ArmyMomRN2014

Hi Dccubano, Congratz! I did not get any of my choice assignment. Tripler, BAMC, WRAMC. I have 1.5years of M/S experience. HR told me that, at that time, they do not have available authorization on these locations, since, these are all CNTP sites for brand new BSN grads, you might have a better luck then since you are in the program. After 2 year time on a station you can work to get to duty station you prefer. Goodluck! PS. I will be reporting early to FT Sam Aug. 10 for the prep-BOLC :), I am very excited!

Hi 504 Medic, I had a great run/jog today! I was able to do 2.5 miles with minimal (few stops) difficulty. You are right, running on the grass feels better on your feet/joints than running on the pavements. As a nurse, being on our feet all day is very tough, I just hope that I could keep up running within the next 8 years with no joints problem or surgery. You're right taking care of our body is our best bet! I look forward of serving my new adopted country longer than my initial contract says. CHEERS!

Hi 504 Medic, I'm taking my training to the next level, and taking your advice to do yoga next week. Sidewalks are all clear now from the snow, so it's a good time to put my treadmill training into the test :). I have time to get my mind and body ready for this and my heart is into it, according to my RFO I am not going until Aug 10 for prep-BOLC. On the other hand, I got my official orders and it only say that I will be going on Aug 24th for BOLC. Which by the way, I have to decipher every word of it! I email HRC already but no response yet, my recruiter has no idea either. I like to keep it cool, but I guess deep within me, I am freaking out. .

Thanks everyone. We are going to Fort Irwin :).

Hi there PulselessNine, Thank you for your comment. Personally, I don't really mind being in an isolated place or in the middle of nowhere, is that what you mean? I was born and raised in a rural area of the Philippines with no or very little opportunities. Maybe I can keep myself busy working and studying for the certifications needed for any promotion. Did you get a chance to visit Weed Hospital, can you tell me about it, the typical flow? I guess, I would like to know what I would miss if I were to choose Weed vs Winn hospital in Ft. Stewart. On a side note, I have friends, cousins, and mom-in-law in San Diego, LA and Palm Springs. I am sure our family can drive there if I can get a pass. Cheers!

Hi Pixie, Thank you for your input. If it's only me, I will go anywhere the Army will send me in a heartbeat! I have 2 wonderful places to chose from that would still let me serve my country. I love my family and I want to take them anywhere I go if I can. This is a big decision to make, coming from a family with no military background. My husband and I agreed to maintain two homes, since we are living in a single family home that is paid-off. I agree, clinically and professionally Ft. Stewart is a great place for me that matches my career goals, but I am taking into consideration whether my husband/kids will be happy in Georgia as much as I am with my career. On the other hand, BOLC and Deployment are two situations where you can't bring any family members. I have some time to think about this and I am very fortunate that the HR has been generous working with me. Again, thank you. I will let you know soon.

Hi everyone, here's an update, I have been reviewing blogs and websites about Fort Stewart and Hinesville, Georgia and so far, no luck of finding many good reviews, regarding low crimes, school systems and parks for my children. I emailed my branch manager today if there's any other location for a 2nd LT. She gave me Fort Irwin, California. Just starting to read up about Ft Irwin as of this time. I am very proud and grateful for the opportunity offered to me and I really can't wait to serve our troops! This allnurses site has been very helpful, as many of you has been so generous sharing your knowledge. Please give me some input on the Pros and cons of Fort Stewart vs Fort Irwin as a new officer with no military background.

Scrubnurse, Congratulations again! I read good things about Ft Benning. I can't wait to meet you, I will see you in BOLC. :).

