danegerous

Cerebral edema is a phenomenon often found in peds patients during the discovery of there type 2 diabetes. Often times they will discover they have DM due to a DKA episode. Very rarely will it occur in adults. S/s to watch for are: increased lethargy and diminished arousability, incontinence, or complaints of headache, etc.

Ok Whykai, here's the scoop...ROTC is a pretty good deal, but I never did it, so I'm unfamiliar with the benefits and requirements. All I know is that some friends of mine did it and now outrank me, and they're 2-3 years younger. In order to get ICU, you either need extensive civilian ICU experience prior to entering the AF, or you need to go through a residency program once in the AF. The problem is, you need to spend about 2 years as med surg before you're eligible to apply to the residency. Bottom line is, you'll need 2+ years before they'll consider you for ICU, whether civilian or AF.ICU in the AF is extremely competitive. Also, the only way to get into CRNA school (yes, they will pay), is to be an ICU nurse. So, lets say you have no experience. You would definitely start medsurg. After 2-3 years you'd get into the ICU program, which is 18 months long. Then you'd work ICU a minimum of 1 year before you could apply to CRNA, but other requirements may apply, lengthening your wait. You're looking at a minimum of 5 years before you'd be able to apply for CRNA, and another year before you start. Your payback for CRNA school would year for year. When I joined, my commitment was 6 years, but they paid a ton of my school debt, too. Don't forget, too, it'll take 6+ months to get in, then another 6+ to attend officers school.I have a feeling that's not exactly what you wanted to hear. Getting a CRNA is not easy, even through the AF. However, the AF is very rewarding in a ton of ways.

My prereqs are mostly done, but I will want to revisit some classes for GPA reasons, and others will need to be added. I have not prepared for the MCAT at all, but I'm currently deployed and have endless time, so I will begin that shortly. Also, the Air Force will pay for a Kaplan course to study for it. It will be about 10 years start to finish of ortho trauma surgical. It will definitely be a journey, but I think it will be a complete kick ass one.

Hey there, folks. I know this will probably get mostly people saying, "why would you want to go to the dark side" or some garbage like that, but let's give it a shot anyway. I'm an active duty ICU nurse in the Air Force. It just so happens that I am typing this post from sunny Afghanistan. I have some gnarly experience from Christ Medical Center outside Chicago, Shock/Trauma, and Johns Hopkins. I'm CCRN certified and whatever. So, I want to be a doctor. Over here in Afghanistan I have been given the opportunity to interact with MDs (all surgeons), and they let me get my hands dirty. I feel now (and secretly have for a long time) that my calling is to be a surgeon, not a nurse. An ortho trauma surgeon, to be exact. I am looking for advice, words of wisdom, or anything else that will help me along this path. Since I'm active duty AF now, there is a decent chance I can get the AF to pay for medical school and a monthly stipend in exchange for more time, that way I can get out and go to a school of my choosing. On the flip side, I could have them send me to medical school through the USUHS program, but that is not nearly as up-to-speed as I think I would like. So, with all that, give it to me. What should I do and how should I do it? Lt Dane.

Hey folks, long time no type. Well, I'm sad to admit that I have a less than stellar GPA from undergrad. I did fine, but I hardly ever studied and just did what I needed to in order to survive. Well, now I'm looking to enter my Grad program (Acute Care, Trauma, ER Nurse Practitioner MSN from University of Maryland) and that GPA is coming around to bite me in the rear. Don't get me wrong, I have a pretty killer application otherwise (I'm a Critical Care nurse in the Air Force, CCRN, great references, deploying to Afghanistan in a week, etc), but my grades are my low point. So, any experience with this? What did you do/can I do to get past this? When grad schools set minimums, are they rules or guidelines? I am looking to create a situation where I am all but impossible to turn down. Any help is appreciated. Thanks! Dane

Believe me, you did it right. As of right now, a few places in the country don't treat BSN nurses any differently, but they are the exception. The rest of the advanced/intelligent nursing world has taken note. Many leading hospitals require at least a BSN. Many of the top Chicago hospitals are that way now. Even if you've been a nurse at one of their Magnet facilities for 15+ years, you will be given a 5 year timeframe to complete your BSN or you're out. In addition, none of the armed forces will accept less than a BSN. Many of the nursing associations are pushing for a BSN to be the new requirement, making an ADN literally useless. It won't be long before a MSN is required, like the other professions (law, medicine, clergy). So, no, you did not make a mistake. Hang in there. Your extra classes will become evident in the long run, believe me.

I dont know the specifics of the openings for these boards, since they change each time. However, I was overlooked 6 times and picked up on board #7. Im an ICU nurse from a busy chicago trauma center. Sometimes they just dont have the need right then and there. You're in fine shape until they actually tell you, "no, we dont want you". I would imagine the BSN has something to do with it. If you were selected 11/11, it's very feasible that you would've left for COT before you graduate, which they would not allow. Not sure, but that's my $.2

I dont know anything about this board in particular, but I did just start actually nursing for the USAF. It's a long, tough process that often results in illness, fights with your spouse, late nights and weeks without pay. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. Next to marrying my wife it's the best decision I've ever made. If you have specific questions beyond the board, let me know. Good luck!

Yes, it is up and alive and well. It's got quite a few members, we'll try and get you in, hang tight.

The Facebook group is under USAF COT 12-01, I was able to find it with a quick search. The admin is in this forum, too, hopefully she'll add you.

So, in three hours I'll be the newest 2nd lieutenant in the USAF...the newspaper and ROTC and all that are gonna be there, too.

