Long term care to active duty?

[GFzalez, BSN, RN]

Hello

I am a new nurse, graduated last year with my BSN but only have 3 months of experience in a nursing home. (It was the only job I was offered after numerous applications and interviews) I am thankful to have a job but It's not where I see myself for very long. I am 23 years old and really interested in joining the Army active duty. I am excited at the opportunity not only to serve my country but also receive the best training in the world for a nurse, and have some great life experiences.

My questions are would working at a nursing home affect my ability to acclimate into the hospital setting where my first assignment would most likely be. Would I still be considered a "new grad" even if I takes a while to get into the army because my past experience is in LTC.

Right now i just need to work in making weight before I can even be taken seriously by a recruiter, any suggestions for what worked for them? I just started Couch to 5K... I just don't want to be announced overweight in a room full of people when they do the initial test.

My other questions that I am interested in..

How long does it take to complete the packet? What is in the packet? Do I need letters of recommendations from old professors and bosses?

Also some questions about training: How much of the time at OBLC is spent on PT vs class time etc? What kinds of exercises are done? How many miles a day do you have to run? Do you have any choice as to when you go to OBLC? When is the best time to go? What is done during that time if you have time left on your lease and making car payments etc.

Do you get commissioned as an officer before you go to training or after training is completed? How is that like?

Also I have a cat, are people able to bring pets with them once they get their assignment? how difficult does it make things?

-Thank you so much for your input I have learned so much from reading this forum.

[GFzalez, BSN, RN]

Also happy memorial day!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I'd say that most of your questions are answered in the forum if you dig a bit. The one that I've not seen addressed anywhere involves your experience question, and it's a valid concern. Since I'm active duty Air Force, I'll let the Army folks address that one as each service is a bit different.

[HNELLA]

run run run...it really does help get the weight off!! I was over by one wee tiny pound on my last MEPS weigh in.. I am still bitter over that one!!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Isn't it incredible how cardio does that? And I'm being serious; it's amazing how it starts falling off - I've noticed that as well! ANY cardio - if you have access to a pool swimming is great. I can't swim - yep, a NAVY brat that can't swim! - but I use a kickboard to do laps and the added bonus is it's easier on the knees than constant running. Firms up your bottom too!

[Kathyporter]

3 months experience, you are a new grad. In any field of nursing, you have barely gotten your feet wet. The army isn't taking new grads right now, so get to work if you are serious as you want to be in shape and ready to be picked by the Oct boards. I believe they only took 70 nationwide (army) this year, so you need to really want it, and make it work. Good luck.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Now I feel like an idiot - I missed the three month thing....must be whatever flu it is I've got - Kathy's right. Regardless of service choice, you're starting at the bottom. In the Air Force, less than six months' experience means you've got to go to the Nurse Transition Program.

Sorry I missed that detail.

[HNELLA]

Well, by the time she completes the application, goes through MEPS and gets to boards she should easily have a year or more experience.

[GFzalez, BSN, RN]

Thank you all for your suggestions!

Well, by the time she completes the application, goes through MEPS and gets to boards she should easily have a year or more experience.

EXACTLY! This was what I meant by starting off as a "new grad" I don't anticipate starting for almost a year so from now.By then I will have over a year experience in nursing but not in acute care if I stay at my current job.

I should have clarified that better in my original post.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

run run run...it really does help get the weight off!! I was over by one wee tiny pound on my last MEPS weigh in.. I am still bitter over that one!!

I have to agree -- I've found that running has been great as an all-over-toner and all-over-size-reducer! Sorry about your one pound, HNELLA. At least I don't have to worry about being over by only a pound. Ha!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Well, by the time she completes the application, goes through MEPS and gets to boards she should easily have a year or more experience.

Probably completely true.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

I am not sure how the Army or any service would look at long term care for experience. When I was looking at the Navy they would not consider LTC for constructive credit.