Some questions about the Army Reserve Nursing Corps

[84Nozzle]

Sorry if this is a repeat of any questions previously asked, but this is my first post.

I am a 28 yr old NYC firefighter currently in a ADN program. I'm interested in joining the Army Reserve Nurse Corps after I graduate and pass the NCLEX but I have a few questions. I have spoken to recruiters and I have all of the basic information, but I wanted to ask some of the more experienced members of the forum a few more specfic questions.

1. Is it feasible in this political climate (Iraq/Afghanistan/War on Terror) to serve in the Reserves and complete a BSN program in the allotted time. I understand that deployment is definetly going to happen, but would it be more worthwhile for me to complete my BSN or at least a portion of it before seeking my commission?

2. What kind of tuition assistance is available for an ADN who is working on a BSN?

3. In the Reserves, what are the duties I will most likely be performing. I would like very much to get out in the field and actively be a part of "battlefield medicine" but I am unable to commit to active duty (my job is very generous with military leave for reservists). I guess my question is, what kind of clinical experience will I be receiving?

4. I do have a primary career already that I am locked into for 13 more years because of pension purposes. I would be unable to work full time as a nurse in the civilian field. Would Army Reserve nursing + part time civilian nursing work be good enough for me to develop as a competent professional?

5. Are all of the training and schooling opportunities that the Army provides for active duty nurses available for Reserve Nurses?

Hopefully some of you can help lead me in the right direction.

Thanks.

[SFC JIMENEZ]

Just Cause put it the best way possible. Just to add, Reserve units are being given approx. 6 months advance notice of any deployments. The 1 Nurse who died was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, CPT Maria Ortiz. Her base in Iraq was hit with a mortar. The other RN CPT Gussie Jones who died in Iraq was stationed at FT Bliss, William Beaumont Medical Center, she died of a heart attack. But so far only CPT Ortiz died in Combat. 2 RNs in a country at war, how many RNs have died over here since then?

[SFC JIMENEZ]

Athena,

CPT Jones passed in 2004, I was at William Beaumont when the news came : (

[SFC JIMENEZ]

Frog,

It was put out in late summer that there was to be no recruiting of ADN/ASN RNs. Sorry. I had 5 lined up to take advantage of the BSN STRAP program (I put 3 in last year with that option) and had to break the bad news to them : (

ANCP is out there but it isnt a highly attractive option. I know that most Recruiters do not try to sell it as the pay back is not desireable for what they get out of it. Here it goes:

BSN Degree ONLY. Students must be eligible to "enlist" in the Army Reserve. Provides split disbursement Bonus of $10k and $1k per month stipend during full time enrollment in a CCNE or NLN accredited BSN producing school. Must complete BSN in 6-24 months then pass the NCLEX exam before Commissioning as an Army Nurse Corps Officer. Obligation is 4 years for 1 year completion of program and 5 years for up to 2 years completion of program. Commissioned Officers are not eligible, prior service enlisted Soldiers must have completed all mandatory Service obligations and have less than 10 years active federal service time at Commissioning.

As you can see, 5 years for 2 years isnt an attractive offer. If you wait til you graduate and if you are selected then you can get a $10k bonus and up to $120k student loan repayment for 6 years. Or you can just take the student loan repayment for 3 years. Or if you dont have any student loans (any people out there who dont??? lol) then you can get $20-$30K bonus for 3 years. Not too many takers on that one, most have student loans.

[FrogKissingNurse]

thanks for the info sfc jimenez. there is just so much to consider and lots of different roads to take.

[SFC JIMENEZ]

No problem, if you have any questions you know where to find me lol. Ill be checking this site every other day or so.

[andazola]

Do you know if the STRAP is still offered for BSN students? I heard its not unless your considering the Public health, Mental Health Nurse Practioner or a CRNA route. Also, does anyone know any information about how many people they usually accept in the Army Reserve Nurse Corp? Is 2011 a new year to take in new nurses or do they wait to get new people in during their fiscal year? Thanks a bunch.

[SFC JIMENEZ]

Andazola,

No, since there are no slots for ADN RNs available this FY (fiscal year) then that also goes for the BSN STRAP. You are correct on the 3 types of MSN STRAP options. There are 100 Army Reserve Med Surg positions available (nationwide). There are also slots available for specialty nursing: ER, ICU, Psych etc... Each new FY (OCT) starts the number count all over again.

What city/state do you live in?

[mengerie]

Andazola,

No, since there are no slots for ADN RNs available this FY (fiscal year) then that also goes for the BSN STRAP. You are correct on the 3 types of MSN STRAP options. There are 100 Army Reserve Med Surg positions available (nationwide). There are also slots available for specialty nursing: ER, ICU, Psych etc... Each new FY (OCT) starts the number count all over again.

What city/state do you live in?

Hi! I wanted to ask you a question! I am a June 10' graduate, is there a possibility that I can be considered for the nurse corps. I know it's past 6 months and i have no RN experience. The more I research on this, the more I am intrigued and eager to join.

Thank you

[andazola]

SFC JIMENEZ,

Thank you so much for the info. I'm currently in Louisville, KY and just in my junior year in the BSN program. Seems like things can change from one fiscal year to another... so maybe a nice incentive might be available in the future but I guess time will only tell huh? I was just curious about the STRAP program and Arrmy Reserve Nurse Corp. Its such a good program from those who used it from what I've been told. Its nice to hear there are slots available though. Thank you again for the info.

[SFC JIMENEZ]

Mengerie,

Sorry : ( because you graduated in June 2010 you will need to have at least a part time job in order to process for Nov 2011 board.

Andazola,

If youre a Junior right now you can talk to your local Health Care Recruiter now and get the paperwork started now. You can contract up to a year out from graduation as a student.

Good luck to you both.

[NurseJosh]

SFC Jimenez thank you for the informative posts! I am a 37 year old male with 6 years prior service 93-99. I got my ADN and am now a licensed RN. I sent an email to a recruiter yesterday about joining up in the Active Reserves but from what I have been hearing/reading it seems things have changed quite a bit. I was interested in the STRAP program and getting my BSN. Did I read you right when you said that wasn't being offered anymore?

Thanks for being such a helpful resource on this site.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

From what I had heard from a Colonel from recruiting that the Reserves are no longer taking ADN's