Riversurfer

Can any current students comment on their thoughts on the program so far? How do you like the classes, professors, clinicals? Thanks! Riversurfer Boise, ID

Anyone use their research class from nursing school for the[COLOR=#566573] Undergraduate Research Methods Course? Or did you take another research course prior to applying? Regards, Riversurfer[/COLOR]

I want to pipe in here! I am a Registered Nurse with a little over 2 years experience on a surgical unit. I will be taking a job next month on a telemetry unit and plan to parlay that into a CCU within a year. My next step in the Army Reserve recruiting process is a physical, which the recruiter is trying to schedule for next week. Here's where I'm trying to understand the larger picture and why the Army Reserve is interested in me: The Pentagon is slashing the defense budget by nearly $500 billion over the next decade by eliminating nearly 100,000 ground troops. Why is the Army Reserve interested in more Reserve nurses? Also, am I being looked at as a Med/Surg RN with a specific duty in mind, or should I have flexibility as my critical care training in my civilian life develops? Thanks everyone!

It's been difficult finding a post addressing this very question: How good is a particular ICU? I know it's preferable to work in the nastiest, biggest, baddest ICU available, but I would rather not live in downtown Chicago, but put equal weight on living somewhere I really enjoy, close to outdoor activities without commuting an hour to go mountain biking and hunting. Anyway, ALL comments and thoughts welcome!!

Thanks morificeko.

Thanks for taking your valuable time to reply to posts and provide information. I interviewed for an ICU job today in Idaho. Their floor does not do open hearts and brain surgeries, but does everything else. The open hearts and brain sx's go next door to the larger facility. Unfortunately, this other facility may not work out for me. Without a lack of open heart experience hurt chances of CRNA school? I will also consider NP school at some point. Thanks!

I would like to venture into critical care within the next year. Is it my responsibility to do this through the civilian side solely, or would this be an option through the Army Reserve? The recruiters have told me Active Duty is not as likely of an option these days, which is why I'm pursuing Reserves. I was also told it is easier to parlay into Active Duty after having been in Reserves. Would I have to serve my full three years Reserves before looking into Active Duty? Thanks for all your replies. For someone not in the military, it's an overwhelming amount of information.

Any Army insiders have insight into Advanced Care Nursing in the Army or Army Reserve? As mentioned in a previous post, I'm considering Army Reserve Nursing, but would like to attain NP, PA, or CRNA. Is there still an option to do this through the military and have them pay for it in return for say, three or four years service? Thanks

Thanks for the article. Concerning the graph, what does the x-axis represent?

The more I think about it, the more excited I get. It could be one heck of an opportunity.

Thank you.

I am a Registered Nurse with almost two years experience on an inpatient surgical unit. I recently submitted my application to the Army Reserve. The recruiter seems to be very interested. I am curious as to why the Army is interested in Reserve RNs when the Army is looking to cut its forces by 80,000 troops. Any thoughts? I want to understand what the need of the Army is at this time, where they foresee their needs in the future, ultimately helping me understand what my role may be and where I may be sent. Thank you Jason

Thanks you two. I will look into it. Last statistics class I took was back in '98, so I'll take that one again. Besides, I just love school, and the challenge.

Great. I hope CRNAs do become educated at the doctoral level. That'll just be more applicants turned away, more respect and skill within the field, and less competition for me. Bigsky

Hi, I'm in my first year as a new nurse, BSN prepared. I'm setting myself up for ICU soon and eventually applying to CRNA programs. I've heard through the grapevine that programs require/like applicants to take a statistics class and a graduate level pathophysiology class. Any truth to this? Should I go ahead and look for an online class now and just get it out of the way? Any personal recommendations on which university to go through to take these online classes, if required? Any other classes I've missed? Thanks everyone. Bigsky

I decided not to pursue Air Force. I have an application on file with the Navy, but am not certain I want to follow that route. Good luck to you.

Congratulations Thipp!

I've got all my paperwork in with the exception of the Duty of Preference form. I'm torn between San Diego and Bethesda as my first choice. Can anyone expand more about these two areas? I have a personal interest in critical care and CRNA school at some point. I also love hiking, skiing, camping, water, heck, all outdoor activities for the most part. Any input is much appreciated. bigsky

Have any SRNAs gotten their intensive care experience at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN? As a new grad (BSN), have they traditionally offered advancement opportunities to ICUs for staff nurses? Thank you, BigSky

i decided not to pursue the air force route. one reason: the RIDICULOUS anti-drug policy, subsequent interrogation, and the mentality that goes along with it. whose business is it if someone tried pot a few times in his or her life, PRIOR to joining the military? Mine and mine only. To all of those who have replied, thank you, and thank you for serving.

Take a graduate level pathophysiology class and pull an 'A'. Maybe retake the A&PI and pull an 'A'. Prove to the schools you apply to that you have the determination to buckle down and get through the rigorous program.

SouthernBelle25, I spent four summers in AK and loved. How did you get started as a bush nurse? Did you go through Indian Health Services? How were the pay and benefits? I think it would be great to learn those critical thinking skills very quickly in a setting like that. -bigsky

navynurse06, 30 y/o male, BSN completion in Dec. 09, looking at Air Force or Navy as an opportunities to build my skills. I see that you work ER in San Diego. Can you tell me anything about the ICU's there in San Diego, or even the ones on the east coast? I just completed a summer, six-week ICU internship and loved it. I love the acuity and autonomy (and just plain love bells, whistles, gadgets, and toys) of the patients there. So, to say the least, I want to work in critical care. I'm happy and willing to work a year or two in generel med/surg and know that will be required of me. Is it competitive to get into a Navy ICU training program? Do many of them graduate to CRNA schooling? Do you treat only Navy and Marine soldiers, or do you service any of the general population too? Thank you -bigsky

Thank you all for the replies.

Let's say a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate wanted to enter and serve his or her country as an Officer in the United States Air Force. This graduate had experimented with marijuana four times as a senior in high school and the following year. This graduate is now in his/her late twenties and is, for the most part, a 'straight arrow', i.e. above average grades, rarely drinks, etc. What are the ramifications of this graduate's prior marijuana use? Will this graduate's chances of being commissioned into the Air Force be hindered? Should this graduate be fully truthful on the application? Thoughtful responses welcomed.