Published May 25, 2009
alex1
42 Posts
Hey there!
I am currently working on my package for active duty into the Army Nurse Corps. I have a BSN and 3+ years in critical care. After OBLC I go to my AOC which is 8A (critical care). Does anyone know how long the AOC is? Also, after OBLC do I go to Fort Sill or Fort Benning for additional basic officer training or do I go on to my first duty station?
Any info would be wonderful!
Thank You,
Alex
olderthandirt2
503 Posts
After your nursing track (at OBLC), I believe you go to your 1st duty station......havent heard of Benning or Sill as being in the line up.
good luck
c.
athena55, BSN, RN
987 Posts
Alex1:
The Army CCNC (Critical Care Nurse Course) is offered at Fort Sam, Walter Reed, or MAMC. It is a three month long, intense course.
After OBLC you should have orders to go TDY-return.
Do you have your PCS orders yet?
athena
Athena,
I was under the impression from my recruiter that I wouldn't have to go to the Critical Care Course since I've been a critical care nurse for 3 years now. Am I wrong?
Unless you've already had your ASI of 8A, then no, you wouldn't have to go....But if you don't have the Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) of 8A (critical care nurse) then YES you will have to go.
I knew of Reserve Officers who had their 8A but still went to the CCNC to get that ASI of 8A once they went over to the active side of the house.
I went to the CCNC with an ICU Army Nurse who had his CCRN and STILL had to go to the 8A course.
I'm not reserves at all....just joining the active duty side after a few years as a civilian nurse in critical care. I had to fill out alot of paperwork and get my work to swear that i've done all these hours in the icu, completed a critical skills checklist and evals from my bosses to prove that i indeed have critical care experience. The recruiter told me that they would submit all this paperwork up for a CV/resume review and if approved would get 8A. I'm not worried about additional TDY's, I just want to know exactly what I'm signing up for and not getting a big "surprise" TDY after oblc.
Ali
Waiting_28
26 Posts
I hope I get the Critical Care course when I go in. I will have a year of Med/Surg experience behind me. Does the Army usually try and give you what you ask for? I know there are no guarntees, but have heard that you can usually get what you put in for because they want you to stay beyond your 4yr. commitment. Can anyone shed more light on this? Thanks!
jeckrn, BSN, RN
1,868 Posts
Ask for it in your packet, as the saying goes if it is not in writing it was not done. Yes, the Army tries to give you what you want to help keep you. Are you going active? Schools are a lot harder to get in the reserves for nurses but can be done.
Yes, Active.
There will always be more training, some at local level other Army wide. ie Capts. Career course, ILE, etc.