HEEEEY!!! I just got word! I will be commissioning this Thursday or Friday (whichever works best for the General doing the ceremony with me). I think I will be doing it at my old High School as a little farewell to my old life. I think they'd like that, too. Hang in there, flight!

i thought i would post my workout routine for the remaining time before cot. this will start this next monday and continue through to the last week we're home. the goal times are specifically for me. i want to be able to complete my 1.5 mile run in 11:30 on test day. this plan is based off of me already running 10-20 miles a week. i based this routine off of stew smith's advice on military.com and his personal website. i ammended it slightly to focus on distance, as well as running for longer times. week 1 monday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 4 minute walk - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side tuesday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds wednesday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 4 minute walk - long run: 5 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals repeat twice: - 1 minute of push-ups/1 minute of sit-ups repeat three times: - 30 seconds of push-ups/30 seconds of sit-ups repeat four times: - 15 seconds of push-ups/15 seconds of sit-ups thursday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds friday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 4 minute walk - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side week 2 monday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 4 minute walk - long run: 3 miles - 15 minute run - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side tuesday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds wednesday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 4 minute walk - long run: 5 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals repeat twice: - 1 minute of push-ups/1 minute of sit-ups repeat three times: - 30 seconds of push-ups/30 seconds of sit-ups repeat four times: - 15 seconds of push-ups/15 seconds of sit-ups thursday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds friday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 4 minute walk - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side week 3 monday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 4 minute walk - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side tuesday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds wednesday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 4 minute walk - long run: 5 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals repeat twice: - 1 minute of push-ups/1 minute of sit-ups repeat three times: - 30 seconds of push-ups/30 seconds of sit-ups repeat four times: - 15 seconds of push-ups/15 seconds of sit-ups thursday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds friday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 4 minute walk - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side week 4 monday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 1 minute walk - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side tuesday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds wednesday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 1 minute walk - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals repeat twice: - 1 minute of push-ups/1 minute of sit-ups repeat three times: - 30 seconds of push-ups/30 seconds of sit-ups repeat four times: - 15 seconds of push-ups/15 seconds of sit-ups thursday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds friday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 1 minute walk - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side week 5 monday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 3 minute jog - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side tuesday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds wednesday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 3 minute jog - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals repeat twice: - 1 minute of push-ups/1 minute of sit-ups repeat three times: - 30 seconds of push-ups/30 seconds of sit-ups repeat four times: - 15 seconds of push-ups/15 seconds of sit-ups thursday repeat 3-4 times - run 1/2-mile at goal pace (3mins 45 secs) - walk or jog 1/4-mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/4-mile at goal pace (1min 53secs) - walk or jog 1/8 of a mile repeat 4-6 times - run 1/8-mile at goal pace (56 secs) - walk or jog 100 yds friday - 5 minute stretch/warm-up - 3 minute jog - long run: 3 miles - 3-5 minute walk sit-up/push-up intervals - regular push-ups, 10 - regular crunches, 10 - wide push-ups, 10 - reverse crunches, 10 - triceps push-ups, 10 - left/right crunches, 10 each side

I don't have Facebook now, but Ill create one.

Have any of you been able to commission yet? I submitted my federal background check three weeks ago today, and I still haven't been given the ok to do it. I want to tell my job, but not until I commission. I also want to go to base to get my uniforms...ahhh...ugggg

Wow, that's creepy...

None of those. Christ, in Oak Lawn.

That's funny, because everything I was told from current active duty officers was almost the complete opposite. And was told my assignments would generally be 2-3 years with overseas being closer to 2.

You chose your preference, 1-5. You had better get used to the idea that you won't be there, though. Even if you do get your first choice, chances are great that in three years you'll be gone. It also depends on your specialty. That base may not have your specific area of need. You kind of have to get used to the military way of thinking: what you want is irrelevent, You're their property.

Precisely as jackrn said. They really want you to work for the AF in your specialty, and they typically don't hire outside of the area your experience is in. If you go active duty, you will be assigned a base where you will live for 3-4 years (officers stay at a base a little longer than enlisted, I believe). You will work at the facilities on/around that base for the USAF. It's typically a VA affiliated hospital or sometimes a joint effort with the Navy/Army. Then, every 18 months you're up for deployment. Deployments are 4-6 months (typically 4). They used to be 3, but the Army complained that we weren't staying long enough, haha, and it was messing up the rotations. The way I look at it, the AF is working as a nurse (which you probably love, since your on a nursing forum, haha), working for the best company in the world (US gov), on the best equipment in the world, in the best facilities in the world alongside the best workers in the world. I leave for COT October 16.

You guys and gals should all go register at AirforceOTS.com as well. They are devoted to AF officers and there is a sticky thread for our COT class exclusively. It's a cool spot to get to know other COT people, besides nurses. It also has a ton of great info on what to bring that's not listed, what to expect, etc. In other news, what training have you guys started? I have been running almost every day, and I have gotten my 1.5 mile run down to 11:39, so that's money in the bank. I can nail 33 pushups with a lot of effort, but the situps are still hard for me.

Thank you, that means a lot to me!

For the record, folks, this story is actually true and I experienced is with almost this exact detail, with a Tad bit of creative license, too. I had never seen the story 421 posted on the forums, and I PROFUSELY apologize for any similarities. With that, carry on.

What have you folks been doing to prepare for COT? I started running and biking (alternating days), push ups and situps daily, and shaving every say. I'm normally a beard kind of dude, so that's going to be the hard one, haha. I've also been practicing my salute...in the mirror.

Just got definitive word that a Major General will be commissioning me!