tinap311

Who manages ECMOs at SAMMC? I'm newly certified and I haven't had much experience and was wondering should I try to focus on that patient population until I leave for COT. I've been in cardiac pretty much my whole nursing experience. I've take care of pre/post open hearts, lung transplants, heart transplants, etc. I was a float nurse at one point so I have worked in the MICU and neuro ICU. Will I have to do NICU or Peds? Sorry that I'm asking so many questions. I'm coming from the Cleveland Clinic so I'm not worried about working in a big facility. I just find myself in the waiting process and getting nervous.

Thanks for the insight midinphx. I expected longer hours. I currently work four 12s a week so I can get use to working that much. I'm assuming it's a rotating schedule and that's something I'm not too happy about. How was your nursing experience during deployment, since you are critical care?

CWetta, Hello and congrats to you. I just started practicing push ups the beginning of January. I was unable to get past 10!!! Now I'm at 30+ in a minute. I'm shooting for the max amount. I think the running is going to be my biggest issue.

Thanks, do you mind posting your experience thus far? I'm a little nervous about attending COT during the summer. Did you go to where you were stationed directly following COT? If not, how long was that waiting period? Is there a big difference in civilian critical care nursing and military nursing? Have you been deployed yet?

Congrats! I just heard back from my recruiter...I have to get fingerprinted at MEPS. I guess we're the only ones attending training in May!! lol :)

Congrats!! Guess I'll be seeing you in May. I'm currently awaiting my security clearance. Are you working out a lot?

Just wanted to start a post for the people going to COT in May of this year. I am excited and nervous since I do not have any prior service experience. I am a critical care nurse and I will be going to Texas (Ft. Sam) after COT. I have been a critical care nurse going on 6 years now. Really excited to meet those who will be joining me.

I was a #2 (critical care)alternate for the October 2013 boards. I was contacted by my recruiter a week before Christmas. I was informed that I am a select now. I leave for COT the end of May and after COT I'll be stationed at Ft. Sam in San Antonio Texas. Awaiting my security clearance and oath I believe at this point. So you guys have a pretty good chance of already having spots. Maybe the recruiters are changing over.

I've been following this post for a while now. I just found out that I was a #2 alternate. I have 6 years critical care experience along with ECMO and VAD certification (single parent), graduated with a 3.7 g.p.a. Is there an alternate post on how that process works? Is it just a period of waiting?