VA / Army Reserve RN
tt2323 has 12 years experience as a BSN and specializes in Primary Care/ Trauma.
Hi tt2323,
I have some questions about the 66S course. I’m scheduled to attend next year.
Thank you for responding @tt2323!
I, personally, just commissioned right before Christmas. I am going in as 66S student and just wanted to know your experience on the class and the process through DCC and BOLC. I have been reading previous blog posts as much as a can but I know things change. However, I also have yet to see anyone post about the 66S/66T course itself or life after. I hear both AOC's are together then separated toward the end.
How rigorous is the program? Did you go straight from DCC to BOLC then right to your course? What type of things do you get to learn etc? How is the transition from the course to the unit?
Thanks!
I would've sent this in a private message but the platform won't let me for some reason
Sorry for the late response!
Okay so I know very little about what comes first with DCC or BOLC. I’m a reservist so it was different for me. I do know my fellow classmates worked medsurg for a while prior to coming the the 66T/66S course.
It is true the course is combined with over half of it classroom with the same curriculum. The clinicals is where you get split to either the ED or ICU. However both AOCs do spend time in the other settings.
The classwork for me was extremelty difficult partially because I finished nursing school close to a decade prior to attending. Only 1 person failed out. I had attempted studying prior to the course but If I had to do it all again I would just take one week at a time because they test you on what they teach.
The weeks were split up like cardiology x 2 weeks. Respiratory, endo etc. If felt like an advanced pathophysiology course. Outside of classroom time I studying well over 20hrs a week.
Again I didn’t know folks that were brand new coming to this course. They were previous Arny Med surg nurses. If you need more help let me know! I have friend on AD I could get more details. You could always text me if easier!
Thank you so much @tt2323 !
Yes I would like that. Are you able to send me a direct message? IDK why it won't let me message you. Maybe I haven't built up enough status in the blog but any help is appreciated including your AD connection.
Thanks again!
I haven't received an email. Could you send it to ICUNurse2019@gmsil.com. Thanks!
I saw that you commented on what a typical day was like for a PACT LVN, would love to hear on an RN’s day...as I was offered a job at my local VA AS a PACT RN at the primary care clinic....actually I have so many questions and would love to talk.
Ron
Benefits are good, retirement (Pensión)of course, better health insurance even though the cost is not substantially different...pay wise I was offered 5k less annually, or $2.59 less hourly, or about $200 less a paycheck.....to be more technical only 6 wks ago was pay recently increased and .75 cents was added for a BSN degree but not added to hourly base.... my wife was like don’t even count that as it just happened and we weren’t even used to it ..IDK I want the job just feel like I shouldn’t have to take a pay cut or they should have come in closer to my pay...maybe I’m just being petty or ridiculous IDK anymore
I think pay is important. The boarding process at the VA is such a pain. It seems most people who have experience come in slightly lower then the community depending on pay. Your 2-6 level pay would change depending on where in the country you are. Montana could be $50k, where San Fran / Honolulu would be $100k. GL in your decision !
Hi I know you responded to my VA question and I’m such in a dilemma if u can help me, I was awaiting your response
Hi,
I was hoping for some guidance on the TNC program. I am currently employed in the VA as an ICU nurse. I recently applied and am waiting to hear back. Anything I should do while I wait? The application has closed. When do you think I will hear back?
Found out today that when the directors met no additional hires were talked about. I was told that my application will remain in consideration for a year, but feel like after it was looked at and passed on it's fairly unlikely going forward of getting an offer. Still hoping, but remaining cautiously optimistic. I don't know how many times a year positions are available and with applicants constantly applying don't have the best feeling about getting an offer. We will see. Thanks again for all the info you provided. Take care!
Hello! I'm interested in the VA Travel Corps. You mentioned that you recently spoke to them about a position. Do you know what the hiring process is?
