Roll Call for all Military and VA Nurses and those considering the Service

Specialties Government

Published

As the moderator for this forum ... I am interested to know where everyone is from, their background, branch of service (or VA VISN) and what they like the best about Military or VA Nursing .... this forum generally has some really good traffic, and I would like to pull all of us together and get to know one another a little better. :rolleyes:

Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Iworecords:

Hooah, Ma'am! And welcome to All Nurses

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Hi there. I'm Mary. I am applying to ADN-RN programs and hope to enter one in 2010, graduating in 2012. At that point I hope to commission in the Reserves and then take advantage of its STRAP program. Hopefully I will be an Active Duty RN by 2014:)

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Specializes in OR, Clinic, Med-Surg.

Hello Everyone,

I am 26 yrs old (still single, no kids) and a current senior hoping to get my BSN in May 2010. I just interviewed with the (USAF) Chief Nursing Officer on Tuesday. I am expecting to hear in December, whether or not I am accepted. If so I will leave in August 23, 2010 for COT. I am going into this with the full intention of country first then self. My father and his brother were marines. I also have 2 other uncles as well as cousins who are military. I believe that I am going into this for all the right reasons and am very excited. I just hope that I am not missing anything. Is there anything that is a common misconception for people in my position? Or anything you wish you would have thought about prior to joining? I understand that there certain perks and drawbacks to any job/way of life. I just hope to get more of an idea of the full picture.

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SpookyCat,

I'm also expecting to hear something from the board in December. I had my Chief Nurse (USAF) interview back in July. I felt it went well. I'm excited/nervous right now. If I'm accepted, my COT date will be Jan 11, 2009.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, ER, Military.

Congrats to everyone!

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Hi Im a High school Junior, and an STNA trainee. Im thinking about the Military, but I dont which branch to go into. I like the Army, Nav, and Air Force. But Im not sure which one would fit me best. I was hoping this forum can help me out and give me some good feedback. So if you can Please help me.

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I'm interested in joining the AF, but I currently don't meet the weight standard. I was wondering can you submit the packet before you meet the weight standard, or do you have to wait until you meet the weight standard? I'm already a RN, and will finish my BSN on DEC 18th. :yeah: Just wondering?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm in the same boat as you. From my experience, in talking with recruiters from all branches, they cannot submit your package until you meet weight or are able to tape (body fat %). You can meet with them and find out all the particulars, but you have to pass your physical before they can put together a package, and to pass you have to meet weight or tape. By the way, taping isn't the best option as far as you military record goes, from what I've read. Sounds like you can tape to start the package, but you should meet weight by the time you goto officer training. Everything in your file counts towards promotion, so its best to have it as clean as possible. Again, from what I've been reading and have been told by recruiters.

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Hello all,

I am new to allnurses. I am currently in school for my BSN. I graduate this December (:yeah:). I am seriously considering the army. I have completed all of the preliminary papers (everything but the oath). I would really like some information on the "REAL DEAL." I am terrified I will be sent to the front lines, even though my recruiter told me I can pick three possible assignments. I am only signing up for three years.

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Hi

I had a interview with my local VA on a medical unit. I currently work 3 nites a week on a medical surg floor at a hospital that is over 45min from my home. THe VA is 5min from my home. It is full time nites with everyother weekend. I am in the process of all the forms and getting people to write a ref letters for me. I think as long as everything comes thru I will get the job. I gave notice as per hosp policy I have to give 4weeks which is Thanksgiving week, that will be my last week. I am excited to start something new and be close to home.

Any advise would be great.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Did the VA give you a a start date yet? I was interviewed and got the job in October, but didn't start until May. It takes a long time to get hired on at the VA. All because of 9/11, but they are working on it...... Working at the VA is worth it (and worth the wait), but I hope you weren't premature in giving notice at your job (unless you want some time off).

Good luck and congrats

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They are still going over all my paperwork. I have a backup plan if I don't get into the VA. I work parttime with Bayada which is home health and I can always pickup more hours with them if needed. But was told by the VA as long as everything pans out I can start orientation 12/7 but they have not given me an official offer. NOt sure of pay yet or shift diff since I will be full time nites and everyother weekend.

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