National Guard activation during school

Passin' Gas · Jul 7, 2004

First off, contact your program director if you haven't already done so. I believe there was a policy enacted during the Persian Gulf War that AANA worked out with the military nurse corps to not pull RNs out of nurse anesthesia programs. I do not know if that agreement has been extended for this period.

Good luck,

PG

InterestedRN · Jul 8, 2004

Hello all,
This is the first time I post anything, but you will see i have a huge problem on my hands, and any advice from everyone out there would be a help. I am currently in the final semester of the didatic portion of school at TCU in Fort Worth. Unfortunately, I found out yesterday that I was activated with the national guard to go to Iraq, it appears. I have contacted the AANA, which is working to help my situation, something about a policy that prevents the government from activating individuals presently participating in medical graduate programs. Basically anyone out there that knows something different or is familiar with a similar situation please respond.
thanks

What branch of the service are you in? As you probably know, the National Gaurd and the Reserves are governed by different laws or titles. I can't speak for other branches of service, but I do know that the Army Reserve will not acitvate or mobilize CRNA students while they are still in school. Most CRNA students in the Army Reserve are attached to the NAAD (National AMEDD Augmentee Detachment) out of Atlanta, Georgia. This is also because CRNA students in the Army Reserve will be CRNA's for the Army Reserve after graduation. I'm not sure what kind of unit you are in, and what your job is within that unit. If you are in a medical unit, and committed to being a CRNA for that unit upon graduation, your chances are better for avoiding a mobilization. If not, you may not have much recourse. Your program director may not be able to do much for you, other than confirm that you are a student, currently enrolled in the program.

This is a tough spot. I feel for you. I am an officer in the Reserves, and I have been through a similar situation. I am unfamiliar with the AANA's participation in lobbying for policy regarding CRNA students on this issue. The bottom line is that the military will do what needs to be done for the military, and to meet the needs that (it, the military) currently faces. The AANA cannot make such a policy, it can lobby for help with the situation and hope that the government will agree, but ultimately the Department of Defense will decide.

I hope that some of this information will help you. Please contact me if you need to, and I would be happy to talk to you (Private message). I wish you the best, and appreciate your service to our country.

Sincerely,

Interested

genral · Jul 14, 2004

Well, called the AANA in D.C. and they found the policy that applies to SRNA while in school. Turns out that we are excused from involuntary activation until we complete school. Policy applies to officers, but contacting the National Guard Bureau in D.C., they decided that enlisted will be included. Usually not an issue because almost all nurses are RN's who receive direct commissions. Anyway, I am now receiving a commission, and will be transferring to the army reserve, where there is a shortage and good incentive programs. thank you so much for your help, AANA Kristin Pugh at the D.C. office.

jbro · Jul 14, 2004

congradulations

Trauma Tom · Jul 14, 2004

Genral,

Glad to hear this all worked out for you. Congratulations on the promotion as well!

Well, called the AANA in D.C. and they found the policy that applies to SRNA while in school. Turns out that we are excused from involuntary activation until we complete school. Policy applies to officers, but contacting the National Guard Bureau in D.C., they decided that enlisted will be included. Usually not an issue because almost all nurses are RN's who receive direct commissions. Anyway, I am now receiving a commission, and will be transferring to the army reserve, where there is a shortage and good incentive programs. thank you so much for your help, AANA Kristin Pugh at the D.C. office.

rollingstone · Jul 14, 2004

During nursing school I remember a student who was in the army reserve and held an ADN. She was working toward her BSN when Gulf War I started and off to the war she went. Afterwards she returned to finish her degree. Good luck.