know some of the enlisted soldiers and ask them for advise, they are a great source of information.

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Specializes in ICU Rapid Response.

Hey thanks for the post (and thanks KathyPorter as well). I figured my feelings were common. I just like to excell at my job (well, who doesn't I guess). I'm also used to being the "go to" person at my work so that feeling of being a newbie is unsettling, but natural. I just hope I will be a good enough candidate to be accepted. Thanks again.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

If you like being the "go-to" person it will not take you long in the military to become that person.

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