lifeafter40

Do you know if the three years spent in school count toward time in grade/ time in service? I am pushing that cut off age limit and the additional three years of school might be a catch if they do not count toward time in service for retirement (I understand they will not count for my 5 years service obligation). My six years prior service gives me a little leeway.

Thanks for all the input. I have been through the hoops of submitting my commissioning packet once already, so I understand the frustration and waiting involved there. I plan to work a year on my my unit before I submit my packet anyway, because this is a teaching hospital and they have a great nurse residency program for new grads, and tailored training for my ICU unit. My GPA is good (3.96 at graduation), but I do need to start studying for the GRE. And as, stated earlier I need an Organic Chem class. My unit will pay for my TNCC and CCRN, as I become eligible. I was thinking to come in as a CC Nurse, but if the requirements are 2 years, then CRNA may be a better option for me, as I was considering that avenue in a year or two anyway. If applying to the CRNA program as a civilian, would I go to BOLC before or after school? Thanks again for the info.

Hello again to all the long-standing and new members. It has been quite a while since I last posted. For those of you who may remember, I applied to the ANCP last year for my senior year of nursing school, however, after going through the whole process and sending my packet up to be reviewed, I was informed that I was too old for that program (I am now 41 with 6 years active duty prior service)... bummed out. Anyway, life goes on... I am now graduated with my BSN, I have taken and passed my NCLEX, and am in orientation on the neuro/surgical ICU at a local level I trauma center. However, I have still not lost my desire to serve again in the Army. The last time I spoke with my recruiter (Nov. of 2011) I was told that the Nurse Corps was no longer accepting new Grad. nurses at that time, but that if I gained a year of experience, then I would be considered for appointment. So here I am, looking at options again for returning to military service as a Nurse Corps Officer. So I have a few questions that I though some of you may be able to give insight on, before I talk to my recruiter again. 1. Is the Nurse Corps still full, and are they accepting very many applicants? (I am looking at a commission in 2013-14, so I would have over a year of ICU experience at that time). 2. I am also on track (still need to take an Orgo class and the GRE) to apply for CRNA School, and what better than the Army's, right? So, I would be interested to hear from anyone who has recently direct commissioned into the Army's CRNA program, and how that experience has been for them. 3. I thought I read somewhere that the Army CRNA school has (or will) moved to Ft. Bliss (El Paso, TX)...is this correct, or is it still at Bathesda, MD? 4. any advice on what and when I should begin prepairing for commission application. I had a full packet a year ago, but I know I will have to redo almost all of again it this time around... Love the MEPS! ;P Thanks in advance for your input and advice, LA40

I find that it is the general consensus of the civilian sector that the military is still desperate for nurses and are taking all comers...those of us in the process (or holding pattern) know this to be untrue.

I think we all know that Reserves get plenty of deployment time (even though most people in the civilian sector still have the understanding that it is just "part time", especially if you are talking to a recruiter ) I think what the previous poster was asking is, Do you have to move your home to be in the Reserves. That being said, with the large amount of Reserve units in the country, most people will be assigned to a unit within reasonable driving distance... but that all depends on where you live and what type of units are in your area. The Army will try to accommodate your assignment to your location as much as possible. As long as you can make drills on time, it is up to you if you want to move or not... a friend of mine drives 3 hours each way on drill weekends.

I think that any experience is an asset, however the role and scope of practice of a BSN as compared to a Nurse Practitioner is vastly different... and the BSN can never get that experience. I agree with the earlier poster who stated that the New DNP should have a residency as would a new Physician. the fact is that anyone graduating from a higher level of practice degree is unprepared to practice autonomously imediately after graduation. Yet, only with the degree are you allowed to practice at that level. I guess my point is that, where RN nursing experience is valuable, I do not feel that it is necessary to DNP graduate.

I have a year left in my BSN, So I am still determining the path I wish to pursue. Best of luck to you... it is a long process. LA40

The Army does require it for those who apply for the Nurse Candidate Program, as mentioned previously.

As far as the STRAP program goes, you will need to talk to your recruiter for the most up-to-date information. They continuously change the qualifying education specialties to reflect the needs of the Army. I spoke with my recruiter about DNP options, and he said that only Psych., Community Health, and CRNA programs qualify for STRAP at this time. Hope this helps, LA40

envious! best of luck to you all :beer: LA40

Does anyone know if DNP qualifies for the HPSP program? That would be ideal... you could get commissioned at graduation from BSN program and continue school on the Air Force's tab.

I graduate in May, 2012. So I am hoping for some improvement in the economy by then. it looks like the current trend is for the Army to take nurses that have at least six months experience, so I am hoping the hospital I work for now has a slot for me when I graduate. I figure that many people who are applying now, may not be so inclined to apply later if they already have a job secured in the civilian sector, so perhaps the field will be narrowed for applicants.

lol...I hear what you're saying...prior service has shown me that much. It's not so much the waiting that bothers me..been waiting for three years now, since I decided I wanted to go back in the Army (and had a means to do so). I think it is just the uncertainty of it all, like so many others who are graduating soon. When I first started talking to the recruiters, I was all but a sure thing assuming I kept my grades up and passed the boards, then the economy went south, and now I just hope that I can still have a shot at a commission. I turn 40 in April, so my window of opportunity is passing quickly Thanks for all the comments and encouragement. As I told one of our members, I am not giving up the fight... only making a course adjustment!

