mn_nurse

Sent PM.

Sounds like my old employer. The program I am in now have had several students from this hospital and they were OK with references from coworkers and charge nurses.

The above post was only referring to Air Force CRNA positions. My recruiter told me when I applied they were only accepting 3 applicants per year. But, this can change to meet the needs of the AF, and also as applicants drop out of school, or become ineligible for the scholarship. TO the OP: #2 I would clarify; you will attend COT as an O-1 (2nd Lieutenant). After you graduate from CRNA school and pass boards, you will then become an O-3 (Captain), If you have 5 or more years of experience (as an RN), you may come in at a higher rank, but while in the HPSP program, everyone, will be paid as an O-1. If you need more details, PM me and I can send you a copy of the benefits letter.

In response to missnurse, they have slots that open up throughout the year. In October, there are more spots that they offer to candidates on the alternative list.(from previous year)

I can speak a little about the process applying for the scholarship and how program works while in school. There are many other great forum members that can talk about how the actual practice is as an active duty CRNA. My first advice would be to apply now. Start talking with a recruiter and get your application moving. The process is very long.. and the sooner you apply, the more benefit you will receive.

heltonca, if you have any questions regarding the process of applying for the HPSP, or what to expect.. give me a pm. I just receive my acceptance for the scholarship.

Not quite sure which unit you worked on. But I have never seen (nor heard about) the environment that you describe. It is sad when a nurse loses their license, but a hospital does not have any power to take a license away. It sounds like you are focusing your anger at the wrong entity. The state board of nursing is the only legal group that has the authority to grant or deny a nursing license. Before moving to Minnesota I worked at a few other hospitals where the standard of care was less than optimal and what the patient needed was not important. Mayo Clinic does put the needs of the patient first and foremost. I wish you the best in your future.

It may vary by hospital. The hospital I did clinicals at my senior year offered ACLS/PALS. I was able to get them both before graduation. I think that future employers (especially small hospitals) may favor candidates that are already certified because it is one less thing they have to worry about. At my current hospital we have to reserve a slot in the ACLS class 6 months in advance.

djuan is correct. You can get hired into a pcu or floor unit as a ADN. You can even move to an ICU after a year on the floor. But, you must earn your BSN within 6 years after getting hired or you will become a PCA. We had someone on our unit that was threatened with losing her RN job if she didn't get her BSN.

I have worked at 3 different hospitals. The 2 non-magnet hospitals were ok to work for. They seemed like they just did what was required by the Joint commission. The Magnet hospital I work for (Mayo) is totally different and much better in the way they train and support their staff. You might go on the ANCC website to see why Magnet hospitals are different. Forces of Magnetism - American Nurses Credentialing Center - ANCCt would be difficult to go to another hospital that does not care for its employees or patients in the same way as a magnet hospital.

Some programs allow you to take any chem (comm. college) before starting classes. Check with the school your are applying for and ask about what chem. is required. Once I was accepted into the program, I took a biochem class. The only stipulation was that I got a 'C' or better in any kind of college level chemistry course.

I just completed the UNE Medical Biochemistry. I have to say that the class is not for everybody. The lectures were on DVD and were helpful. There is only one exam for the whole class, which is similar in content and difficulty to the practice exams. If you have a background in chemistry this class should not be too difficult. PM me if you have any other questions about the course.

I am in Minneapolis. We are losing our planes, so we have no idea what will become of our squadron. At our last CC, the wing commander asked us to write our senator/congress representative. We have several people on base from the Chicago base when they closed, and from the Wisconsin base. Everyone is really anxious about the uncertainty.

I am a nurse in the AF Reserves. I have a friend in a similar place as you. He got his nursing degree from a school in the Philippines. He is now finishing a masters degree in health management so he can become an officer in AF as in the Medical Service Corps (MSC). I went to boot camp 10 years ago, so it has changed a little bit since then. The length of training is now 8 weeks and is more physical. My first advice would be to start getting more physically active. Your recruiter should provide the military fitness standards that are expected at the completion of basic training. You don't want to be "that guy" that can't meet the PT standards and gets tossed out after the first week. Hope that helps a little bit.