Need your experience and suggestions concerning 66E (OR RN) prior to commission.

[Scottlin]

I have been scouring the forums for an answer to my questions. Alas, I have found none.

I am close to heading over to MEPPS for my physical to continue the commission process for a Reserve RN.

Here is my question:

My AMEDD recruiter wishes for me to join as a MedSurg nurse (66H) since I haven't been in the OR for quite a while. However, I want to get my 66E (OR RN) as soon as possible. Is there a way to include going to the qualifying Perioperative course within my contract? How might I be able to get into the course if I'm commissioned as a 66H?

I know that Officer Basic Course is a prerequisite to the course...but I know nothing else about how to apply for the course.

Here are my stats:

• I have an MSN in Nursing Education and teach nursing at the local college.
  
• I have worked for several years as an OR nurse (BUT NOT WITHIN LAST 5 YEARS).
  
• I have been a nurse since 2003 working in the ER, ICU, and OR until I began teaching in 2006...ironically, I never did work as a MedSurg nurse.
  

Any help/advice/experience would be helpful.

Thanks!

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

My 2 cents. It is not an incentive that is available. Recruiters don't have the pull to offer or create incentives - plus its not within the benefit of the Army + their is surplus of applicants. My recommendation is first is being an OR nurse or an Army nurse the priority. If Army simply don't mention it at this time as their is any traction you can make.. get selected, go to OBC, after 1st year at duty station begin to work with command to show them your interest in OR, become more familiar with the course dates and your chain of command's support and try to be flexible yet shape your career path at that point in your future, but not now.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

When I came on active duty from reserves I was a 66HM5. My contract had the perioperative course written into. SInce you are going reserves there is some different rules then active. When I went to the 66E course I was told at the time that there is always 2 seats reserved for the reserves but seldom are they used and end up going over to the active side.

With that being said, find out from the recruiter what the quotas are for 66H & 66E's. Your best oppurinity to get your commission in the reserves might be the 66H route.

Since you have not worked in the OR/ER/ICU in the last 5 years you will not be able to become a 66E or a M5,8A off the street.

Also, not sure if your time teaching will count for constructive credit. This is also something you need to ask your recruiter.

[Scottlin]

Thanks for the replies. I assumed that I would likely be required to go in as 66H...that's no biggie.

I'm prior service, and I understand that it can take a very long time to get things moved through once you're settled in to your duty position/unit. So I figured I'd ask in this forum. Many people seem to be able to get things in writing that may not have been evident to others.

We'll see what happens. :)

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

for what its worth Jeckrn is probably a better resource then me :)

Good luck on your path forward scottlin.