Keep getting different answers?

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2010

it depends how long you have been out of practice..

I would get a letter from my previous work place.. I'm assuming that this was recent.. you can do this if that is the case.. you can even have a peer provide one letter..

conrnmof2 · Jun 4, 2010

Thank you just cause again. I just found a local American Red Cross chapter that takes nurse volunteers and I am applying for a nurse volunteer position. Apparently, they have coverage for nurses. That will be a good way to keep me busy to.

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2010

no prob, here is reg verbage:

when you read it.. I'd substitute USAREC Form 195 with letter of recommendation... unless your recruiter states otherwise.

(1) At least two references must be from the applicant’s current RN supervisors.

(2) Every attempt will be made to obtain USAREC Form 195 from immediate supervi- sors.

(3) If the AN applicant has only one RN su- pervisor or no RN supervisor, a letter or memo- randum from the employer must be included in the application. USAREC Form 195 is still re- quired from current supervisors, even if those supervisors are not nurses.

(4) If the applicant is the senior nurse in the medical facility or Chief, CRNA, a letter or memo- randum from the employer will be required. USAREC Form 195 from appropriate non-RN supervisors is still required. Appropriate posi- tion title must be accurately identified on DA Form 61 and USAREC Form 524.

(5) Additional references should be from peers. The peer must have worked with the applicant within 1 year of the date of application

conrnmof2 · Jun 5, 2010

Just cause: After reading these regulations, I can see what the problem will be with waiting until next fiscal year 2011. I will have been off for more than a year and will not have any recent supervisor or peers to write letters of recommendations..............I do, however, have peers that I have worked with in the past that know wayyyy more about my nursing abilities than my recent co-workers. I worked as a school nurse and was the director (I did not even have "peers"---the staff were mostly aides, not nurses). We were all at our individual schools and the administrators in the school districts have NO clue about what we do, therefore the letter from her was not that great---she even wrote, I really do not know so and so that well, but I guess she did okay from what I have heard........(giving more details to try to clear things up). Long story, short, I am in the same dilemna that has brought me to the ANC in the first place. I do not have recent acute care. I took 4 years off to stay home with my kids and can not seem to get back to it............sigh................My past nurse managers have all moved on or retired.

I can volunteer at the American Red Cross, but again my past co-workers and peers would write much better letters as they really know me...........What should I do???? I am a lost cause, just cause................???

olderthandirt2 · Jun 6, 2010

Get as many letters of recommendation as you can gather. Coworkers, supervisors, instructors, mentors, etc. I think I had at least 5 or 6 LORs. I didn't worry about the "time frame of when I worked with them, but at least one was current".

The key is..... the person writing the LOR needs to respond to the letter of request SENT BY the recruiter and then they must snail mail the LOR to THE RECRUITER, (i.e, You can't mail the LOR to the recruiter).

good luck.

conrnmof2 · Jun 6, 2010

Thank you )))!!! I will be tracking them down!!!! I will be picked up as a sub, so will still work some, and am applying for other positions to. Take care.

New1LT · Jun 10, 2010

Thank you )))!!! I will be tracking them down!!!! I will be picked up as a sub, so will still work some, and am applying for other positions to. Take care.

Was just reading your post and am a little concerned for you. If the military is really what you want you need to get back into the nursing field even if it is extremely part time. Once you start going through the commissioning process they are actually wanting things resubmitted because of dates. Example: I started the process last April 09. In November of 09 I was having to resubmit my LORs because of the dates on them. If there was a break in time between jobs I had to explain why. I had 2 mo break when I moved from OH to FL and had to give them the reason I was not practicing. They are very strict that the nurses coming into the service are competent. When you get in they only want to teach you military courtesy and customs - not nursing practice. So they expect you to be proficient for any job they place you in. I had to have my supervisor provide a check list of my competencies and I've been a practicing nurse for 9 years with only that 2 mo break. With the amount of nurses applying for the military it is starting to get very cut throat. Your job is to prove that you are a better nurse than the other ones going up against you for commissioning selection. I suggest you strengthen your nursing resume if this is what you really want and it sounds like it is. It took me 10 mo to finally get commissioned and I had to submit and resubmit so many different things to prove that during the process my status hadn't changed. Good luck to you and I hope you are able to achieve your ultimate goal.

conrnmof2 · Jun 10, 2010

Thank you for your input...........May just have to stay a soccer Mom and know that at one time I was a great nurse ))))!!!! Thank you very much!!!!!!