New Grad Nurse Joining Army-Helpful Tips Please!!

BrownBoiRN, BSN, MSN, DNP, APN · Oct 28, 2009

How long did the application process take? I am completing the paperwork now, and I'm ready to start this career. Hope all goes well with you.

Enayni · Oct 29, 2009

I started the process in mid-July. I was really just getting the information at first. I didn't even fill out the application until August (very loooooooong). Really it just depends on how quickly you return the information they ask for and complete the tasks. I have completed my physical and everything. I was told to make sure whatever is promised get it in writing. My recruiter said the process takes about 6mos. I can leave as soon as I pass the NCLEX.

BrownBoiRN, BSN, MSN, DNP, APN · Oct 29, 2009

Are you waiting to go up to the Board or have you been already accepted. I am completing all paperwork tomorrow with my recruiter and just want to know about how long I will have to wait. I already passed NCLEX and I'm just ready to get into ANC. How was MEPS? People have me really nervous about going to MEPS. Thanks!!

Renee4christ · Oct 29, 2009

Hey guys! I graduate May 2010 with my BSN and started my process I think in May and got an official letter on September 16. I was sooooooooo relieved!! As far as your contract, I think you should know everything you have been told or promised is in there (loan repay, bonuses, committment). I selected the loan repay, so that was the first thing I looked for. Also, if you are promised any of the course guarantees (OB, psych, perioperative, Critical care, public health), I'm told you should definetely have that in your contract. For bases, when I went on the Brooke Army medical center (BAMC) in July for my physical and tour, I asked the escorts the best bases for new nurses, and he told me if I REALLY wanted to learn, to go for BAMC (San Antonio, TX), Madigan (Washington State) or Walter Reed (Washington, D.C.) One of them explained the other places are great, but those 3 see a lot and also deal with civilians. I thought a lot about my choices when I selected them and chose Hawaii, Washington State, and Germany. I've heard all great things about Hawaii and he told me he worked there and had a great experience. I think it really depends what you're looking for and what you want out of where you liven but seems like most ppl I've talked to made the best of wherever they landed!

When are you all looking to go to OBLC? I hope to attend the July course. As far as MEPS, I haven't heard too much of that for Officers.

parfum · Oct 29, 2009

curious to know whether one actually does get one's base of choice...

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2009

When I came on active duty in July I was able to choose my base and ended up with my 2nd choice.

FST6 · Nov 16, 2009

Getting Hawaii or Germany out the door as a new officer is difficult, but not impossible. I would suggest a large medical center like San Antonio (BAMC), Ft. Lewis, WA (MAMC), or Walter Reed Army Medical Center to get your basic nursing experience. Those places have a large patient population that will help you learn. I think the Army is trying to keep new nurses from deploying during the first year post-graduation, so you may be in luck. I know that was a goal of the Army Nurse Corps, but all things are subject to the needs of the Army. Good luck and thank you for joining up!

huggiebear1979 · Dec 2, 2009

Hi everyone,

I begin my BSN in Spring 2010 and I will finish up in May 2012, but I know with 100 percent certainty that I want to join the army as an Active Duty Officer. Realistically I think my Tuition will run me about 13,000 for a 2 and a half year program. I'm trying to see what the best path is for me, I've heard alot about ANCP (Army Nurse Candidate Program), one thing I really like about it is once accepted its a guaranteed Active Duty Slot. I thought about doing the Loan Repayment program, but I don't like the idea of waiting and then not being in a guaranteed slot..so my question is Is there any programs I'm unaware of, what is everybody else's opinon? Also my ultimate goal is to become A CRNA or a Nurse Practitioner, so as a new nurse, which bases should I put on my list to gain the most experience? To get accepted into a CRNA program(you have to have at least one year acute care experience) On a side note: I have six years Active Duty Army experience in the military intelligence field

When listing bases please list in order of preference and why? I also intend on staying in for the full 20 or more, so any bases that will help me with future promotions would be great too.. Thanks in Advance, Angela

athena55, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2009

Hi everyone,
I begin my BSN in Spring 2010 and I will finish up in May 2012, but I know with 100 percent certainty that I want to join the army as an Active Duty Officer. Realistically I think my Tuition will run me about 13,000 for a 2 and a half year program. I'm trying to see what the best path is for me, I've heard alot about ANCP (Army Nurse Candidate Program), one thing I really like about it is once accepted its a guaranteed Active Duty Slot. I thought about doing the Loan Repayment program, but I don't like the idea of waiting and then not being in a guaranteed slot..so my question is Is there any programs I'm unaware of, what is everybody else's opinon? Also my ultimate goal is to become A CRNA or a Nurse Practitioner, so as a new nurse, which bases should I put on my list to gain the most experience? To get accepted into a CRNA program(you have to have at least one year acute care experience) On a side note: I have six years Active Duty Army experience in the military intelligence field
When listing bases please list in order of preference and why? I also intend on staying in for the full 20 or more, so any bases that will help me with future promotions would be great too.. Thanks in Advance, Angela

Hello Angela

Sorry for this late response. I don't have ready access to the Internet where I am (smile)

To get accepted into CRNA program, via the Army, you need to have at least one year of critical care experience, unless that requirement has changed with the last 2 years.

Since you have prior service with MI (thanks!) you kind of are ahead of the game in that you've already experienced one or two different duty stations. Which ones were you in and did you enjoy your experience there? A buddy of mine is from Tripler Army Medical Center (we are both deployed now) and he says although the cost of living is very high he makes up for it in his BAH.

As others have recommended, you would probably do an internship at a larger Army MEDCEN (WRAMC, BAMC, MAMC, TAMC). My current duty station is at WBAMC and for my next PCS I am contemplating WAMC (Fort Bragg) or the burn unit at BAMC.

Initially I had asked for WRAMC, BAMC, LRMC (Germany) and I didn't get any of my top 3 choices! I was actually offered Korea, which I gently turned down and I got WBAMC (Fort Bliss, TX) and I am very happy with that choice as William Beaumont Army Medical Center is a nice size where you get to know all the military that works there. But beware, civilian contract workers make up large part of many Army MEDCENS, so you might be the only Military Nurse working your shift.

Hey good luck with your search for the "perfect" PCS!

athena

Camp Victory, Iraq

armyicurn · Dec 10, 2009

curious to know whether one actually does get one's base of choice...

If you are direct commission you can get whatever you want as long as you do not give up.

Germany (my current duty station) is not that difficult to get for someone like you just getting in.

armyicurn · Dec 10, 2009

Hello all!
I am completing my BSN in nursing in December. I have begun the process to join the Army Nurse Corps. I have completed everything but sign my contract and swear in. What should I know before signing my contract? Also, does anyone have any information on the best bases for nurses? I have heard good things about Germanya nd Hawaii. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

Be more specific on what you are looking for pls. Germany is not bad for a first timer.