RN2ndLTTB

Hello All, Does anyone know at this time whether the officer Accession Pilot Program (OAPP) will be available in fiscal year (FY) 2011? I spoke with our local recruiter and she told me that it's currently still a "Pilot" program (which I knew) and that she doesn't yet know whether it will be continued beyond this year. She stated that perhaps by August or September she'll know. In addition, they aren't taking any Med Surg nurses currently. I've been practicing Occupational Health Nursing for the past 10 years and it seems Med Surg is the only way for me to go. BTW, I just turned 50 and in overall good health. There's nothing that should prevent me from passing the physical (no previous service, either). Can anyone shed any light on this at this time?

Zombie: Good point. I wonder if there's a source where I can find out what all might show on a record if someone dug for it. Hhhhmmm...

I'm only interested in the Army Reserve Nurse Corps (or going active duty) and am not considering other branches of the service - I come from an Army family ;-) I'm definitely not concerned about my age as long as the Accession Pilot Program is still in effect. I'm also not too concerned about my weight - what wt. needs to be lost can be lost. My big concerns are the alcohol related things as a minor and the DUI. Granted, they're from a long, long time ago but I just can't help but be concerned that they'll be the reason I may be turned down. The recruiter I've been speaking with has been urging me to do the preliminary paperwork and get through MEPS - even without all necessary documentation re; surgeries, et al - his rationale being that "then we'll see what you'll need waivers for" and / or what I CANNOT receive a waiver for. Somehow my confidence is not inspired. Perhaps that's his way of saving himself time considering the potential uphill battle?

Hello All, I come from a military family and I've been considering applying for a commission for a very long time but have always found another adventure to engage in, plus, there's always the concern of being sent somewhere where one really doesn't want to be. I'm aware there is an "Officer Accession Pilot Program" for health care practitioners 43-60 yrs. of age that is a "trial" program. Was that started in 2008 and how long will it go on? My Background: Male, 50 next month. RN for 17 yrs. - 4 yrs. SICU and 13 yrs. Occ. Health. Assoc. Degree in Nursing, BSN as well MS in an administrative health care field (non nursing related). Native speaker of foreign language. Solid professional nursing background - always in good standing but no specialty certs. (All ed. U.S. based) Multiple knee surgeries (scopes and ACL's) due to sports injuries but absolutely NO problems and still play sports (do have a staple in my knee). A slight brush with the law over 30 years ago as a minor (alcohol) and dui 27 years ago (no jail time or anything the like). Other than that, no blemishes aside from a speeding ticket 15 yrs ago. I'll also need to lose a good 25 lbs. My Concerns: Being considered ineligible due to long-ago legal issues, knee surgeries and weight. The knee surgeries are my absolutely biggest concern. My Questions: The whole application paperwork is absolutly disheartening (Someone encourage me, please!). What is MEPS going to throw at me since I'm over 40? What can I do to make the whole MEPS process work to my advantage? Overall, I'm in good health. What waivers might I reasonably be able to apply for??? Is it possible to immediately go active duty or must one go reserves with the special accessioning program? Has the mandatory retirement age been raised above 62 yrs.? I've read through the forum as much as possible for the last several months but it's truly exhausting. I sure could benefit from some insight from those that can provide it. Thanks in advance, RN2ndLTTB