Hi Pixie, I am so thrilled that you are there! This is a good sign! I can't wait to meet you. The family still processing the news as of this time. Yes, I will be working as a Med/Surg Nurse. I am hoping and wanting to transition in ER at some point. Do you know who to contact about basic information regarding family life at Fort Stewart? I have two small girls, 2 and 6 years old. Our Kindergartener goes to private school here. I saw that they have one in Hinesville & Richmond Hill and it cost twice as much as we pay now. I will not be making more money when I will be in the Army compared to now. I have no bonus and not even the loan repayment incentive. We are 40 minutes from the Twin Cities, we are making a comparison to decide what's best for my Family -- if they have to join me now vs later when I will know my work load and schedule. Can you give me an idea what the typical Army Med/Surg Nurse work schedule is like at Winn? Will they have time for their families on the weekends or at least 2 days a week? On the other hand, I am very excited to go to BOLC! Take care everyone, and thank you in advance.

Hi Everyone! I got my orders yesterday! I will be going to pre-BOLC Aug. 10. Still a few months away, I was hoping I will be on June 29, pre-BOLC. However, we got date and place to work with, so I am okay with that. My assignment will be Winn Army Community Hospital in Fort Stewart GA. Not in my list and just started reading about the place yesterday. Can anyone tell me anything about it especially those who served there. I can't wait to serve our troops and their families. Thank you all! Hooah!

Hi dodleg, Congratulation! I live in Wisconsin :), but it's in our list to visit. Have fun there, I heard so much good things about San Antonio. I look forward to be there soon.

Hi everyone, thank you for the infos, well noted. I received my packing list the next date after I was commissioned. I have been to AMEDD website and read the fine prints and pretty much the PDF docs. My recruiter says to "wait" for the orders and then maybe "hurry-up" when it gets here. Which I don't really like but ... I will visit a Nike store to get my men's size and then wait til next week and see if that phone call comes. Cheers! :)

Hi Everyone! It has been 74 days since I was commissioned, still waiting for that "phone call". My recruiter says that we are still pretty much on track, he predicted the wait could be from 60-120 days. He is adamant that I wait for my orders before buying my uniforms. I have been calling the nearest PX and they don't carry my size (I am Size 0 or size 1, BTW, in civilian clothes, typical Asian size). Regarding PT uniforms, they only have SMALL which they specifically say will look baggy on me. Can this be altered to fit me nicely? The PX personnel said it takes about 1-2 weeks to order. What about my boots, I would like to break them in? I know where to buy them online and yet I follow what my recruiter says, I guess, I'm afraid to make a mistake when buying them. Any thoughts? On the other hand, my PT training has been really great! Running, sit ups, and push ups -- I have developed good muscles over the last 3 months that I have been trying to get fit. There are days I am not in the mood or too tired especially when I work 4 straight evenings/days. But I'm starting to really like it, so far :).

Hi Pixie.RN, First of all, you have been an inspiration to me. I read all your tips about BOLC, thank you so much for sharing and trying to help us succeed! My recruiter will take me next week to the nearest PX to get my uniforms squared away. 550 Cord | APFT Calculator, Land Nav Training Software, Body Fat Calculator, Army Smart Card Creator is a good website. I did not see any iphone app though. Army PRT (Physical Readiness Training) information at ArmyPRT.com has iphone app and it's good too. I only started running on a treadmill a month ago at least 1.5 miles 2-3x/week (Wisconsin sidewalks are all covered with snow :). I'm doing 2-mile-run now in 20-21mins (no stopping). I just need to be more disciplined and run at least every other day or run every 3 days. I'll definitely will run more when I get my orders. I read in some blogs that in BOLC they have you run 5 miles. Plus, the Summer in Fort Sam will be unforgiving I supposed. Anyway, I will update this thread if I hear anything. This hurry up and wait process is making me more anxious :), however, it helps me get better with my PT. Thanks again.

Hahaha! We are in for a great adventure! I have been wanting to serve since I was "younger" :). I love the men and women in uniforms! I got busy starting and raising a family, then I decided I want "more" ... I have two daughters, turning 2 and 6 soon. Yes, I have FB. I would love to be with you at BOLC. Just type in Arlene Gregerson and send a request. :)