I guess I am just a bit paranoid now, having had my plans shot down at the last minute (or at least changed for me), and then seeing how very competitive the last selection boards were... now faced with the uncertainty of graduating without any kind of job guarantee... I was looking forward to the security of knowing I had a place in the ANC... Ah well, more waiting and hoping

Hi all, some of you may remember me as I have frequented this board off and on for several years. Having been gone for a while after finding out I was too old for the Army Nurse Candidate Program I was applying for, I have returned. I can't help but notice that the branch of service interest seems to shift at times. When I first started posting on this board, the majority of posts were about the Army... then not too long ago it looked like most of the posts were about Air Force. Now, as I log back in, I can't help but notice the large volume of Navy Posts. Does this reflect the changing selection criteria of the different branches? I know this past year was a tough one for getting into the Army, but is it looking more promising for the Navy applicants now? I am still looking to join the Army Nurse Corps upon graduation...one more year to go... but just thought I would ask what others' experiences are with joining their service of choice. Cheers, LA40

yes, unfortunately, you are too old for ROTC, so was I ... However, you could still qualify for the Nurse Candidate Program, so talk to your Health Professions Recruiter (you must be able to receive your commission before age 40). My suggestion is to really focus on nursing school, as GPA seems to be a top priority for new nurse selection (your Prior service is a plus also)...just let the Army idea sit in the background for now, because the waiting and anticipating will drive you crazy before you get there...lol...I know, I've been waiting for about 3.5 years now! everything else will most likely change...many times... before you graduate, so no real advantage in worrying too much about it yet. I also suggest tying to find yourself a hospital job as soon as you have your nursing fundamentals course under your belt... it will help increase your learning in school and will look good on your resume. welcome to All Nurses and the Nurse Corps hopefuls...hope you enjoy the ride! LA40

Congratulations to all of you that got your acceptance notices! I know first hand that it has been a long stressful wait to find out out. As some of you know, I was notified that I was too old for the Nurse Candidate Program, after my packet was sent to the board, but I will be applying again next year for direct commission. Hope to see some of you around then. Cheers! LA40

The recruiter said the are not accepting any age waivers this year...I have 6 years active duty prior service, and it still doesn't matter.

My recruiter says they are only accepting 100 BSNs nation wide this year (Nov. board)... not sure about specialty nurses. It is very competitive.

I got THE call from my recruiter today as well... turns out that after two years of putting my packet together, waiting and jumping through hoops... I am too old! Hello...couldn't someone have figured that out LAST year? It seems that the regs state that you must receive your commission before turning 40 in order to be eligible for the Nurse Candidate Program... I'll be 41 I still have the option to wait and try to go direct commission after NCLEX, so looks like it is more waiting for me...

The Nurse Candidate Program is a bonus/stipend program for nursing students. If accepted the student receives a bonus and monthly stipend while they are in school (up to 24 months) and then, upon passing the NCLEX, they are commissioned into active duty Army Nurse Corps. Luna posted the official site link a few posts up if you wish to seek more information.

I just got an email from my recruiter stating that my application packet was all in order and ready for board. However, he also said that they just had their meeting with the program directors and that there will only be 10 slots nation wide for Army Nurse Candidate Program. I will cross my fingers because I am scared to hold my breath :uhoh21:

I think they will continue to utilize the ANCP for the accession of new grad nurses...leaving the direct commission option for more experienced nurses... there will always be a need for replacement med/surg nurses, and new grads fit that bill. Of course this is just my opinion, and have nothing formal to back it up.

you and me both... and all the rest of us!

i'll agree that the recruiters typically paint a rosy picture of military life, and can appreciate your efforts to enlighten others who are looking into military as a career. the only thing i can say is that there is just as much discrepancy between professionals in the civilian world. a person needs to take a hard, realistic look at what their personal goals are and decide if they are willing to do what it takes to reach them and if they are on the right path to achieve those goals. as prior service, i can attest to the fact that one officer corps will look down on another. combat arms officers (or enlisted for that matter) tend to think that their counterparts in say, jag corps or med corps, are not real officers... in the civilian world, in a hospital setting, even if you work your tail off and continue your education to end up with a doctorate degree in nursing... physicians are still going to think you are "just a nurse." the military is it's own little ecosystem. within that system, just like in the civilian world, you will advance within your own profession, but you cannot compare apples to oranges. rank, like a title, does not hold the same weight across professions. i imagine that major general horoho, chief of the army nurse corp, does not get the same respect as her combat arms counterparts, but you can bet she gets the respect within her own profession...in spades. it may not seem fair... unilateral respect and equal treatment would be ideal, but it is not an ideal world that we live in. the military is not for everyone, but an applicant needs to decide if they want a job or a career... the military gives you both, but you have to work for it. you can bet the young attorney or business professional in the civilian world will have to work their butt off, including lots of unpaid overtime, if they want to advance withing their profession. even if he/she is good at their job, it takes more than that to become a partner in the firm. i am comparing unlike fruit, i know, but i am just trying to illustrate that the civilian world is not all rosy either. the nice thing about this board is that interested people can get a glimpse of what is to come from the members who have gone before them. the recruiters make it sound like easy money, and they are right...and wrong. if you want a job, then all you really have to do in the military is follow the rules and keep your nose clean. the benefits are good and the pay is not bad. but if you want a career, then you are going to have to work at it every step of the way... just like any other professional field. i'm done rambling now :) la40