NickG

Also, sourced units can carry more folks than the DMD will allow. You can double and triple slot into a 66S slot and make a good case for yourself to be on a team. A little competition never hurts.

You’ll need Family NP to be a 66P in the Army books, the Air Force is the only branch who recognizes ACNP. I have two 66Ss who are both ACNPs in the civilian world, but stay on as 66S in the Army so they can play a little. You need to seek out an FST/FRST for decent 66S slots, otherwise you’ll be stuck in a field hospital wasting away. All of my 66Ss contacted me, I don’t contact them. We look for those who want to be on the team, not those who happen to be slotted. Every single person on my team contacted me personally and expressed interest, I have never sought anyone out. The smartest, fittest, hardest working, and most dedicated eventually find their way onto an FRST specifically to deploy to austere environments and do weird things with bearded folk. If that’s what you want, I’d suggest you start shooting out emails. CNN might let you believe all is OK, but I assure you that real world missions are actively going on. I know the next couple of units heading out, I know some need 66Ss, might want to start asking around and jumping into roster slots if you want to get in the fight.

I wouldn’t leave if you plan to stay in the VA system. We have hired many NPs who were recently transitioned from RNs. If you know there is an NP job opening up, I would speak to someone in that department and see if you can get a foot in the door. The good’ole boy system is still in play, even in the federal system.

No, we still have (2) 66T and (2) 66S. We lost the 66E, but I’m not upset about that, they brought little value to the team (sorry OR nurses). I have a mix of those who have deployed and those who have not. Not a requirement per se, but helps. There is no amount of stateside training that prepares you for what you face on a real world deployment, it’s not even a comparison. The seasoned vets know this and either avoid it like crazy or are drawn to it like a drug. I’ve been deploying since 2001 to combat zones so you can see where my brain is. Side note, what’s with the “Rhody” name? From RI? My team is based out of RI.

So, we are sourced for MOB right now so yes, we are more than the typical obligation. Because we are a detachment, we have support from BN and the S shops, and I have a 70B as an XO. My 66S’s do have some additional duties, but it’s usually stuff like HAZMAT, UPL, Sling Load, SHARP, EO, UMO, etc. We are slightly different being that we are small and our mission is always forward, usually supporting SOF or other elements. Not to sound elite, but we are basically the most capable medical asset the Reserves have and definitely do the hardest missions. My S’s and T’s are usually put through a trial period before coming on the team. We only take the smartest, most physically capable soldiers with the highest education and experience. Because of who we support, it’s the standard to Max the standard and be better than everyone else. As a commander it makes it easy since everyone is a go getter. Also, as commander, I put in about 15-20hrs a week (unpaid).

Haven't logged on here in a while, but figured I could help answer some questions out there. I am two things: 1: Army Reserve FRST Commander (been in the military too damn long) **FRST = Forward Resuscitative Surgical Team (The newer FST) 2: Veteran Affairs Nurse Practitioner - Plastic Surgery/ENT; working inpatient, outpatient, and all aspects of O.R. (pre, intra, post op) I see a lot of question about the Army AMEDD and also about navigating the VA system. I have done both so I might be of help or at least have enough pull to get you the contacts you need to answer your questions. Feel free to DM me or post on this thread any questions you have.

Make it about the Veterans. Speak on how working with the Veterans is a point of pride for you and allows you to give back to those who sacrificed so much for our Freedom. As long as you make everything about the Veterans and your ability to help them, you should put a good foot forward.

The AMEDD is currently 800% over strength. Even if you meet the minimum criteria, should will not be a strong candidate. No one on my Team has a ADN, all have BSN, most have MSN, and 3 have DNP. You can waiver until 46 so don't worry about the age thing. My advise, get your BSN and make sure you have a specialty (ER, ICU, etc). Your experience will matter and you will be put into a candidate pool. If you have questions contact me.

Anyone on this site snag a slot for CCC in June (reserve component)? Trying to connect with folks prior to class.

66T (Trauma Nurse) and 66S (Crit Care Nurse) have $15k/yr retention bonus for 2, 3, 4 year contracts. I do not recall seeing a sign-on bonus, but they offer the loan repayment and once you have a critical ASI of S, T, E you can apply for the bonuses. Keep in mind, all bonuses will be taxed...heavily, and you must claim them as income each year come tax season. With a 15k bonus you'll get about 10k.

My wife is an NP (ACNP) working for the Trauma service in a Level 1 teaching facility. She gets OR time, no RNFA. She expressed interest to her attendings and they took her in. The more interest she had, the more they took her in. Hers might be a unique case, but many of the NP's in the various surgical specialties scrub in on a regular basis, along with the residents.

Trying to get an idea of which specialties are very procedure heavy. I know this is variable depending on what your role in a particular group is, but I am looking for a general response. I work in the E.R. currently as an RN so I know what the E.R. NP's are doing, not much outside of this particular area though. I'm not concerned with salary or benefits, just want to get my hands dirty, thoughts?

Hey, didn't see the response. As far as what to bring, just what the packing list states on the AMEDD website. I'm flying in jeans and a t-shirt. You will see people in uniform and they will have a constant eye on them, better to stay incognito than be scrutinized. Keep a uniform handy in the top of your bag in case they need us to be in them for any reason no Thursday for check-in. Doubt they will, but better to be prepared. Oh, be sure you have civilian clothes with you, I hear San Antonio is a fun place to be. My flight comes in at the same time as yours. I'll be with another LT from my unit as well. We have one more coming in a few hours later as well. Just to make sure you are squared away, I'll post the links to the AMEDD info. Be sure you have all the copies of everything they want in hand so you can fly through the in-processing. Any other questions let me know. Nick. http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/bolc/FileDownloadpublic.aspx?docid=d442a4d2-7efa-4712-91b0-890690c7423e http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/bolc/FileDownloadpublic.aspx?docid=0346ec22-3cfc-4ba0-8a6d-ecb2c2255354 http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/bolc/FileDownloadpublic.aspx?docid=c5e199ed-b1a7-4699-95c0-9d5296d68b3f

The general aspect of being an officer in the military is that you will be expected to lead from the front. Throughout your career you will be tasked with many responsibilities in various ranges of importance and you will be rated on how well you do in these roles. You are expected to be the epitome of what the military is. You do this by sticking to the basics of military standards and traditions and holding yourself accountable to ensure the mission is accomplished on time and in a safe and secure manner. Each officer manages their own career. The more squared away you are and the more of a leader you appear to be, the more responsibility you will be given. Succeed and you can roll all the way to the field-grade ranks, fail and you will have a stagnant career. Best of luck in your decision, but remember, if you are not willing to be the best leader you can be (for your soldiers sake), then don't take the commission.

Well if you get in around 11:10 let me know, I'll go halfs with you on a cab ride. I hear they are like $20 to post (***!). I am heading down there with 3 others from my unit but we all get in like 2hrs between eachother so I doubt anyone is going to wait.