MCB43076

Hello all, I have a question about the STRAP benefit. I currently receive the BSN Strap benefit. I graduate soon with a BSN and was wondering if I could use the strap benefit again for an MSN program (crna or acnp). I know about my time commitment that accrues with this program. I spoke with the health care recruiter that helped me commission last year and he said it was an option but I would have to file the paperwork myself. I was wondering if there were any other ARMY reservists who did this and if so how to go about getting started. Thanks!

Hello, Couple of questions about the Army CRNA program in TX. I am a reserve 66H8A with an FST in Ohio with 4 years active USMC experience. I know the basics of military life. When a person qualifies for a seat and is accepted to Army CRNA school do you move to texas and reside on base in a barracks or do you move, as in bring the wife and kids along. I wasn't sure how this worked and, frankly, has a large impact on the question of applying to this program or to a civilian program in Ohio. I know about the active time and pay situation. I just like the military. Any comments or "pearls" would be appreciated.

I'd get a new job. You may find yourself reciting essentially the same thing to a lawyer when the place gets sued.

Just look on the AACN website under certification. Ultimately you will use an AMP test center (applied measurement professionals at goamp.com) that is located in an H&R block probably close to where you live.

I used the Med-ed home course for CMC and CSC. It is one disk taught by Cammie House-Fancher and it is awesome. I passed both test in one day. Be comfortable with ABG's/PA Catheters (know them inside and out) and gtts. Maybe review vent settings that relate to ABG results a little. Like a patient is on an AC of 10 and the CO2 is high.....what change would you expect. Most CSC questions have some ABG or Swan reading to interpret but then agian that is what recovering CABG patients is all about.

Be carefull of your "angle of attack". Don't start at 30 degrees like they tell you in school. Get the angiocath down just above parallel to the vein and push in with a steady rate of entry. When you get blood, push a little further in. Look at the tip of your angiocath before you poke. You will see that in order to get the tip of the actual iv inside the vein the needle part has to go a little deeper. Remember, if the vein doesn't blow and you don't get blood return you are still "in the game". I have had a student I precepted (in CVICU) work for >5 minutes and get the IV. Be patient, it will work out for ya.

Olderthandirt2, I have seen many of your posts and had a question for you about the ARMY CRNA program. I am currently a 2nd LT with the 629th FST and hope to apply to the Army program. Does a student go to TX alone or can family come (wife, child). Thank you

Hey there, I took both the CMC and CSC certs. Got them both first time. They were very focused but fair tests. I ordered a review cd from MED ED featuring Cammy House-Fancher. I have seen her in person for a CCRN review a while back and she is AWESOME!!! The review disk was for both certs and obviously worked. I have only had my ccrn since feb 08. Took these tests in Nov 08. Needed to know big picture and detailed info such as (Big Picture) what 5 things must a person who is admitted with a stemi have before discharge.....1. Beta Blocker 2. ASA 3. ACE 4. Statin 5. Smoking cessation. Also drugs to give if allergy to one of the previous ACE = ARB, ASA = Plavix. Small details would be like common side effect of ace (angioedema) scratchy throat, not real allergy but prescribe ARB to fix problem. The CSC was 70% PA cath. 30% PA cath + ABG analysis.... vent changes, which gtt to wean first. Established (by the book) max doses, this was hard for me, I am used to recovering cabg's by the orders given by a certain set of surgeons. Then some CCRN type stuff.... Too much Nipride and you get Theocyanate (sp?) poisoning.... I haven't posted enough times to PM but respond to this with any questions you might have. Take the test, it is nice being one of the few.

Just from recent experience. I submitted my packet in April, Commissioned in June and got orders in November. This was during 2008.

Hey there, I recently went through the process you are about to start. I was commissioned in June of 2008 as a 2nd LT in the Army Reserves. It was actually a lengthy process. First off, know what you are entitled to. I spoke to 2 different Army HEALTHCARE recruiters in my state (unknown to them) to bounce info off of each one. I was actually treated well in my opinion. I wasn't give a bunch of lies. I took the 50, 000 loan repayment and the BSN strap program. Strap pays me 878.00 on the first and 978.00 on the 15th. This is bring home after taxes. This money IS taxable and is to be used to finish your BSN. Remember if they pay for something they want something in return.....usually time. You give the reserves 1 year for every 6 months of payments. The 50,000 loan repayment only starts after you finish your BSN and it is taxed too. I was enlisted for 4 years (active duty) in the Marine Corps as an infantryman and honestly never dreamed I would be in the Army. We used to say that Army stood for Ain't Ready for the Marines Yet. I love it so far though. You can also have a say in what unit you go to. I went with a Forward Surgical Team. There are only about 30 people in my unit, another big plus. I would be happy to give you my perspective on any question you might have. I spent 4 months of honest hard work to get my paperwork ready for submission. I submitted everything for the April board and was commissioned 2 months later. I didn't get orders to report to my drill weekend (required) until November. Like I said, I really like it. You can't beat the deal.

I wasn't talking about inside the gas chamber. We were talking about military dress in general. Look at earlier posts please.

I don't wear glasses myself but I think guys were issued them in boot camp. Not for sure. I know that for inspections they had to wear their issue glasses and not something they purchased themselves. I don't think it is extremely strict when it comes to what frames you wear. Don't know for sure though. Contacts are fine I believe.

I wouldn't wear contacts. The instructors probably won't even let you. Change you clothes as soon as it is feasable. It isn't really a residue, more like a dust. When you are in the chamber the gas is really just a haze that you see. It isn't really oily or anything, kinda like smoke that burns. Maybe you could let me know how OBC goes. I am being "boarded" right now. I had to get one paper to update/clarify my packet and that was it. I should know by next week if I am selected (according to my recruiter). I am interested in how similar or dissimilar it is to boot camp.

Thanks, that helps a lot. A FST is an acronym for Forward surgical team. They are usually attached to combat support hospitals if I understand correctly. I will be with the 629th FST in central ohio if selected. Thanks again, Matt

Hello all, My healthcare recruiter sent my packet to the "board" 2 days ago. I am being "boarded" as an ICU nurse and have a slot with a FST if my application is accepted. Just wondering if I should expect to wait days, weeks, months on a decision from the board. Thanks for any insight anyone can give.