Looking To Join the Army Nurse Corps

Specialties Government

Published

Hey all!

I graduate with my BSN in May and I plan to commission into the ANC. I've spoken a bit with a recruiter already and will be making an appointment to meet closer to March. I've seen plenty of threads about the program and the reserves, and I'd just like to hear more current things about it.

As stated, I know a little bit already. Like how it would be easier if my husband is active duty as well (he's wanting to enlist again).

For the FY2018, I'm curious about what incentives you were offered? Loan repayment? Bonuses?

Also, what is it like in the military now with a new elected president (I know he's been in office for a while now but I still consider it new since he's still making changes).

I just mostly want to hear about experiences as well. What was Officer's training school like? How long was it?

i'm also actively working on getting down to 140lbs, and even working on the three main exercises I was told about: running, sit ups, and push ups. How is the PT for a commissioned nurse?

I feel almost silly asking this stuff, but most of the threads i found are from two, three years ago. IF you know of any threads that are more recent, please send them my way. Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Critical Care.

Honestly nothing in my day to day job as a nurse in the Air Force has been different in any way with Trump vs. Obama.

I can't tell you about the Army specifically, but the commissioning process is similar in all 3 branches. You should be starting the application process this fall if you are graduating in may. The entire process is almost a year from start to finish (arrival at officer basic).

PT as a military nurse is generally you workout on you own time and then you take a PT test once or twice per year (the specifics of which you can google).

Look at other threads on this topic by deleting everything in the URL after "government-military-nursing."

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

What do you think would be "easier" if your husband were active too? You may actually decrease your odds of being able to live together, depending on his MOS!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was eligible for both loan repayment and an annual retention bonus for reserves. There are a handful of critical needs nursing specialties (this last year was peri-op RN, public health RN, critical care RN, mental health NP and CRNA). The bonuses are tied to whether there is a shortage of your specialty, so you'll have to see what the current bonuses look like. 66H hasn't always had a bonus attached.

You might want to google the latest Army Fitness Test that they are claiming will roll out over the next two years, it has some different exercises. You'll still have to take the standard APFT first, though!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I direct commissioned as a nurse with 2 years of experience. I was offered loan repayment for 3 years commitment (plus 5 IRR) or loan repayment and 10k specialty bonus for 4 years (and 5 IRR). From what I've heard, there is hardly any difference between Commander and Chief's, except that the military budget has been expanding and now we are in a rebuild period so they are, in a sense, accepting more people right now.

As for PT, in DCC you will take a diagnostic PT test consisting of 2 minutes pushups, sit ups, and 2 mile run. As an officer, you are expected to hold yourself to a higher standard and at least score a 90 in each event. The new PT test should roll out in October but it is still in the testing phase. I am not sure when it is replacing the current APFT.

DCC is a 4 week long in processing into the military. It is supposed to give you some basic fundamentals. Really, it was a lot of waiting around. We lived in barracks, wore our uniforms 24/7, did some PT, got medical, dental, optometry done, learned how to wear our uniforms, learned basic army stuff like troop leading procedures, UCMJ, ROE, etc. You did not have a lot of freedom there but it was not nearly as strict or intense as regular enlisted BCT. It is in Ft. Sill, OK and it was HOT. My class had 270 soldiers and most of them were first year medical students. There were only 5 nurses there. All in all, I was happy to get to BOLC.

BOLC - I just finished my first week. It is in San Antonio, TX. Most people are 70B ROTC soldiers, West Point grads, veterinarians, and a good amount of fresh out of nursing school nurses. Ive only met one other nurse so far who worked prior to commissioning as an RN. So far, it is pretty great. It is well organized, you live in a hotel, you are free once the day is over. We have about a month of classroom instruction with two tests, followed by 3 weeks of FTX, then BOLC graduation, then you do a few weeks of training specific to your MOS. For nurses, it is 2 weeks of skills lab etc. You have weekends off and can enjoy San Antonio. If you get above 270 on the APFT, you can also apply for a pass to travel outside of the SA, TX area.

After BOLC, I will be PCSing to Hawaii. All in all, I am enjoying my Army nursing experience so far.

Hope this helps a bit!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

So am in the process of applying??? How was your evaluation and recommendation letters. ?? How good was it. I have 11 months experience as a med surg nurse. I have a 3.5 nursing gpa. What do you think are my chances??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

How was the board??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
How was the board??

You do not appear before the board, only your file does.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Can I have your email so hat I can ask you questions?? I need to talk to someone who has been through it if you don't mind

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
Can I have your email so hat I can ask you questions?? I need to talk to someone who has been through it if you don't mind

If you were referring to me, you can PM me and Ill send it to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment