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.

@Maura - as long as all your stuff is good to go and you have completed Phase 1 online you can schedule a date to go. If you have not started Phase 1, I would suggest starting/finishing that as soon as you can..it can take a while. If you need to know how to sign up for it (self-enrollment) PM me and I will walk you through it. Also, be sure your Medical Readiness and GAT training are "GREEN" in your AKO. If they are not, talk to your training NCO about making sure those are good to go or else you will not be able to enroll in Phase 2. The GAT can be done at your unit and takes 5-10min to complete. The Medical Readiness may require you to call LHI and make appointments for various check-ups that you need prior to being up to date. Again, these are things your training NCO should be able to help you with. If you have any issues, contact me, I am the training OIC for my unit and I know the system well. At the bottom of this message I am posting the BOLC dates for Phase 2 for 2013 so you can get a better idea of the time you will want to head down. @mmcgorrian - what time are you arriving in Texas? My flight gets in at 11:10a on the 11th. https://www.atrrs.army.mil/atrrscc/courseInfo.aspx?fy=2013&sch=081&crs=6-8-C20B+(RC)&crstitle=RC+-BASIC+OFFICER+LEADER&phase=2

Yeah, I was given an 800 number to call and was told they would book the flight and all that jazz, I'll call them in the morning. I have been in since July 2012, finished Phase 1 in October and have been waiting ever since. My packet for OBLC kept getting kicked back for every last thing, it was comical to a point. I'll be heading to Texas from the giant state of Rhode Island, you?

Sweet deal! Yeah, I got my email from HRC stating I had orders, but no idea how I am getting there either. I'm thinking about giving someone over there a buzz and asking if they are going to buy me a plane ticket or if I should go ahead and buy one myself. As per usual, they are very vague with info and there is no point of contact...go figure lol. Let me know if you get any further info. Nick

I didn't realize the Reserve people actually mixed in with the Active folks. Thanks for the info though, looking forward to a good time in Texas!

I finally got my date to OBLC for the next class on April 11. Wanted to see if anyone on here was also heading down. Give a shout if you or someone you know will be there! Nick

You might want to pump your brakes a little first. You will need to graduate, take your NCLEX, be approved for commission and then you can begin to look at a BOLC date. This is the Army, you might want to plan on being there next fall of possibly next spring. Not trying to bust your bubble, but I think a 2mo time frame is a bit ambitious and the slots for BOLC will certainly not be available only a couple of weeks out...assuming you pass the NCLEX. Best of luck.

My training NCO said there were still some slots left so make sure they get on it if they are looking to start in Feb. As for Phase 1, it took me about a month of playing around to finish it. I worked for a few hours in the morning a couple of times a week. Lesson A is by far the longest and the rest go by quickly. I found it best to just sit there and do marathon sessions to get through it.

Not too sure how competitive the AF is, but for the Army it wasn't all that bad. I had a 4.0 but others who came in with me were around 3.0 and got in just the same. If this is really a worry for you yet something you really want to do, I would suggest re-taking some of the courses that are pulling your OA GPA down. This is not only a way to bring up your GPA but also to take-in the 30-40% of the course you didn't the first time (assuming you got C's and D's). There are many online options that are offered by many colleges and universities so time should not be an issue. In the end, the better you look on paper the better chance you will have of getting a slot. Best of luck and get that GPA up!

Just got my class date for Phase 2. Feb 21- Mar 18, anyone else going to be in this class?

You will need to wait until you have a hard copy of your actual orders. You will get this after you swear in and your are "officially" in the military. Bring your orders and 2 forms of ID to your local DEERS office, your recruiter should know where your nearest one is. They will set you up with an ID card and from there you will be able to set up an AKO account. To do that you will need to go to http://www.us.army.mil and log in from there. There will be an option to set up an account and you will have to do a bunch of cheetah flips and hoop jumping before your account is all set. The reason this is important is that it is your brain for all your stuff (email, personal info, pay etc.).