JillyRN

Of course I can't speak for everyone, but the way it happened for me: -October Boards, accepted as alternate -Notified in Feb that alternate status changed to select -Day after notification was asked to submit letter of acceptance (just a signed piece of paper to fax to my recruiter) -Day after submitting letter of acceptance, received notification of tentative first assignment -Commissioned in May, Orders in July, left for COT in August So yes, you can find out your first assignment prior to actually commissioning. But as you already know being prior military, without orders, it's just tentative. We saw some with orders changed during COT.

Juninho22, -First assignment: You'll make a wish list, but no guarantees of getting one of your choices. I met some who received their #1 or #2 choice, others were assigned places nowhere near their list. -The current requirement for most specialty programs is 2 years time on station. You would have to look into applying to USAGPAN and the pre-requisites. Currently, statistics and either biochemistry or organic chemistry are required for application. Keep in mind that the CRNA program is extremely competitive, so you'll want to have the best package to submit. Make the best of your first two years in order to gather the most diverse and useful experience. -If accepted into USAGPAN, you will receive full pay and benefits during the program. You will pay back your service commitment after completion. It's usually 2 or 3 times the length of the program you completed. Check out the USAGPAN website for the most up to date information. I know there are a few military CRNAs on here that can give the most accurate information and recommendations. Check out previous posts that may offer some guidance. Good luck.

Congratulations on selection. I can't offer much guidance but I will say I went back and forth with three recruiters (Mine was changed three times in two years), and the final result was only being given constructive credit for full time experience. And even now that I am active duty, my credit has "disappeared" and I'm working with leadership to have it corrected. I understand your diligence though because it has been quite a financial adjustment from civilian pay (negotiated pay, OT, bonuses) to 0-1 pay. Good luck and I hope you get it worked out.

Nope, no orders yet. I was told to expect them mid-July. I'm really looking forward to finally having them in hand.

Jfratian, I have a question regarding boots at COT. I was really hoping to use the Nike SFB boots but I've heard they aren't allowed for training. Can you shed light on this or recommend another lightweight boot for COT? Thanks.

Our facility does utilize a call-only team. They take call 7p-7a M-F and all weekend for three weeks out of the month. The full time staff takes call for the week that they are off. The staff that is hired for our call only team are highly experienced and work at other facilities during the weekdays. So I don't necessarily agree with the above statement regarding them "losing it". Our call team often picks up shifts during high volume days as well. And when I've seen them work, I'm amazed at how quick they are able to set up cases and gather supplies without using any preference cards. But it makes sense considering 90% of the cases they do are either unscheduled or emergencies.

I previously worked in the clinic setting and started in an OR residency program last August. It lasted almost 6 months, so I've been on my own since February. In my opinion, the OR is a great place to work. I've enjoyed being able to focus on a single patient at a time, and learn an entirely new skill set. The residency program taught us the basics and we had a few weeks in each specialty. It helps to be a technologically savvy person considering all the different equipment and machines. There is definitely a lot of critical thinking involved as with any area of nursing. But it has been, dare I say, "fun" to challenge myself every day to require my scrub or surgeon to ask for less and less. I love working with our highly experienced nurses and CSTs during "silent surgeries". You'll know what I mean here shortly. Regarding my schedule, I work 8s M-F, which is was the majority of RNs in our facility do. I take about 12 hours of call a week. I don't mind any of that. Unfortunately, I don't see the OR being "it" for me. I love the environment, but there are so many areas of nursing I would still like to experience.

That's awesome. Congrats Grace!

Just did. Sorry!

I plan on being there by Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Not sure who this was directed to, but I can share my timeline with you. I was informed of selection end of January. Updated paperwork and played phone tag with recruiter until March. Didn't hear that security clearance was complete until end of April (not sure exactly when it was submitted but recruiter said it took 3 weeks). I took the oath mid May. I was told to expect orders a month before COT (ETA mid July). Hope this gives you some insight.

Thanks so much Carlily!!! It's all very exciting and I'll be relieved to finally swear in.

I definitely plan to follow that advice. Thank you for the response.

Finally have my security clearance back! I'll be completing my oath via notary public sometime next week. I've been trying to get an answer about my constructive credit for months now but my recruiter keeps deflecting. Question: Has anyone else had difficulties regarding constructive credit? My recruiter said he can't give me any paperwork until I schedule my oath. But he seems to want this done ASAP and I'm worried that there will be errors regarding my credit (I've been giving different info from my two different recruiters).

jfratian, Thanks for the advice. I'm really glad you shared that because I was wondering how much conditioning we will be doing at COT. I'm currently working on improving my PT Test score being someone who has never been a runner per se. I currently run 2-3 miles 5 days a week at a 9 min pace. I do notice regression when I had previously taken a week or two off. Did you find yourself (or any others) working out extra on the weekend just to maintain? Or did that not seem to be a concern? Again, thanks for the insight and congratulations on making it through!