New Army RN Residency Program

Hey Sobi,

Scout again. That's funny. I saw this after replying to your other thread. I recieved this email yesterday from Maj Barrell. I have many questions about this, especially in regards to family and course gaurentee? I haven't spoken with her yet. Maybe you know more than I do.

This poses a question for me. This program has come about since my last speaking with my recruiter, and so I was wondering if any of you might have some information on it...

I was told that I would get to fill out a "Dream Sheet" for my first duty station, and that (taking into consideration the needs of the Army) I would have a good chance of getting one of my three choices.

Now I see that my first year will be spent at one of nine AMC locations (none of which are close to where I was hoping for). Is the residency considered my first duty station, or will my three choices come into play when I PCS following Residency? If so, Do I get to have input on which AMC I do my residency at?

My only concern is that i have teenage children who do not live with me full time, and I was hoping to get stationed at one of the bases within reasonable driving distance from them. After the first few years, they will be off to college and it will not be such a big deal...

Any information regarding this situation would be appreciated, and will help me to be better informed when approaching my Recruiter about it.

S

I have a friend who will be in this new program. His recruiter told him to ask for bases where is generic course guarantee is located. That way after the first year, he can just stay on and complete the course guarantee. It save the Army money if you want to stay, plus it already puts you at the base to do your generic course. With all the deployments, the recruiter told him the generic course guarantee may not happen until the 3-4 year mark. After the one year residence you can apply for the generic course guarantee, but the Army won't move you for the 5 months the class lasts (i.e. if you aren't stationed at one of the big bases), therefore it would be wise to get stationed at a location that offers your desired generic course guarantee. Otherwise you may be waiting a while for the "guarantee". Hope this makes sense.

Thanks for the fast response! That scenario makes sense. Unfortunately, it does not keep me near the kids those first few years. That makes it a tough decision for me. I really want to do this, and know that the ANC will provide a great career for me. If I could wait a few more years, that would work out best, but I will be on the age threshold as it is. I guess more contemplation is in order.

Thanks for your input,

S

An update to the residency program.

I am just finishing OBLC and as we were told by the Major who makes each individual assignment, we will be at our first duty station for a minimum of three years, especially for the nurses overseas (Hawaii and Germany).

So this program is for all new RNs, it is not something you have to sign up for right?

Yup, 3 years is pretty standard time frame for first duty assignment... it will go to the left / right a bit based on deployments (if that is applicable...) the time frame is basically you stay there until you PCS to your CPTs career course... from there you get your next duty station - and the cycle continues.

Just wondering if anyone had heard if this program is only for new RN's or if it is also for new BSN's. I already asked my recruiter and he is looking into it for me, but I just thought I would see if anyone here had first hand knowledge. Thanks

The army residency program is for those commissioned into the active army nurse corp - but yet lack work experience. ie freshly graduated bsn or msn student joins army - army sends them into 1 year residency program after obc.

This 'difference' between RN and BSN seem to commonly confuse.

You can be a RN (ie passed nclex) after graduating with a ADN..or a BSN... or get it as a entry level MSN.

That being said active duty army requires you to have a BSN or MSN to be a nurse...and ALL nurses are RN's. So the question above is either worded wrong or the confusion continues

The one year program is an incentive to recruit and tool to standardize new nurses so they can get their basic skills sets established early on - you are eligible if you are a RN with a BSN or MSN and join the army with no nursing exp...aside from clinicals

Sorry I guess I didn't ask my question correctly. I know the difference between and an ADN and a BSN and I know you have to have a BSN for army nursing...prior military here.

What I am trying to ask is if the residency program is only for new nurses or if it is for all new BSN nurses. For example, if one had been an RN for a few years then goes back to school and gets their BSN then decides to join the army when they graduate with their BSN do they still go to the residency program? I am looking for first hand knowledge on this please.

According to the recruiter it is for an RN without experience...

a ADN vs BSN nurse still is a RN and there is no distinction in job capabilities...rather an entrance req into the military.

What area / duration did you have exp as an RN?

This program was really what changed me from being unsure if I wanted to go back into the service to being sure - all over this site you read about civilian hospitals promising a certain amount of orientation time then not holding up their promises to new nurses which many times leaves them to be overwhelmed.

Is it safe to say the Army won't do the same? I know the program is pretty new- has a year gone by yet?