milkman

I totally agree with OTD2. I used the Princeton Review "Cracking the GRE" and the Kaplan Vocab flashcards. What worked for me with the flashcards was to take out all of the cards I already knew, study the rest and consistently "weed out" the deck until I pretty much knew them all. I scored in the top 5% for vocab which is funny because I pretty much suck at that stuff. Also, make sure you take a few computer practice tests so that your brain isn't totally fried by the time you do your vocab and analytical sections on the real thing (that's experience talking). Basically, the analytical section is comprised of Jr. High math so all you need to do is review. Good Luck!

Hello Holly, I'm one of the four VA nurses admitted to the program starting in June 2010. You actually go through the same application process as the Army nurses with regards to the NEU application. Once you are accepted to NEU, which only indicates that you meet NEU's minimal requirements, your application will be evaluated by a VA panel and they will make the final selections. It's a great program and an absolutely phenomenal opportunity!! Good Luck!

I heard the VA was going to increase the number of spots at Ft. Sam to 10. Is that true? Or is it still 3-4.

Tom, Congratulations from all of your coworkers at the VA! You'll do great! Mark-VA SICU

It all depends on what your nurse manager is like. If they are supportive and would like their staff to better themselves I think it would be OK to tell them that you eventually plan on going to CRNA school. After all, a person who wants to go to grad school is more likely to take on challenges than someone less ambitious. If they are negative about you going to CRNA school I would not want to work there, and would seriously think about going to another unit. My nurse manager actually asked me at my one year review if I wanted to go to CRNA school and gave me info and some pointers (her husband is a CRNA.) Also, you would probably serve yourself well spending at least two years in ICU before going to CRNA school to give yourself some exposure to all the things an ICU can throw at you, because you really can't absorb all of it in one year. Just my two cents.

Yes, step increases happen every two years. However, the top of the pay scale at the VA is WAY higher than non-government nursing. Also, you get a cost of living increasing at least once, but sometimes twice a year. For example, I got a 3.9% cost of living increase in january but I'm also getting my step increase in August. Hope this helps.